300 MAMMALIA-MEXICAN HOG. 



them in preference to v/ild boars, and sooner accoinplish their purpose. The 

 babiroussa strikes its upper tusks into the branches of trees, to rest its head, 

 or to sleep standing. This habit it has in common with the elepliant, who, 

 in order to sleep in an erect posture, supports his head by fixing the end of 

 his tusks in the holes which he makes in his lodging. 



The babiroussa differs still more from the wild boar by its natural appe- 

 tites. It feeds upon grass and leaves of trees, and does not endeavor to 

 enter gardens, to feed on beans, peas, and other vegetables : while the wild 

 boar, who lives in the same country, feeds upon wild fruits, roots, and often 

 on the depredations it makes in gardens. These animals, who go alike in 

 herds, never mix ; the wild boars keep on one side, and the babiroussas on 

 the other ; these walk quicker, and have a very fine scent. They often fix 

 themselves against a tree, to keep off" the hunters and their dogs. When 

 they are pursued for a long time, they make towards the sea, and, swimming 

 with great dexterity, very often escape their pursuers ; for they swim for a 

 very long time, and often to very great distances, and from one island to 

 another. The babiroussa is found not only in the island of Bourou, near 

 Amboyna, but also in many parts of Southern Asia and Africa. 



THE PECCARY, OR MEXICAN HOG,i 



Differs from the common hog in a number of characteristics, both external 

 and internal. Its head is shorter and broader; it has only four incisor 

 teeth in the upper jaw, instead of six ; it has only three instead of six toes 

 on the hind feet ; its legs are slenderer ; in the stomach and intestines there 



1 Dicotyles torqitatus, Lin. The genus Dicotyles has four upper and six lower incisors ; 

 two upperaiid two lower canines ; twelve upper and twelve lower molars ; tusks not project- 

 ing from the mouth, the other teeth like those of the hog ; four toes before, three oenind, 

 only two of which lean upon the ground; a glandular opening on the hack, from which 

 exudes a foetid humor ; no tail. 



