290 THE COMMON HARE. 



approach of that season, change their colour to 

 white. Their furs are considered valuable, as arti- 

 cles of commerce. 



THE COMMON HARE*. 



Few animals have more natural shyness and timi- 

 dity than the Hare; and, as it is a weak and defence- 

 less creature, it is often indebted to this timidity 

 for its preservation. It rarely leaves its form, or 

 seat, during the day-time; but in the night, takes a 

 circuit round the neighbouring copses or fields, in 

 search of food. When its appetite is satisfied, it 

 returns always by the same tracks, and through the 

 same menses, or passes. 



With step revers'd 



She forms the doubling maze ; then, ere the morn 

 Peeps through the clouds, leaps to her close recess. 



Of this constant return by the same path, the 

 poacher too often avails himself, by laying snares, 

 or nets, in the meuses. By these means, great 

 numbers of Hares are annually destroyed. In the 



* Lepus timidus. Linnaus. Le Lievre.Bujfon. 

 For the description of the Hare, see the Synopsis, p. 50, No. 33. 



spring 



