62 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



few of them in these pages, but I do not hold with those people 

 whose love for animals is so blinded that in keeping them under 

 unnatural conditions they prejudice their own health, and become 

 a nuisance to their neighbours. Well-conducted homes exist for the 

 reception of stray Dogs cast upon the streets, and whilst these exist, 

 and should receive the adequate support of all those animal-lovers 

 able and willing to give, it is not for private individuals in a 

 hampered and restricted environment to house a whole regiment of 

 howling Dogs, which, however companionable and faithful indi- 

 vidually, become, when unnaturally congested, a nuisance to every 

 one with whom they are brought into contact. 



As is well known, perhaps, the Wolf — which is the largest living 

 wild representative of the Dog family — the Coyote, the Kabern, or 

 Abyssinian Wolf, the Fox, and the different species of Jackals all 

 belong to the Dog tribe. Whilst there is some doubt as to the exact 

 status of the Dingo of Australia as a wild animal, there can be little 

 doubt that it has become an indigenous species now, and it possesses 

 an ancient pedigree which is shrouded in the mist of ages. 



HARE. — It has already been noticed in the last chapter that the 

 Common Hare, which is such a typical animal of wild England, 

 makes a really delightful pet when taken young, and a few further 

 notes upon this species may be accorded. Fig. 52 depicts an adult 

 specimen, and an old writer sums up the history of this animal very 

 tersely as under — 



" Hare, a small four-footed animal, with long ears and a short 

 tail, that moves by leaps and is remarkable for its timidity, vigilance 

 and fruitfulness. The first year it is called a Leveret, the second a 

 Hare, and the third a Great Hare. Her ears lead the way in the 

 chase, for with the one of them she listens to the cry of the Dogs, 

 while the other is stretched, like a sail, to promote her flight." 



I must candidly confess that it is as a wild animal I most 

 appreciate the Hare, for I always associate the curious, impetuous 

 creature with wild England of to-day. Living as it does a solitary 

 life amid surroundings that appeal to the quiet lover of the country- 

 side, there is something connected with this species that is entirely 

 lacking in the case of its first cousin the Wild Rabbit. I love both, 

 indeed all, animals, but of the two I like better to watch the antics 

 of the Hare. 



Its movements are less restricted, its plan of campaign seems 

 more comprehensive, its wanderings across country are more ex- 



