THE CAPE HARE 



The Hare during the daytime lies concealed in a 

 lair which is known as a " form." This consists of 

 a slight depression in the soil under a tussock of 

 grass, or small bush ; or in the midst of scrubby 

 bush, if grass and small shrubs are scanty. Some- 

 times it lies concealed on the shady and sheltered 

 side of a boulder on the bare ground. 



When sitting immovable in its " form," amidst 

 half-dry grass or dead leaves, the Hare may easily 

 be passed unnoticed within a foot or two, although 

 it might be in full view. 



It takes the fullest advantage of its protective 

 coloration as a means of defence, for the Hare 

 usually lies so close that it will almost allow itself 

 to be trodden upon before taking to flight. Ad- 

 vantage is sometimes taken of this habit to capture 

 hares alive by throwing a net over them. On 

 several occasions I have attempted to catch hares 

 with my hands when they were sitting immovable, 

 but although not a movement was made to 

 attract attention, the Hare was wide awake all 

 the time closely watching very movement, and at 

 the critical moment it leapt away and bounded off 

 with remarkable swiftness. Even when lying on 

 absolutely bare ground, the Hare wall often sit 

 immovable and allow' itself to be almost walked 

 over. 



One day my pointer dog came upon a Hare on 

 the bare ground in a plantation of gum trees. The 

 dog approached to within three feet of the animal 



191 



