FOSSIL AND EECENT LAGOMORPHA. 



489 



One of my principal reasons for separating a certain number of LeporidiB, under the 

 designation of Caprolagns, from the swift-footed Lepus (figs. XXV-XXVIII), is the 



I 



xxv 



SSVI sxw 



rigs. XXV-XXVIII. Left antebrachium of Lfpus timldm, Linn. (L. iwlahilis, Pall), ^ reduced. XXV, front view 

 XXVI, ulnar (external) view ; XXVII, radial view ; XXVIII, posterior view. 



Figs. XXIX-XXXI. Len ioreAimh oi S>ih<{la</us hrnsiUensis (Lum.), uat. size. XXIX, front view. I-V = first 

 to fifth metacarpals, f = carpale 5 (vesalianum) ; XXX, radial view ; XXXI, uluar view. 



structure of the antebrachiuni ; but of several of the former it is expressly stated 

 that they do not burrow at all, or at least that they are not habitual burrowers. I 

 have thought it would be instructive for my present purpose to record the observed facts 

 of the physiology of the organs of locomotion of various Lagomorpha, by collecting as 

 much information as is available to me. 



of the bush-mhhifs running to ground, even when wounded, and certainly it is contrary to its habits to do so under 

 dift'ereut circumstances " (' Zoologist," iii. p. 903, 1845). In W. Thompson's ' Natural History of Ireland' (vol. iv. 

 p. 80, 1856), his former statement is repeated, and strengthened on the authority of Dr. R. Ball, " who has 

 long been aware of the difference of habit and appearance between burrow- and bush-rabbits in the County of Cork."' 

 In Bell's ' History of British Quadrupeds ' (2nd ed. pp. 344, 345, 1874) it is reported that " on moors, where the soil 

 is wet, Kabbits often refrain from burrowing, and content themselves with runs and galleries formed in the long 

 and matted heather and herbage. In more than one instance we have known a family to take possession of 

 a hollow tree and ascend its inclined and decayed trunk for some distance." In comment on this, Prof. Howes has 

 drawn my attention to the fact that the Oriental Black-necked Hare (L. nigricolJis) habitually resorts to the hollows 

 in trees when pursued, and that while the European Rabbit may bring forth its young above-ground (' Zoologist,' 

 ser. 3, vol. i. p. 18) the Hare may do so in a burrow. 



SECOND SERIES. — ZOOLOGY, VOL. VII. 68 



