CHAPTER V 



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 tne world. The common wild boar from which the 

 improved breeds of today 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 animals 

 are hunted extensively 

 by men on horseback, 

 in a sport called "pig 

 sticking." The wild Fig - 55 - 

 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. 



The Wild Boar. Reproduced from 

 The Hog, by Youatt. 



