HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 169 



THE PECCARY, OR MEXICAN HOG. 



(Sits Trtjacii, Linn. 



I XHABITS the hottest parts of South America, 

 where the species is very numerous : herds, consist- 

 ing of two or three hundred, are sometimes to be 

 seen together. It is very fierce, and will fight 

 stoutly with beasts of prey, when attacked by them. 

 The Jaguar, or American Leopard, is its mortal 

 enemy, and frequently loses its life in engaging a 

 number of these animals. They assist each other, 

 surround their enemies, and often come off vic- 

 torious. 



They live chiefly in mountainous places, and are 

 not fond of wallowing in the mire, like the common 

 Hog. They feed on fruits, roots, and seeds; they 

 likewise eat serpents, toads, and lizards; and are 

 very dexterous in first taking oif the skins with 

 their fore feet and teeth. 



The Peccary in appearance resembles the Hog r 

 though somewhat smaller : its body is covered with 

 strong bristles, which, when the creature is irritated,, 



VOL. III. Y 



