PIGS. 
437 
The peculiar character of the tusks, the reduction in the number of the teeth, 
and the uniform coloration of the young, indicate that the babirusa is a more 
specialised creature than the ordinary pigs. At the same time, the simple structure 
of the molar teeth indicates that it must be directly descended from one of the 
extinct genera of pigs in which a similar type of dentition obtains. 
TT ... The habits of the babirusa seem to be very similar to those of 
other wild swine; moist forests, cane-brakes, and the banks of rivers 
and lakes where abundance of water-plants are to be found, being its favourite 
resorts. Here these animals collect in larger or smaller herds, sleeping by day and 
going forth to feed at night. The babirusa is an excellent swimmer, not only 
entering lakes to feed on water-plants, but likewise traversing small channels of 
THE BABIRUSA (£ Hat. size). 
the sea separating one island from another. Its gallop is lighter than that 
of the wild boar. The senses of smell and hearing are very acute in the babirusa, 
and its grunt is very similar to that of other swine. The young are born in 
February, and of very small size, and require great attention on the part of the 
sow. 
Use of Tusks. 
Babirusa are frequently tamed in Celebes, and may be found in the houses of 
some of the chiefs. The first living examples brought to Europe were a pair 
exhibited in Paris in the year 1820. 
Much discussion has arisen as to the use of the tusks of the male 
babirusa. It has been suggested that they may be for the purpose of 
protecting the eyes when the animal is rushing through dense forest; but if this 
were so, as Mr. Wallace points out, how are we to account for the slight develop¬ 
ment of these organs in the sows. On the whole, the same observer considers it 
most probable that the tusks were at one period useful to their owner, and were 
