428 



UNGULATES. 



The lower tusks of the male wild boar, which project about 3 inches from 

 the jaw, and are kept with edges as sharp as razors by wear against those of the 

 upper jaw, are most formidable weapons, capable of ripping open a horse at 

 a single stroke. Both the European and the Indian species are among the boldest 

 and fiercest of all animals, charging men, horses, or elephants time after time 

 without a moment's hesitation, and in spite of the most desperate wounds. Indeed, 

 the injuries that a wild boar will sustain without loss of life are perfectly 

 marvellous. A correspondent of the Asian newspaper relates that he once killed 

 an old boar, in the skull of which the broken extremity of the tusk of another 



BERKSHIRE PIG (fa nat. size). 



boar was firmly embedded, with its point penetrating into the brain-cavity a short 

 distance behind the left eye. 



Although the speed of a wild pig is considerable, yet it cannot be maintained 

 for any long distance, and accordingly, either a boar or a sow may be easily over- 

 taken by a well-mounted horseman after a comparatively short run. Both as 

 regards speed and inclination to fight there is, however, considerable 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 well-authenticated cases of boars having attacked and killed or 

 beaten off tigers. 



