39 



HOOFED ANIMALS 



Below each eye is a large projection, with two other warty 

 excrescences midway between the eye and the tip of the 

 snout. Two huge upper tusks and .a couple of smaller 

 lower ones complete the most unprepossessing physiognomy 

 imaginable. 



The animal, of which there are several varieties, ranges 

 from Abyssinia southwards throughout a great part of East 

 Africa. It is swine-like in its habits, feeding much on 

 roots, which it digs up with its tusks. It also excavates 

 deep holes, in which it often lies. It is a much more timid 



SKULL OF THE WART HOG. 



animal than the Wild Boar, and it will rarely charge even 

 when wounded. 



In South-eastern Africa the Wart Hog is known as the 

 Vlacke Vark, i.e., Black Hog. It often occupies the dis- 

 carded burrows of the Aardvark. In driving the animal 

 out of its retreat a hunter might not unnaturally take his 

 stand immediately at the back of the hole in order to get a 

 shot as the Wart Hog commences its flight. The hunter, 

 however, would not repeat the experiment, for the animal 

 emerges from the hole only to turn a somersault backwards; 

 and any person standing there would test the quality of the 

 sharp tusks on his legs before he could effect a movement 

 to avoid contact with them. 



