616 



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



much black as almost to form a continuous tint on the hack, with only a slight break here and 

 there. There is also a greater amount of black on the cheeks. The white of the under parts 

 is rather purer. 



The slightest comparison of specimens of this species with sylvaticus will show the very great 

 differences between them. Of approximately the same size, the head and incisors are very 

 much larger ; the hind feet, ears, and tail much shorter ; the former very slender and acutely 

 pointed. Ths colors are very different, in the absence of the light yellowish red, or ligh^ 

 reddish brown of the back, and in having the rump dark rusty instead of gray. The under 

 parts lack the clear cottony white of the other species, especially under the tail. The under 

 fur of the back is entirely of a uniform dark smoky gray, except towards the rump, where it is 

 tipped with paler. The bristly hairs of the back, which in winter are an inch and a half long, 

 are entirely of a glossy black, with a f ubterminal annulus of yellowish brown about a quarter of 

 an inch long, and about that distance from the tip. The anterior face of the hind legs is rusty. 

 In Lepus sylvaticus the under fur is of a much paler plumbeous, with a well defined broad tip of 

 yellowish brown. The long hairs of the back are much shorter, the black much more restricted, 

 the yellowish brown median annulus much more extended. The anterior face of the hind legs 

 is nearly white. 



The differences from L. aquaticus have already been given under the head of that species, 

 where, also, will be found a reference to its peculiar habits. 



This animal is found in the south Atlantic States, from North Carolina (according to Bach- 

 man) to Georgia and Florida. Audubon and Bachman mention it as occurring in Louisiana 

 and Texas. I have never seen any specimens from the regions west of Georgia, and should be 

 much inclined to doubt the correctness of Texas as a locality. 



List of specimens. 



1 The following are additional measurements of skulls from St. Simon's island, Ga: 2203, 3.04 + 1.50; 2204. 3.25 +1.50; 2205, 3 16 + 1.51; 

 2206,3.15 + 1.54; 2207,2.97 + 1.45; 2453,3.17 + 1.60; 2454,3.03 + 1.45; 2455,3.14 + 1.55, Sic. The usual range is from 3.05 to 3.20 for length^ 

 and 1 .46 to 1 .62 for width. 



In addition to the species of hares which I have characterized above, there are two or three 

 others which the materials before me do not permit me to describe or discuss. These are as 

 follows : 



