Four different species of boars abound in Paraguay. The most remarkable
are those which have upon their backs a spungy, glandulous little piece
of flesh, swelled with a white liquor resembling milk, and scented like
musk. This boss is immediately amputated after the animal's death,
before the intolerable odour of musk has infected the flesh, and
rendered it unfit for use. In woods, near marshes, and marshy fields,
wander herds of boars, which are killed, either with a stake, or with
arrows, by the Indians. Herds of boars sometimes rushed into the colony
of St. Ferdinand, perhaps from the hope of finding food there, perhaps
from some other motive. But the Abipones, assembling together, killed a
great number of them, and feasted sumptuously upon their flesh for some
days. I was told that boars entered the towns of the Uruguay in the same
manner. The Abiponian women make themselves travelling dresses of the
skins of this animal, and its bristles are collected into small bundles,
and used as combs.