( 308 ) 

 THE VARYING HARE*. 



WHITE HARE, OR ALPINE HARE. 



THESE Hares, says Mr. Pennant, inhabit the sum- 

 mits of the Highland mountains ; and never descend 

 into the plains or vales. They are not able to run 

 swiftly ; -and, when pursued, they generally seek for 

 shelter beneath stones, or in the clefts of rocks. 



In some parts of Russia and Siberia, where they are 

 found in great abundance, the Varying Hares col- 

 lect together in vast numbers. Flocks of five or 

 six hundred are sometimes observed, at the ap- 

 proach of winter, migrating into the lower parts of 

 the country, in search of food. They return at the 

 first breaking up of the frost. 



They are gentle and docile animals ; and, when 

 tamed, are very sprightly and full of frolic. They 

 are fond of honey and sweetmeats. 



In the extreme northern parts of the continent, 

 they continue white during the whole of the year; 

 but in Scotland they exchange their grey coat for 



* Lepus variabilis. LinruEUs. 

 For the description of the Varying Hare, see the Synopsis, p. 51, 



No. 34. 



a white 



