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LETTEfc XXII. 



man were wholly unacquainted with the nature of -all 

 quadrupeds, the hog would certainly be one of the 

 last that he would select for his table. 



Under this unpromising exterior, however, nature 

 lias concealed one of the most valuable articles of our 

 food. The flesh of this animal is of general use, and 

 of great importance to this country as a commercial 

 nation. Linnaeus says, that it is a wholesome food 

 for those who use much exercise, but pernicious to 

 such as lead a sedentary life. 



The learned pigs which have frequently been ex- 

 hibited in England, might suffice to prove that these 

 animals are not destitute of sagacity; but the follow- 

 ing instance, related by the Rev. Mr. Daniel, is too 

 singular to be passed over in silence :-- -A gamekeeper 

 of Sir Henry Mildmay" broke a black sow to find 

 game, and actually rendered her as staunch as any 

 pointer. After Sir Henry's death this was sold by- 

 auction for a very considerable sum. 



In the Island of Minorca hogs are frequently yok- 

 ed with asses or young horses, in plowing the land; 

 and in some parts of Italy they are used in hunting 

 for truffles which grow some inches under the surface 

 of the ground, but which are soon discovered <by the 

 acute scent of these creatures. 



TilE WILD BOAR 



Is the original stock of our common swine; and 

 the difference between them is only such as may rea- 

 dily be supposed between the wild and domesticated 

 state. The wild is smaller than the tame boar; but 

 his most distinguishing characteristics are his formida* 

 ble tusks, which in some are almost a foot long, and 

 exceedingly sharp: those of the under jaw are most 

 to be dreaded, as with them he does the greatest mis- 

 chief. 



These animals when young, keep together along 

 with the old ones; when attacked, the strongest face 

 the danger, and form themselves into a ring, the 

 weakest falling into the center; and in this positioa 

 few beasts of prey dare venture to engage them. 

 - When the boar is arrived at a state of maturity, J*e 



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