242 BULLETIN NO. VII. 



Var. bairdi is not different in size and proportions from other 

 varieties of L. americanus. ' 'The most prominent distinctive 

 features in summer pelage are its pure white under-fur, the 

 long, black tips of the hairs and the white feet, and in winter 

 the tendency of the pelage to become pure white to the base." 

 "This variety appears to be strictly an alpine form inhabiting 

 the snowy summits of the higher portions of the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. " Baird supposed that there were marked differences' in 

 size especially of the tarsi to distinguish this from the other 

 varieties which are said by Allen not to obtain. 



The following remarks must be understood to pertain to 

 Minnesota specimens simply unless otherwise stated : 



It is unnecessary to devote space to a description of the 

 habits of so familiar an animal. Chapters of every country 

 boy's experience could easily be recalled by allusions to box- 

 traps and snares. The greatest feat of the creature is per- 

 formed with his feet, and the image of personified fear with a 

 puff of feathery tail and a confused mixture of hurtling legs 

 and pendant ears constitutes our idea of the hare. Its whole life 

 is one continual flight. Nevertheless there are quiet intervals 

 when fragrant clover blooms and aromatic apple bark sooth the 

 fears. Although so timid, the ha,re actually possesses consid- 

 erable courage. A countryman having captured a leveret, was 

 employed in marking it by notching its ears, when he was inter- 

 rupted by the mother, who flew at him with singular courage and 

 struck so fiercely with her fore feet that she tore his hands sev- 

 erely. Being unable to release her young, she waited until he 

 liberated the little hare, with w r hich she went off. The males are 

 quite pugnacious, waging fierce combats with their own spe- 

 cies . Billings gives an illustration in the case of specimens 

 confined with hares of other species. "The old males at this 

 period seemed to be animated with new courage; they had 

 previously suffered themselves to be chased and worried by 

 the common English rabbit, and even retreated from the at- 

 tacks of the gray rabbit, but now they stood their ground, and 

 engaged in fierce combats with the other prisoners and gener- 

 ally came off victorious. They stamped with their feet and 

 used their teeth and claws, and in the fight tore off patches of 

 skin and mutilated the ears of their former persecutors until 

 they were left in undisturbed possession of the premises." 

 When frightened the rabbit will frequently strike the ground 

 with such force with its feet as to produce a considerable 



