FAMILY SUID . ; WILD BOAR. 331 



as weapons of defence, and for rooting up the ground. The Boar 

 or Wild Hog, which is distributed through the forests of Europe, 

 Asia, and Africa, the Phacochoere, or Vlacke Vark of the Cape 

 Colonists, the Babyroussa of the Indian Archipelago, and the 

 Peccaries of South America, closely agree in their general habits 

 and dispositions. Their food is naturally vegetable, and consists 

 of the stems and roots of plants, together with acorns, beech- 

 mast, and similar materials. They are for the most part inoffen- 

 sive when not attacked, but display great courage, and even 

 ferocity, when brought to bay ; whilst the length of their tusks, 

 and the great strength of the muscles of the neck by which the 

 head is thrown upwards, or violently tossed from side to side, 

 render them very formidable antagonists. When taken young, 

 however, they are easily domesticated, and even become trouble- 

 some from their familiarity; but they commonly show a disposi- 

 tion to escape from the control of Man into their native haunts, 

 and to resume their original habits. This disposition is displayed 

 also by the Elephant, the Tapir, and even by the Horse ; and it 

 seems to distinguish the Pachydermata from the Ruminants, 

 which, when once brought into subjection to Man, remain 

 peaceably under'it. 



297. The Boar or Wild Hog is unquestionably the original 

 stock of our domestic race, and does not differ from the common 

 Pig in any essential peculiarities. The snout, however, is more 

 elongated, the tusks larger (sometimes attaining the length of 

 more than ten inches), and the contour of the frame more gaunt 

 and bony ; whilst the muscular strength is much greater, and 

 the temper more savage. Like the domesticated Pig, the Boar 

 is nearly omnivorous ; not however attacking and killing other 

 animals for the sake of their flesh, but devouring what may fall 

 in its way. This animal was formerly a native of the forests of 

 Britain, but has been long since extirpated, though at what 

 precise epoch is not known ; it still ranges through the forests of 

 France, Germany, and other parts of Europe, and extends also 

 as far as India ; there is some doubt, however, whether the 

 European and Indian species are the same. In all ages, the 

 chase of the Boar has been a favourite diversion : it is not unat- 



