300 MAMMALIA—MEXICAN HOG. 
them in preference to wild boars, and sooner accomplish 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 elephant, 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 fora 
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. 
PMH Es PECCARY, OR MEAD AN E-O:Gst 
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qr = a x 


Sa 
MEE Vat Lbs ——————— 
Dirrers from the common hog in a number of characteristics, both external 
and internal. Its head is shcrter 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 torquatus, Lix, The genus Dicotyles has four upper and six lower incisors ; 
two upper and two lower canines ; twelve upper and twelve lower molars ; tusks not project- 
ing from the mouth, the other teeth like ilibes of the hog; four toes before, three behind, 
only two of which lean upon the ground; a glandular opening on the back, from which 
exudes a foetid humor; no tail. 
