Some approximate closely to the goat tribe; others are more like deer; some resemble oxen; others are closely allied to the buffalo; while a few species possess many of the characteristics of wild sheep! As a general thing, however, they are more like to deer than any other animals; and many species of them are, in common parlance, called deer.
Indeed, many antelopes are more like to certain species of deer than to others of their own kind.

The chief distinction noted between them and the deer is, that the antelopes have _horny_ horns, that are persistent or permanent, while those of the deer are osseous or _bony_, and are annually cast.
Like the deer the different species of antelopes possess very different habits.

Some frequent the wide open plains; some the deep forest; some wander by the shady banks of streams; while others love to dwell upon the rocky steep, or the dry ravines of the mountains.

Some browse upon the grass; while others, goat-like, prefer the leaves and tender twigs of trees.

In fact, so different are these creatures in habits, that whatever be the natural character of a district of country, it will be found the favourite home of one or more species.