NOTES UPON CERTAIN MAMMALS IN MAINE. 



Quite recently our attention was called to descriptions of the 

 characteristics and habits of some of the mammals inhabiting the 

 wilds of Maine, by J. G. Rich, Esq., of Upton.* These articles 

 appeared first in the columns of the Bethel Courier and the Oxford 

 Democrat. Impressed by their value, we requested some of them 

 for publication ; and Mr. Rich has kindly handed to us the follow- 

 ing sketches for this purpose : 



Northern Hare, or Rabbit, Lepus Americanus, Erxl. 



We have but one variety of this little animal in our good State of Maine, 

 althougli in the neighboring State of Massachusetts there exists a distinct 

 variety — being much smaller than the kind we are here to treat upon, and 

 having quite diflFerent habits. 



Authors of Natural History, in several instances, confound the rabbit and 

 hare ; and although resembling each other exactly to the common observer, 

 yet there exists a distinct diflference, especially in the young leveret. 



In the first place, let me here observe that in no instance has the Creator 

 shown Hia care and provision for animal nature more conspicuously than by 

 providing so bountifully this species of animal. They cover the earth to the 

 full extent of its capability of support for them ; are extensive breeders, more 

 than any other, and have no weapon of defence except flight, — and on which 

 depend for sustenance, in a great measure, the bear, lynx, fox, fisher, mink, 

 weasel, ermine, among the animal tribes, and owls, hawks, eagles, and many 

 others among the birds, — in fact, it may truly be said the rabbit is the sub- 

 stantial food of a large class of animal nature. 



Our hare is about two feet from the nose to the hind feet, short head, full 

 eye, receding lorehead, large, open, long ears, short tail, long hind legs with 

 four toes, and short forward legs with five toes ; feet well covered with coarse 

 hair, making a good brush, when dry, for many purposes ; loose, long hair 

 on the body, always whiter under the body, and in winter white all over; 

 but in summer, of a yellowish brown, varying to a rufous brown. Next to 

 the body is a soft, loose fur, of a silky texture, of a lead color on the back, 

 and wliich fur, I think, keeps its constant color, and only the long hair on 

 the upper parts of its body changes color. 



The weight of this animal is from five to seven pounds ; and so constantly 



* We are glad to ascertain that Mr. Rich proposes to publish all his sketches of 

 mammals, birds and fishes in a book, together with apropos descriptions of the best 

 fishing grounds in the northwest part of the State ; of life in the woods, and some 

 sketches of his own experience of sixteen years as a hunter, trapper and guide. 

 Persons as familiar as he is with the natural inhabitants of the forest, confer a favor 

 upon the public when they present to them such experiences. 



