2 2 WOLF'S WILD ANIMALS. 



curve backwards over the eyes, reaching a length in very old individuals of some ten 

 inches. The use of these extraordinary teeth is unknown, as they would appear to 

 be of no value either for the purposes of offence or defence, and must be at times 

 much in the way of their owner's movements. The Babi-rusa, although resembling 

 a pig in its general appearance, does not dig and root up the ground, as is the 

 common habit with all its relatives, but lives chiefly on fallen fruits, that it meets with 

 in the dense forests it inhabits. 



Although, as a rule, the colour of the wild pigs is black or brown, there are 

 instances when the hue of the coat is not without beauty. Thus the Red River 

 Hog of Africa has long tufts to its ears, which are pointed and slender, and the fur 

 is a rich reddish-brown, with the base of the hairs greyish-white ; and this animal has 

 a rather gay appearance when seen among his more sombre-looking brethren. 



It is a popular belief that pigs are never injured by the poison of snakes ; and 

 it is customary to turn a drove of these animals into a district infested by such 

 reptiles, which in a short time is usually completely cleared of them. It is well 

 known that pigs will destroy any rattle-snakes they meet with, and this serpent is 

 certainly provided with one of the most deadly of poisons, and it is a reptile not at 

 all likely to submit to an attack from any quarter, without using all its powers of 

 defence. It is supposed that the pig receives the bite of the enraged snake on his 

 cheek, where the fat and grizzle is thickest, and that, as there is little or no blood in 

 that part, the poison is not carried through the system, so that the animal experiences 

 no ill effects from the virus. Whenever a serpent is spied, the pig, with erected 

 bristles, rushes right upon it, and indifferent to the formidable fangs that are per- 

 haps sticking in its own hide, bites the reptile in pieces, and then devours it. 



Boar hunting was, and still is, a very favorite amusement in many parts of 

 Europe where these animals are abundant. It is carried on with all the paraphernalia 

 incident upon gay dresses and prancing steeds, baying hounds and blasts from the 

 merrily-winded horn ; and many are the narrow escapes from the desperate charges 

 of the infuriated creature, as when driven to a stand, with the hounds closing around 

 him, he strives to free himself from the ranks of his pursuers. It is a feat of no slight 

 danger at such a time to go up to him, and wait calmly to receive him on the point 

 of the short hunting-spear. Should the aim be badly taken, or the animal be able 

 to thrust the point of the weapon on one side, the glistening tusks would quickly 

 deal a fatal wound, as the object of his hatred was trampled under the pointed hoofs. 



