HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 173 



The Babiroussa abounds in several of the islands 

 of the East Indies, particularly Buero, a small isle 

 near Amboyna. 



It is easily tamed; and its flesh is well tasted. 

 It lives on leaves of trees and other vegetables. Its 

 scent is exquisite: it can discover the approach of 

 Dogs at a distance. When closely pursued, it 

 plunges into the sea, swims and dives with great 

 facility from one island to another, and by that 

 means frequently escapes from its pursuers. 



They live in herds; and when any number of 

 them are together, their odour is so strong, that the 

 Dogs can scent them at a considerable distance. 

 When attacked, they growl frightfully, and defend 

 themselves with their under tusks: the upper ones 

 are serviceable to them in taking their repose, by 

 hooking them on the branches of trees. 



