HARES AND RABBITS. 227 



tain-Hare does not turn white in winter; and it is said that 

 among those introduced into Ayrshire and the neighbouring 

 counties, the change is much less complete and regular than in 

 the north. Moreover, of those introduced into Mull, some be- 

 come white in winter, while others do not ; and it is, therefore, 

 not improbable that those in which the change does not take 

 place, were imported from Ireland. Elsewhere in Scotland the 

 assumption of the white winter-dress is regular and complete. 



Regarding this change, Macgillivray writes that " in Septem- 

 ber the colours begin to assume a paler tint, many of the dusky 

 hairs having disappeared. In October the change is further 

 advanced, and towards the end of the month, the muzzle, hind- 

 neck, and feet are white, of which colour there are spots and 

 patches dispersed here and there. In December the fur seems to 

 be entirely white, but has an intermixture of long blackish hairs 

 on the back ; the anterior external part of the ear is brownish, 

 and its tip black. The under-fur is light bluish-grey at the base, 



pale yellowish, or cream-colour towards the end 



From the examination of individuals at different periods of the 

 year, I have inferred that in this species the hair is almost 

 always changing ; that in April and May there is a general but 

 gradual shedding, after which the summer-colours are seen in 

 perfection ; that towards the middle of autumn many new 

 white hairs have been substituted for coloured ones, and that 

 by degrees all the hair and under-fur are shed and renewed 

 before the end of December, when the fur is in the perfection 

 of its winter condition, being closer, fuller, and longer than in 

 summer." Bell, on the other hand, believed that the change 

 was due to an alteration in the colour of the hairs themselves; 

 but we have every reason for regarding the former as the true 

 explanation. 



Habits. — In its general habits this species resembles the 

 Common Hare, producing active, furred young, and not burrow- 



Q 2 



