2-982-438 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Antelope-Hunting in India - Antelopes Startled, 1858. Engraving from sketches by Captain W. R. Goodall, of the Military Train. '...the antelopes are represented as startled by another group rushing over the brow of a distant hill. In such cases they do not rush wildly away in any direction, but, as I have often observed, an old doe bounds about, tail erect, to discover whence the danger approaches, the others meanwhile remaining stationary and watchful. When the old doe is satisfied she gives them a lead and away they go...They go in herds varying in number from seven or eight to at times nearly a hundred. They are very shy, and it is difficult to approach near to them, as much from the nature of the ground usually frequented by them - bare rocky plains - as from their excessive wariness of disposition. In places where they are not much disturbed, however, they may be approached within long rifle shot by the exercise of considerable patience and perseverance, and then, as they offer but a small mark, a good shot is requisite to bring them to bay, as they have often been known to run for miles with a bullet through the body, or with a broken leg, and even to escape altogether'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.