The water-pig inhabits the larger rivers and streams, but not the very
largest, although, as it feeds upon grass, it comes out to pasture in
the neighbouring plains, not without committing great depredations in
the fields. When full grown it resembles a pig of two years old in size,
and almost in appearance, except in its vast round head, and the
whiskers on its upper lip, which are similar to those of a cat. It has
short ears, large, black eyes, a very wide mouth, but rather narrow
lips, dusky and very short hair, and no tail. Besides two long, curved
tusks, which project from its mouth, it is armed with forty-eight teeth,
plain at the top, but hollow beneath. Its feet are like those of a pig;
the front ones have four nails, the hind only three. These beasts swim
or walk in company, and cross rivers with surprizing expedition. By
night they bray like asses, and sometimes alarm travellers unacquainted
with America. Their flesh is very like pork, but as it has a fishy
taste, is eaten by none but the Indians; though when young they are
reckoned a dainty by Europeans even. Capiiguáras may be wounded without
difficulty, either with a spear, an arrow, or a ball, but it requires
great good fortune to catch them; for on receiving a wound, as they are
excellent swimmers and divers, they immediately hide themselves under
water, and extract the arrow or spear which is sticking in their flesh.
The Abipones, who frequently employ themselves in hunting these animals,
after wounding a pig, swim after it and overtake it in the water. The
skin of the capiiguára is very thick, and were it properly dressed,
would be useful in various ways.