584 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT. 



The species is readily distinguishable from L. americanus by its smaller size and shorter ears, 

 which are more reddish internally. The tarsi are much shorter. The colors are not dissimilar, 

 but the L. washingtonii has much softer fur, and a richer, darker, reddish brown. 



From L. sylvaticm it is distinguished by its longer tarsi and ears ; the latter ' bordered with 

 black behind ; the fur is reddish brown not yellow brown ; there is no gray on the sides any 

 where, and the nape is not different from the back, as in L. sylvaticus, palustris, artemisia, and 

 other species. 



Since the preceding description was prepared, Dr. Suckley received several imperfect skins 

 of hares from the latitude of 54 40', which, in all probability, belong to the same species. 

 One in summer dress appears to be immature, and although the general appearance is as 

 described, yet there is rather more yellow in the cinnamon color. The feet and ears are wanting. 

 The other skins, two in number, are similarly mutilated. In these the color externally is snowy 

 white. The under fur, however, is light plumbeous for more than its basal half, darker 

 towards the end ; it is then of a pale yellowish brown, of two shades, the outer half abruptly 

 and appreciably darker, this color forming the tip of the fur. The white is due to the long 

 hairs which are pure white to the roots. On the belly the hairs are without the brown, although 

 the basal plumbeous is quite distinct. In this respect the colors are very similar to those of 

 L, americanus, although the fur is longer. 



In all the specimens I have seen, the portion of the pads under the toes is of a brownish 

 white, sharply and distinctly lighter than the remaining portion, which is strongly tinged with 

 sooty. This may be considered a pretty good specific mark. 



As already stated, this species is very similar to L. americanus, and should the more northern 

 individuals turn white in winter, the resemblance will be still greater. The color, in perfect 

 specimens, is much the same. The size of L. washingtonii is, however, much less ; the tarsi 

 especially. There is considerably more black at the tip of the ear, and its dorsal surface is 

 light cinnamon, instead of being nearly white. In fact, there is scarcely any white on the ear, 

 this being confined to the extreme margin, instead of having the fringe and much of the dorsal 

 surface of this color. 



Thus far, this species has only been found in Washington Territory, on and west of Puget's 

 Sound, unless, as is highly probable, Dr. Suckley 's specimens from the latitude of 54 4(K 

 should belong here. It constitutes the western representative of L. americanus. 



