more so than those of our own time--since William the
Conqueror issued an edict punishing with the _loss of his eyes_ any one
who should be convicted of killing a wild boar!

In Europe the famed boar spear, used in hunting this animal, has given
way to the rifle; but in India, where the field is taken on horseback,
the spear is still in use; and hunting the wild boar is one of the most
exciting of wild sports practised in that country.

The wild boar of India, however, is in some respects different from that
of Europe; and naturalists generally class it as a distinct species.

The _Babirussa_ is another species belonging to the East Indian world:
found principally in the Moluccas and other islands of the Indian
Archipelago. It is of about the same size as the common pig; but of
more slender shape, and stands higher upon its deer-like limbs. The
skin is thinly furnished with soft bristles, and is of a greyish tint,
inclining to fawn colour on the belly. But the most striking character
of the babirussa is to be found in its tusks. Of these there are two
pairs of unequal size. The lower ones are short--somewhat resembling
those of the common boar--whereas the two upper ones protrude through
the skin of the muzzle, and then curve backward like a pair of horns,
and often downward again, so as to form a complete circle! It is not
known for what purpose these appendages exist. The two lower tusks must
be formidable weapons; but the upper ones, especially in old
individuals, can hardly inflict a wound. They may perhaps ward off the
bushes from the eyes of the animal, as it rushes through the thick cover
of its jungly retreat. The females are without these tusks; and are
also much smaller than the males.

The babirussa inhabits marshy thickets and forests; and is hunted for
its flesh--which is highly prized both by the natives and foreigners.
It is very swift and fierce. When pursued or wounded in the chase, it
will show fight like the wild boar of Europe.

The _Papuan hog_, or _bene_, is a native of the Island of New Guinea;
and is characterised by its small stature and slender and graceful form.
Its tusks are not large, and are shaped like the incisor teeth. It is
covered with thick, short, and yellowish-coloured bristles; and when
young it is marked by bright fulvous stripes along the back. The native
Papuans highly esteem its flesh; and on this account it is hunted by
them in the forests where it is found. I