THE WART-HOG 253 



no more hideous blot upon the brute creation than 

 this unlovely creature. His immense head, out of 

 all proportion to the small, cobby body, is rendered 

 still more hideous by the four large, projecting, 

 black warts, which, placed two on either side of 

 his unprepossessing face, give him somewhat the 

 appearance, viewed at close quarters, of a perky 

 gnome with a large ivory moustache. I have read 

 somewhere that the Wart-hog is more nearly allied 

 to the Elephant than any other hitherto identified 

 existing mammal. This is another of his claims to 

 distinction, and one which his splendid reputed 

 connection probably views with somewhat mingled 

 feelings. However, the diminished complement 

 of incisor teeth in the upper jaw is taken as to 

 some extent distinguishing him from the ordinary 

 pig, so that, at any rate, must be such a source of 

 gratification to him that one wonders he does not 

 stroll about with his mouth wide open all day 

 long. 



This animal affects sandy, more or less arid 

 regions, in which he may often be seen grubbing 

 for roots, or, with his entire family, lying extended 

 sound asleep in some warm, sunny, sheltered spot. 

 At night he endeavours to secure himself against 

 the attacks of predatory beasts by occupying some 

 hole thoughtfully provided for him by an ant-bear, 

 or in some natural crevice or small cave. 



The Bush-pigs already referred to, which are 

 believed to be distantly connected with the West 

 African type, are covered with long bristly hair of 

 greyish hue, yellow in patches, and possess a 

 singular white beard, in this respect differing from 



