THE BOSCH VARK. 



The Berea bush of Natal was a favorite resort of these wild pigs, but although 

 their spoor could be seen in all directions, the animals themselves were not so frequently 

 encountered. 



The Kaffirs are much annoyed by these wild pigs, which force a passage through the 

 imperfectly made fences, and root up the seeds, or destroy the pumpkins in the various 

 gardens. As a defence, the Kaffirs leave nice enticing little openings in different parts of 

 their fences, and the pigs, taking advantage of these ready-made doorways frequently 

 walk through them, and are then engulfed in a deep pit in which is a pointed stake, and 



BOSCH VARK. CAo/ropotanus AMcaaus. 



they are assagaied with great delight by the expecting Kaffirs, who are on the alert, and 

 who hear the cries of distress from piggy himself. 



The tusks are considered great ornaments, and are arranged on a piece of string and 

 worn round the neck." 



The VLACKE VARK, or EMGALLA, is even a more formidable animal in its aspect than 

 the bosch vark. The general color of the Vlacke Vark is a blackish hue upon the crown 

 of the head, the neck, and upper part of the back, and dull brown upon the remainder 

 of the body, except upon the abdomen, where it fades into a grayer hue. The tusks of 

 an adult male are most terrible weapons, projecting eight or nine inches beyond the lips, 

 and with them it has been known to cut a dog nearly in two with a single stroke, or 

 to sever the fleshy parts of a man's thigh. It is a savage and determined opponent, 

 and its charge is greatly to be dreaded. When chased, it presents a most absurd appear- 

 ance, for it is naturally anxious to learn how much it has gained upon its pursuers, and 

 is yet unable to look round, on account of its short neck and the large excrescence on each 

 side of the face. The animal is therefore obliged to lift its snout perpendicularly in the 

 air so as to look over its own shoulder ; and as it always carries its tail stiff and upright 

 when running, it has a most ludicrous aspect. 



