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The Hogs and the Hippopotami, though disagreeing in some important points, may be conveniently grouped together. They have four toes on each foot, which are more cleft than in other Pachydermata, the extremities being incased in hoofs; the central pair of toes are larger than the others, and in most of the genera, their hoofs assume much of the form of those of the Ruminants: in these the lateral toes are shorter, and scarcely touch the ground. In many respects, also, they approximate the Ruminants in the details of the skeleton and the complication of the stomach. ‘They have always incisors and canines; the latter usually project from the mouth in the form of tusks, more or less recurved; and those of one jaw rub against those of the other. The upper lip is much developed; either into a tumid and flattened muzzle, or a truncated and margined snout. ‘They have a short tail, small eyes and ears; a body for the most part massive, more or less round, supported on rather short limbs; the skin is frequently denuded (at least partially) of hair; and there is a copious deposition of fat between the skin and the muscles.

The Family is scattered over the world; though it is not numerous in species. Most of them are natives of Africa; one genus, that of the Peccaries, is confined to South America; and of the true Hogs it is uncertain how far the general distribution may be dependent on domestication, even in countries where it now exists in freedom.