HARES AND RABBITS 



469 



The South African hare (L. capensis) and the closely allied L. ochropus 

 differ by their shorter limbs, the absence of a rufous tinge on the back 

 of the neck, and the yellowish throat. When hunted, they carry their 

 ears erect. With the exception of the two under-mentioned species, 

 all the African hares belong to the typical group of the genus Lepus. 



Very distinct are the South African red-rumped hares (L. crassi- 

 caudatus and L. ruddi), which are small rabbit-like species with the 

 rump and tail bright rufous, and the tail itself unusually thick. By 

 some writers these two species are classed in the same subgenus 

 (Oryctolagus] as the rabbit ; while by others they are referred to a 

 group apart, as Pronolagns. 



None of the South African hares afford good sport, having but 

 little speed, and generally going to ground ; while some, at least, are 

 foul-feeders. 



The so-called jumping-harc (Pedetes coffer) has nothing whatever 

 to do with the true hares and rabbits, but represents a family by itself. 



Fir.. 96. --A Female West African Forest-Hog. 



