THE STORY OF THE WILD BOAR. 



207 



run. Both as regards speed and inclination to fight there is, however, con- 

 siderable local variation among the wild pigs of India; the large, heavily- 

 built animal found in Bengal being much more disposed tO' show fight than 

 the lighter pig of the Punjab, which has a greater turn of speed. In spite 

 of its boldness, the Indian wild boar seldom makes unprovoked attacks; but 

 when once roused nothing will stop it. An instance is on record of a boar 

 charging, overthrowing, and ripping open a camel; and there are several 



A FAMILY OF WILD HOGS. 



well-authenticated cases of boars having attacked and killed or beaten of¥ 

 tigers. 



The curious Japanese masked pig has an extraordinary appearance, from 

 its short head, broad forehead, and nose, great fleshy ears and deeply- 

 furrowed skin. Not only is the face furrowed, but thick folds of skin, which 

 are harder than the other parts, almost like the plates on the Indian rhinoc- 



