54 



CHAPTEE VII. 



The Norwegian Hare. Where found. Its Description. Opinion of 

 Nilsson. Habits of the Hare in Norway. Opinion of Linnaeus. 

 Partiality of the Hare for Mice in Norway. Hare's Blood as a Cos- 

 metic. The Badger in Norway. Where Found. The Young. 

 Badger Hams in Norway. Singular Habit of the Badger. The 

 Marten in Norway. Kept in Confinement. The Squirrel in Norway. 



THE hare (Lepus variabilis) is common in all parts of 

 Norway, and is even found in Magero, close to the 

 North Cape. It differs in size, colour, and flavour 

 from the common hare (Lepus timidus) which is found 

 in Great Britain. 



The Norwegian hare changes its colour twice a year, 

 hence its designation, variabilis. In April it begins to 

 assume its spring colour, called in Norway vaar-dragt ; 

 it gradually changes, until in summer it is gray-brown 

 on the upper parts, and pale gray underneath its body. 

 In September it appears in its autumnal dress, host- 

 dragt, when it is white all over, except the tips of the 

 ears, which are always black. 



The Norwegian hare is smaller in size than the 

 common species, while its flesh is white and much less 

 savoury ; its price in the Christiania market is about 

 that of a rabbit in England. 



