750 THE BOSCH VARK. 
The Berea bush of Natal was a favourite resort of these wild pigs, but although 
their spoor could be seen in all directions, the animals themselves were not so frequently 
encountered. 
The Kaffirs are much annoyed by these wild pigs, which force a passage through the 
imperfectly made fences, and root up the seeds, or destroy the pumpkins in the various 
gardens. As a defence, the Kaffirs leave nice enticing little openings in different parts of 
their fences, and the pigs, taking advantage of these ready-made doorways, frequently walk 
through them, and are then engulfed in a deep pit in which is a pointed stake, and they 
BOSCH VARK.—Choiropétamus Africdnus. 
are assagaied with great delight by the expecting Kaffirs, who are on the alert, and who 
hear the cries of distress from piggy himself. 
The tusks are considered great ornaments, and are arranged on a piece of string and 
worn round the neck.” 
The VLACKE VARK, or EMGALLA, is even a more formidable animal in its aspect than 
the bosch vark. The general colour of the Vlacke Vark is a blackish hue upon the crown 
of the head, the neck, and upper part of the back, and dull brown upon the remainder 
of the body, except upon the abdomen, where it fades into a greyer hue. The tusks of 
an adult male are most terrible weapons, projecting eight or nine inches beyond the lips, 
and with them it has been known to cut a dog nearly in two with a single stroke, or 
to sever the fleshy parts of a man’s thigh. It is a savage and determined opponent, 
and its charge is greatly to be dreaded. When chased, it presents a most absurd appear- 
ance, for it is naturally anxious to learn how much it has gained upon its pursuers, and 
is yet unable to look round, on account of its short neck and the large excrescence on each 
side of the face. The animal is therefore obliged to lift its snout perpendicularly in the 
air so as to look over its own shoulder ; and as it always carries its tail stiff and upright 
when running, it has a most ludicrous aspect. 
