242 BULLETIN NO. VII. 
Var. bairdi is not different in size and proportions from other 
varieties of Z. americanus. ‘‘The most prominent distinctive 
features in summer pelage are its pure white under-fur, the 
long, black tips of the hairs and the white feet, and in winter 
the tendency of the pelage to become pure white to the base.” 
“This variety appears to be strictly an alpine form inhabiting 
the snowy summits of the higher portions of the Rocky Moun- 
tains.” Baird supposed that there were marked differences in 
size especially of the tarsi to distinguish this from the other 
varieties which are said by Allen not to obtain. 
The following remarks must be understood to pertain to 
Minnesota specimens simply unless otherwise stated: 
It is unnecessary to devote space to a description of the. 
habits of so familiar an animal. Chapters of every country 
boy’s experience could easily be recalled by allusions to box- 
traps and snares. The greatest feat of the creature is per- 
formed with his feet, and the image of personified fear with a. 
puff of feathery tail and a confused mixture of hurtling legs. 
and pendant ears constitutes our idea ofthe hare. Its whole life 
is one continual flight. Nevertheless there are quiet intervals. 
when fragrant clover blooms and aromatic apple bark sooth the 
fears. Although so timid, the hare actually possesses consid- 
erable courage. A countryman having captured a leveret, was 
employed in marking it by notching its ears, when he was inter- 
rupted by the mother, who flew at him with singular courage and 
struck so fiercely with her fore feet that she tore his hands sev- 
erely. Being unable to release her young, she waited until he 
liberated the little hare, with which she went off. The males are 
quite pugnacious, waging fierce combats with their own spe- 
cies. Billings gives an illustration in the case of specimens 
confined with hares of other species. ‘‘The old males at this 
period seemed to be animated with new courage; they had 
previously suffered themselves to be chased and worried by 
the common English rabbit, and even retreated from the at- 
tacks of the gray rabbit, but now they stood their ground, and ~ 
engaged in fierce combats with the other prisoners and gener- 
ally came off victorious. They stamped with their feet and 
used their teeth and claws, and in the fight tore off patches of 
skin and mutilated the ears of their former persecutors until 
they were left in undisturbed possession of the premises.” 
When frightened the rabbit will frequently strike the ground 
with such force with its feet as to produce a considerable 
pe: 
