THE PECCARY. 



By A. G. Eeqtta. 



?HE Peccary, or South American Musk-hog, is found 

 jjj| in large herds in Old Mexico, and sometimes as far 

 north as Arizona and Southern Texas. The largest 

 ff^ herds, however, are to be found in the interior of 

 Old Mexico. 



In appearance, this animal resembles the common hog, 

 but differs from it in many ways. The flesh of the Peccary 

 is good to eat; but it is necessary to remove the dorsal pipe, 

 or gland, immediately after killing, otherwise the meat 

 will taste of the secretion which is found on its back, near 

 the loin. The gland is about the size of a small orange, 

 and contains an odorous matter smelling like musk; hence 

 the name, Musk-hog. When they become angry, the odor 

 emitted is very strong. 



There are two species of Peccary found in North Amer- 

 ica. The common, or Collared Peccary, is about the size of 

 a small hog; the bristles on the neck are longer, forming a 

 mane, while a narrow, white collar surrounds the neck. 

 The White-lipped Peccary is considerably larger, and of 

 a darker color, with conspicuously white lips. The ears, 

 which are short, and stand erect, are almost covered with 

 the mane. The taii is not readily visible, but may be found 

 on close inspection. It is flat, and only about two inches 

 long. The male and female resemble each other closely. 

 Once a year the female brings forth one or two young, of a 

 uniform reddish tint. 



The White-lipped Peccary is found in large herds, usu- 

 ally led by a male. When one of the herd is alarmed, he 

 makes a signal by stamping with his feet, which is at once 

 repeated by all the rest. They are then on their guard. If 



