h all antelopes have. Another distinction is found in
the horns. The deer's horns are composed of a solid bony substance,
which differs from true horn. The horns of the antelope are more like
those of a goat. These are the principal distinctions. In most other
respects deer and antelopes are alike. Naturalists say there is but one
species of antelope in North America--the prong-horned (_Antilope
Americana_). When the fauna of Mexico has been carefully examined, I
think another will be found.

It is only upon the great prairies of the far west that the prong-horned
antelope is met with; and there it is a most shy and timid creature,
allowing the hunter only to approach it by cunning and stratagem. A
herd is sometimes hunted by the Indians into a "pound," or "surrounded;"
but even then their fleetness often enables them to escape; and so
laborious an undertaking is it to capture them thus, that the plan is
but seldom adopted, where any other game can be obtained. The easiest
mode of taking the antelope is when it is found attempting to cross a
river--as its slender limbs and small delicate hoofs render it but a
poor swimmer. The Indians sometimes destroy whole herds while thus
endeavouring to swim across the great streams of the prairies.

Although so shy, the antelope is as inquisitive as mother Eve was; and
will often approach its most dangerous enemy to satisfy its instinct of
curiosity. Our party were destined to witness a singular illustration
of this peculiarity.

Basil and Francois had seized their guns, but did not attempt to move
from the spot. That would be of no use, they judged; as there was not
even a bunch of grass to shelter them in the direction whence the
antelopes were approaching. They sat still, therefore, in hopes that
the animals were on their way to the spring, and would come nearer of
their own accord. In this conjecture the boys were right. The herd,
about twenty in all, came on over the prairie, heading directly for the
butte. They walked in single file, following their leader like Indians
on a war-path! They were soon so near, that the hunters could
distinguish every part of their bodies--their yellow backs--their white
sides and bellies--the short erect manes upon their necks--their
delicate limbs--their long pointed muzzles. They could even perceive
the little black spots behind their cheeks, which emit that disagreeable
odour--as with the common goat--and on account of whi