266 Mr. Thompson on the Irish Hare. 



This table, which exhibits a comparison of two female specimens of equal 

 size and weight, shows a very different result from that arrived at by Mr. 

 Eyton, who observes, that the skeleton generally of the Irish hare is larger 

 than that of the English ; that the lateral processes of its lumbar vertebrae are 

 longer ; its scapula and ribs broader, and its cranium* larger ; but in all these 

 characters an equality is presented by the individuals under consideration.f 

 Mr. Eyton further adds, that the Irish is distinguished from the common hare 

 by " the greater length of the humerus, in proportion to that of the ulna ;" but 

 in these individuals the humerus is equal, and the ulna of the Lepus timidus 

 of superior length. As remarked by Mr. Eyton, — " in the numbering of the 

 vertebrae and ribs (twelve in number) they do not differ, except as to the caudal 

 ones, which in the Irish hare are thirteen, and in the English sixteen ; the sacral 

 in both are four, the lumbar seven, the dorsal twelve, and cervical seven ; 

 making the total number in the Irish hare forty-three, and in the common hare 

 forty-six." The teeth appear in all respects similar in both species. The orbits 

 are somewhat more of an oval form in the Irish than in the common hare. 



The most obvious characters oiform between the common and Irish hare are 

 the superior length of ears and tail,J and the less rounded head of the former 

 animal : those of colour have been before noticed. The specific character I 

 propose for it is : Fur above uniform dull reddish-grey ; tail whitish above ; 

 ears and tail shorter than head. 



The description of colour which has been drawn up does not apply to the 

 Irish hare at every age, and here is an important difference between this and its 



* Although this can hardly be called larger, there is some difference in form between it and 

 that of Lepus timidus. 



t Although the lumbar vertebrae are not in reality longer in the Irish species, yet from taking a 

 more horizontal direction they so appear when the animal is viewed with its head towards the 

 spectator. 



J The greater length of these parts gives an erroneous idea of superior size to the Lepus timi- 

 dus when there is an equality in the length of its head and body, and in weight. Mr. Bell and Mr. 

 Eyton, judging, it may be presumed, from the individuals examined by them, describe the Irish as 

 larger than the common hare ; but the difference in size is, I consider, dependent on locality, as 

 both species differ remarkably in this respect in the barren and mountainous parts of the country, 

 and in the rich demesnes of the valley, where they are protected. In general I should say the 

 Lepus timidus is the larger animal. 



