THE HOG. 399 



term dicotyles, signifying a double navel, has been applied to 

 the genus. These animals, termed PECCARIES, are smaller 

 than the common Swine of Europe, but resemble them in 

 their general form. Their canine teeth are sharp, and capa- 

 ble of inflicting severe wounds, but do not curve upwards in 

 the manner of tusks. The glandular openings on their backs 

 exude a peculiar liquid, the use of which is unknown. They 

 are nearly destitute of tail ; and are covered with stiff bristles, 

 very long upon the neck and spine, which they erect when 

 irritated. They dig the earth with their trunk, and grunt in 

 the manner of the common Swine, but make a loud clashing 

 with their teeth when alarmed. They are omnivorous, but 

 feed chiefly on vegetable substances : their flesh is leaner, and 

 less delicate than that of the common Swine. They are 

 readily tamed, and are pleased with the caresses of those 

 with whom they are familiarized. Of the two species, the 

 one, the Collared Peccary, Dicotyles torquatus, inhabits the 

 countries of the Atlantic from Guiana to Paraguay, and is 

 found in pairs, or in small numbers together ; the other, the 

 White-lipped Peccary, Dicotyles labiatus, inhabits nearly the 

 same regions, and congregates in herds. The habits of the 

 latter species have been well described by Azara and other 

 writers. They are eminently gregarious, associating in bands 

 of many hundreds : they traverse the country in quest of food, 

 unimpeded by the broadest rivers, and making their way 

 through the densest thickets. Should the cultivated lands 

 of the settler lie in their course, they devastate every field 

 that can afford them food, lay waste the inclosures, and 

 trample down and devour the growing corn. They defend 

 themselves resolutely against the beasts of prey by which 

 they are unceasingly assailed. Erecting their long bristles, 

 and clashing loudly their teeth, they rush upon their as- 

 sailant, and unless he shall have escaped to a tree, or saved 

 himself by rapid flight, surround and tear him to pieces in an 

 instant. Even the formidable Jaguar, it is said, fears to at- 

 tack these united hordes. He follows them in silence, and 



