422 THE PECCARY. 



The hair, of a deep brown, approaching to black, is short, 

 scanty, and closely depressed to the surface ; while it has little 

 or no tail. It possesses enormous muscular power; and as its 

 body is defended by a thick, tough hide, it can force its way 

 through the dense underwood where no other creature can 

 penetrate. Generally it moves in a trot, but when pursued 

 breaks into an awkward gallop, carrying its head downwards, 

 like the hog. 



Its chief enemy is the iierce jaguar, which, leaping on its 

 back, endeavours to bring it to the ground. The tapir, on 

 being seized, darts through the forest, attempting to destroy 

 its foe, and dislodge it from its back by rushing under the low 

 boughs of the trees. Should this fail, and water be near, 

 it quickly frees itself by diving down — as the jaguar, unable 

 to dive, must either let go its hold or be drowned. 



Of a peaceful and harmless disposition, it never willingly 

 attacks man or beast ; but when hunted and brought to bay, 

 it will defend itself desperately, frequently inflicting, with its 

 strong teeth, severe wounds on its assailants. 



THE PECCARY. 



The only other pachydermatous animal besides the tapir 

 indigenous to South America is the little truculent peccary — 

 a herd of which creatures is more feared by the natives than 

 the jaguar, boa, or anaconda. There are two species — the 

 Dicotyles tajacu and Dicotyles labiatus, or white-lipped pec- 

 cary; the latter being the larger and fiercer of the two. The 

 peccary is very like a small hog. Its form is short and 

 compact, thickly covered with strong, dark-coloured bristles, 

 except the lower part of the body, which is nearly destitute 

 of hair. It has a somewhat large head, short snout, and 



