CHAPTER XXXIII 



THE BREEDS OF SWINE 



The wild hog, or wild boar, as it is usually called, of 

 which there are different forms, is found in widely separated 

 parts of the world. The common wild boar from which the 

 improved breeds of to-day are descended has been known in 

 Europe since early historical times. This boar was common 

 in England until the time of Henry II, about 1250. Boar 

 hunting was a favorite pastime not only with the Romans, 

 but even in the 

 present day, in sec- 

 tions of Germany 

 and eastern 

 Europe, wild boars 

 furnish royal sport. 

 In India these an- 

 imals are hunted 

 extensively by men 

 on horseback, in a 

 sport called "pig 

 sticking." The wild 

 hog is larger than 

 the domestic one, 

 and is very swift and strong. It is grayish-black in color. 

 The rough skin is covered with short, wooly hair, over 

 which are laid stiff, coarse bristles, especially along the 

 spine. When the boar is angry or excited, these bristles 

 usually stand erect. The head is rather large, long, and 

 rough, and the older animals have short, heavy tusks that 

 curve backward and away from the snout, and which are used 

 in fighting. The wild hog is native to marshy forests. 



389 



Figure 174. The Wild Boar. From photograph 

 of boar at Iowa Experiment Station. 



