BRITISH ZOOLOGISTS. TO I 



of life. As its method of feeding is by turning up the 

 earth with its nose for roots of different kinds ; so nature 

 has given it a more prone form than other animals; a 

 strong brawny neck ; eyes small, and placed high in the 

 head ; a long snout, nose callous and tough, and a quick 

 sense of smelling to trace out its food. Its intestines have 

 a strong resemblance to those of the human species, a 

 circumstance which should mortify our pride. The 

 external form of its body is very unwieldy ; yet, by the 

 strength of its tendons, the wild boar (which is only a 

 variety of the common kind) is enabled to fly from the 

 hunters with amazing agility: the back toe on the feet 

 of this animal prevents its slipping while it descends 

 declivities, and must be of singular use when pursued; 

 yet, notwithstanding its powers of motion, it is by nature 

 stupid, inactive, and drowsy; much inclined to increase 

 in fat, which is disposed in a different manner from other 

 animals, and forms a regular coat over the whole body. 

 It is restless at a change of weather, and in certain high 

 winds is so agitated as to run violently, screaming horribly 

 at the same time: it is fond of wallowing in the dirt, 

 either to cool its surfeited body, or to destroy the lice, 

 ticks, and other insects with which it is infested. Its 

 diseases generally arise from intemperance; measles, 

 impostumes, and scrophulous complaints are reckoned 

 among them. Linntzus observes that its flesh is whole- 

 some food for athletic constitutions, or those which use 

 much exercise ; but bad for such as lead a sedentary life : 

 it is, though, of most universal use, and furnishes number- 

 less materials for epicurism, among which brawn is a 

 kind peculiar to England. The flesh of the hog is an 



