On the Northern Hare. 373 



Weight — This species in the beginning of winter varies from 

 three to six and a-half pounds, but we consider 5^ pounds to be 

 the average weight of a full-grown animal in good condition. 



HABITS. 



Our different species of hares, and more especially the present 

 one and the little gray rabbit, have been so much mixed up in 

 the accounts of authors that great confusion exists in regard to 

 their habits, and their specific identity. The assertion of Warden, 

 that the American hare retreats into hollow trees when pursued, 

 applies to the gray rabbit, for which it was no doubt intended, 

 but not to the northern hare. We are not aware that the latter 

 ever takes shelter either in a hole in the earth or in a hollow 

 tree. We have seen it chased by hounds for whole days, and 

 have witnessed the repetition of these hunts for several successive 

 winters, without ever knowing it to seek concealment or security 

 in such places. It depends on its long legs, and on the thickness 

 of the woods, to aid it in evading the pursuit of its enemies. 

 When hunted, it winds and doubles among thick clusters of young 

 pines and scrub-oaks, or leads the dogs through entangled patches 

 of hemlock and spruce fir, until it sometimes wearies out its pur- 

 suers ; and unless the hunter should appear, and stop its career 

 with the gun, it is almost certain to escape. 



In deep snows, the animal is so light, and is so well supported 

 by its broad furry-feet, that it passes over the surface making only 

 a faint impression, whilst the hounds plunge deep into the snow 

 at every bound, and soon give up the hopeless pursuit. It avoids 

 not only open grounds, but even open woods, and confines itself 

 to the densest and most impenetrable forests. Although it wan- 



