WILD BOAR 



33 



short, stumpy legs. The animal thus stands higher at the withers than at the 

 rump. Between the skin and the flesh covering the shoulder-blade lies a sort of 

 shield consisting of white, horny matter, sometimes as much as 2 inches thick, 

 which even at reasonable distances cannot be pierced by shot. A kind of warty 

 crust, formed on the skin by rubbing against the trunks of pine-trees, and consist- 

 ing of a hardened resinous layer, also serves as a shield. The thin and whip-like 

 tail is carried upright or curled upwards while running, but hangs downwards 

 when the animal is engaged in turning up the ground. The prints left by the feet 

 of wild swine resemble those of the red deer, but may generally be distinguished 



A WILD SOW AND HER STRlrED YOUNG. 



by the lateral hoofs of the hind-feet making an impression on the ground, which 

 those of the deer seldom do. The weight of the European wild boar in the first 

 year ranges from 60 to 90 lbs. ; in the second year, from 110 to 155 lbs. ; in the third 

 year, from 175 to 220 lbs. ; and in the fourth year, from 220 to 275 lbs. Afterwards 

 the weight depends on food and other conditions. Formerly the weights were 

 said to have been greater ; but nowadays the maximum weight varies between 

 330 and 440 lbs. 



Wild swine begin to breed before they are fully grown, and are capable of 

 doing so at the age of eighteen months. The general pairing-time begins either 

 early or late in November and lasts till February. As a rule, the boar leads a 



VOL. I. — 3 



