AT CLOSE QUARTERS. 23 



In the southern part of the American Continent a species of small pig is 

 found, generally known as the Peccary. It differs in several particulars from the 

 members of the family Suidce, and with some other allied species has been separated 

 into another family. These little animals generally go in troops, and never hesitate 

 a moment to attack anything they may meet, and so fierce and determined are their 

 charges, that both man and beast is obliged to Hee before them, or else run the 

 risk of being gashed fearfully with their short, sharp tusks that cut like razors. 

 They are rather pretty looking creatures, for pigs, the neck and shoulders being 

 streaked with white. 



On the continent of Europe, the Wild Boar disputes the mastery of the forests 

 with the great wolves, that prowl amid their recesses ; and by these snarling, cowardly 

 brutes, the flesh of their bristly-coated antagonist is eagerly coveted. With young 

 porkers, the wolves have not much difficulty, and easily despatch them, provided 

 they find them strayed away from the protection of the grim father of the family, or 

 their but little less savage mother. It is only in the depth of winter, when the ground 

 is buried in snow, and they ^re half-maddened by long fasts, that the wolves, banding 

 together, attempt to overcome the grizzly old patriarch, that at other times they fear to 

 approach. Should they discover at such a season some solitary old Boar, roaming 

 by himself, the howling pack immediately follows on his track, bringing others of their 

 fellows to join them in the chase, and, emboldened by numbers, hurry after their 

 wished for prey. Well does he know the whining cry, which echoes and re-echoes 

 through the gloomy woods; and the stern old recluse, casting quick glances on 

 every side from his blood-shot eyes, trots rapidly over the snow, seeking some favour- 

 ing thicket where he can give battle to his pursuers. He appreciates the danger 

 that menaces him, and is fully aware that should they overtake him in the open 

 woods, their numbers would be more than a match even for his great strength ; 

 and when the shrill howls break clearer on the frosty air, as the eager wolves draw 

 near, he selects the matted base of some fallen tree, where the roots twisting about 

 in fanciful shapes, afford ample protection from any enemy who may attempt to 

 attack him from behind ; and then, backing himself against this natural fortress, he 

 awaits the onset of his foes. His assailants do not tarry long, and soon the foremost 

 arrive and prepare to rush upon their formidable Idoking prey. Encircling his refuge, 

 they try to avoid the dangerous teeth and to seize him from behind, but the favouring 

 roots are too thickly grown, and all their efforts are unavailing to reach him. 



