HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



303 



THE BLACK SQUIRREL. 



stances render the history of the species uncertain ; 

 but it appears, if a distinct species, to be pretty widely 

 spread, for it has been obtained in the States and also 

 in Mexico. It is described as being a much more 

 social animal than the gray squirrel. 



Of the Hare there are several fine species, one 

 weighing from eight to twelve pounds, which Mr. 

 Farnham supposes to be the Lepus glacialis ; another 

 is the Prairie Hare (Lepus Virginianus), and the 



