They will eat fish, flesh, or fowl, snakes, or vegetables; and, finding the brace of birds, had commenced devouring them.

In doing so they had come within reach of Jeanette's heels; who, at that moment not being in the best temper had no doubt let fly, and kicked one of them over, and this of course had led to a general onslaught from the whole herd.
It was well for Jeanette that her masters arrived when they did, else her old ribs would soon have cracked under the sharp tusks of the enraged animals.
The javalies, or _peccaries_--as they are more often termed by naturalists--are in general of a harmless disposition; and, if not interfered with, will rarely make an attack upon man.

When provoked, however--by one of their number being wounded, or even when their haunt is invaded--they become both fierce and dangerous.

Though small creatures, they possess extreme courage; and their powerful jaws and large tusks render them formidable assailants.

Like all animals of the hog species when enraged, they seem to be unconscious of danger; and a herd of them will battle with an enemy until every one has fallen.