2.84 WHITE HARE. 



c,ise. From the examination of individuals at differ- 

 ent periods of the year, I have inferred that in this 

 species the hair is almost always changing ; that in 

 April and May there is a general but gradual shed- 

 ding, after which the summer colours are seen in 

 perfection ; that towards the middle of autumn many 

 new white hairs have been substituted for coloured 

 ones, and that, by degrees, all the hairs and under- 

 fur are shed and renewed before the end cf Decem- 

 ber, when the fur is in the perfection of its winter 

 condition, being closer, fuller, and longer than in 

 summer. 



The White Hare is not mnommon in the middle 

 and northern divisions of Scotland, residing in the 

 ^alleys of the Grampians and other mountainous 

 tracts, but not ascending the hills to their summits, 

 although in summer it keeps on the ferny slopes. 

 It appears that this species occurs also in some of the 

 northern parts of England. In winter, it descends 

 to the bottom of the valleys, but never visits the 

 fewer districts. It does not burrow, but conceals 

 itself among the ferns or heath, often in stony or 

 rocky places. Its flesh is whiter than that of the 

 Common Hare, generally leaner, and therefore less 

 esteemed. It is said to be easily domesticated if 

 taken young, and to exhibit less timidity and more 

 playfulness than the Common Hare. 



An adult male from Perthshire presented the 

 following dimensions : 



