462 UPLAND SHOOTING. 



collars are loosened from the dogs' necks, and they are 

 free to pursue the hare untrammeled by anything, and 

 they are thereby given an even start in the race. 



THE JACK-RABBIT. 



There is probably but one animal that will call into 

 activity all of the qualities of the greyhound, and that is 

 the jack-rabbit; and he being such an important factor in 

 coursing, we deem it essential to give a general descrip- 

 tion of him, for the benefit of the many readers who have 

 never seen one of these little fleet-footed residents of the 

 plains. 



He is, undoubtedly, the swiftest animal in the world 

 for a short distance; and when in good condition, and in 

 training for being pursued, frequently he is more than a 

 match for the swiftest greyhound that ever had an 

 existence. 



Their habitat is on the open prairie, from the eastern 

 border of Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota to the 

 Pacific Coast. In different localities their size and color 

 vary considerably, but they all retain their peculiarities 

 where found. In Dakota they are very large, and are 

 lighter in color, and have a thicker coat. 



In New Mexico and vicinity they are very large, but 

 much darker in color than in Dakota and other Northern 

 States. 



There are two varieties, the white-tail and the black- 

 tail; and, as the name would indicate, the tail is the dis- 

 tinguishing feature, although there are other marked 

 peculiarities worthy of mention. 



The black-tail has a lighter body and longer legs, and 

 the ears are tipped with seal-brown for about an inch. 

 The tail much resembles the common cotton-tail in 

 form, but on the upper surface is the same color as 

 the tips of the ears. They keep it rolled close to the 



