CAPTURE OF THE PECCARY, 177 



we found that they had got over the effect of the ex- 

 perimental hanging they had gone through. We put 

 them across a horse, and, in trying to get loose, they 

 so tightened the ropes and entangled them about their 

 necks, that they died before we observed this on our 

 way home with them. This is the usual mode of 

 taking these animals alive, although some are caught 

 in pits. They have a large musk-bag upon the back, 

 from which a strong, disagreeable odour is emitted 

 whilst the animal is excited ; but this is not observable 

 after they are killed. The flesh of the female is good 

 at some seasons of the year, but that of the male is 

 strong, coarse, and disagreeable at all times. Their 

 principal food consists of nuts of every description 

 (mast) during the winter, but in summer they feed on 

 succulent plants, with which the bottom lands on the 

 Brazos abound. The male measured forty inches from 

 the tip of its nose to that of its tail. The female is 

 shorter by two inches. The eyes are very dark hazel 

 colour.' 



The first time I ever saw a living peccary w^as in 

 the San Bernard Forest, bordering that river, when I 

 was out in search of game.* On that occasion I had 

 just discharged my rifle at a turkey, wiien all at once 

 I heard some palmettos shake behind, and, turning my 

 head, I saw two peccaries rushing, one after the other, 



* This narrative is quoted from an account of the peccary which 

 I contributed to Tlie Leisure Hour. 



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