A WILD-HOG HUNT IN TEXAS. 323 



be seen in the old male or "boars." The ears are short 

 and almost buried in the long, harsh hair or bristles that 

 cover the whole body, but are much longer on the back. 

 These, when erected or thrown forward as is the case 

 when the peccary is incensed have the appearance of a 

 stiff mane rising all along the neck, shoulders, and back. 

 At such times, indeed, the rigid, bristling coat over the 

 whole body, gives somewhat of a porcupine appearance to 

 the animal. 



The peccary, as already stated, is gregarious. They 

 wander in droves of twenty, or sometimes more. This, 

 however, is only in the winter. In the season of love, 

 and during the period of gestation, they are met with 

 only in pairs a male and female. They are very true 

 to each other, and keep close together. The female pro- 

 duces two young at a litter. These are of a reddish 

 brown color, and at first not larger than young puppies ; 

 but they are soon able to follow the mother through the 

 woods ; and then the "family party" usually consists of 

 four. Later in the season, several of these families unite, 

 and keep together, partly perhaps from having met by 

 accident, and partly for mutual protection ; for whenever 

 one of their number is attacked, all the drove takes part 

 against the assailant, whether he be hunter, cougar, or 

 lynx. As they use their teeth, tusks, and sharp fore 

 hoofs with rapidity and effect, they become a very formi- 



