112 SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. 



THE HARE AND THE CONEY. 



IN Lev. xi. the Jewish legislator places the hare among unclean 

 animals, because, * although he chews the cud, he divides not the 

 hoof.' 



Like all other animals that feed entirely upon vegetables, the 

 hare is inoffensive and timorous. As natur'e furnishes it with an 

 abundant supply, it has not that rapacity after food remarkable in 

 such as are often stinted in their provisions. It is extremely active, 

 and amazingly swift, to which it chiefly owes its protection ; for, 

 being the prey of every voracious animal, it is incessantly pursued. 

 The eyes of the hare are large and prominent, and placed so far 

 backward in its head, that it can almost see behind it as it runs. 

 They are never wholly closed ; but, as the animal is continually 

 upon the watch, it sleeps with them open. The ears are still more 

 remarkable for their size ; they are moveable, and can be directed 

 to every quarter; so that the smallest sounds are readily received, 

 and the animal's motions directed accordingly. The muscles of 

 the body are very strong, and without fat, so that it may be said to 

 carry no superfluous burthen of flesh about it. The hinder feet are 

 larger than the fore, which still adds to the rapidity of its motions ; 

 and almost all animals that are remarkable for their speed, except 

 the horse, are formed in the same manner. The hare multiplies 

 exceedingly ; and, were it not for the depredations made upon the 

 race by most other animals, it would quickly overrun the earth. 



The flesh of this animal has been esteemed a delicacy by some 

 nations, but is held in detestation by others. The Jews, the ancient 

 Britons, and the Mahometans, all considered it as unclean, and re- 



