460 COMMON HOG. 



animal ; but the principal difference is in the su- 

 perior length and size of the tusks, which are of- 

 ten several inches long, and are capable of inflict- 

 ing the most severe and fatal wounds. 



The hunting of the Wild Boar forms one of the 

 amusements of the great in some parts of Ger- 

 many, Poland, &c. and is a chace of some diffi- 

 culty and danger ; not on account of the swift- 

 ness, but the ferocity of the animal. 



" Wild Boars," says Buffon, " which have not 

 passed their third year, are called by the hunters 

 Beasts of Company ; because previous to this age 

 they do not separate, but follow their common 

 parent. They never wander alone till they have 

 acquired sufficient strength to resist the attacks 

 of the Wolf. These animals, when they have 

 young, form a kind of flocks, and it is upon this 

 alone that their safety depends. When attacked, 

 the largest and strongest front the enemy, and by 

 pressing all round against the weaker, force them 

 into the centre. Domestic Hogs are also observed 

 to defend themselves in a similar manner. The 

 Wild Boar is hunted with dogs, or killed by sur- 

 prise, during the night, when the moon shines. 

 As he flies slowly, leaves a strong odor behind 

 him, and defends himself against the dogs, and 

 often wounds them dangerously, fine hunting- 

 dogs are unnecessary, and would have their nose 

 spoiled, and acquire a habit of moving slowly by 

 hunting him. Mastiffs with very little training, 

 are sufficient. The oldest Boars, which are known 

 by the track of their feet, should alone be hunted : 



