THE COMMON HARE. 



a thick covering of hair, which prevents her from 

 slipping, or taking any false steps. 



The situation of the eyes of the Hare (at a great 

 distance from each other) is such., that, when she is 

 at rest, she is enabled to observe, without difficulty, 

 and almost without motion, objects that are on 

 nearly all sides of her. In the chase, however, it is 

 certain that these animals see but very imperfectly 

 forward: when closely pursued, the fear of the 

 Dogs takes away also their presence of mind, and 

 they frequently run against objects. It is from this 

 circumstance that the vulgar notion has arisen, of 

 the Hare sometimes running itself blind. 



In Sandpit Wood, in the parish of Terling in 

 Essex, a pack of Foxhounds, in 1782, had just un- 

 kennelled; and the Hares, of which there were great 

 numbers in the cover, were, many of them, dis- 

 turbed. In one of the paths, a Hare met and 

 ran against a Terrier which was hastening to the 

 cry, with such velocity, that both the animals were 

 apparently killed. The Dog, with some difficulty, 

 was recovered; but the Hare's skull was fractured to 

 pieces*. 



The speed of Hares is so great, that instances have 

 occurred of even Horses being killed in attempting 

 to keep up with Greyhounds that have pursued 

 them. Without reckoning the various doublings 



* Daniel's Rural Sports, i. p. 319. 



that 



