428 



UNGULATES. 



The lower tusks of the male wild boar, which project about 3 inches from 

 the jaw, and are kept with edges as sharp as razors by wear against those of the 

 upper jaw, are most formidable weapons, capable of ripping open a horse at 

 a single stroke. Both the European and the Indian species are among the boldest 

 and fiercest of all animals, charging men, horses, or elephants time after time 

 without a moment's hesitation, and in spite of the most desperate wounds. Indeed, 

 the injuries that a wild boar will sustain without loss of life are perfectly 

 marvellous. A correspondent of the Asian newspaper relates that he once killed 

 an old boar, in the skull of which the broken extremity of the tusk of another 







BERKSHIRE Plo (^j nat. size). 



boar was firmly embedded, with its point penetrating into the brain-cavity a short 

 distance behind the left eye. 



Although the speed of a wild pig is considerable, yet it cannot be maintained 

 for any long distance, and accordingly, either a boar or a sow may be easily over- 

 taken by a well-mounted horseman after a comparatively short run. Both as 

 regards speed and inclination to fight there is, however, considerable local variation 

 among the wild pigs of India; the large heavily-built animal found in Bengal 

 being much more disposed to show fight than the lighter pig of the Punjab, which 

 has a greater turn of speed. In spite of its boldness, the Indian wild boar seldom 

 makes unprovoked attacks ; but when once roused nothing will stop it. An instance 

 is on record of a boar charging, overthrowing, and ripping open a camel: and 

 there are several well-authenticated cases of boars having attacked and killed or 

 beaten off" tigers. 



