THE JACK K VIM^ITS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



By T. S. Palmer, M. 1). 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Great Plaius and deserts of the western United States are 

 inhabited by several species of large hares, commonly known as 'jack 

 rabbits.' These rabbits occur almost everywhere, except in the higher 

 mountains and in wooded regions, from the ninety-fifth meridian west 

 to the Pacific, and from the Plains of the Saskatchewan soutliward over 

 the table-land of Mexico to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The resem 

 blance of their large ears to those of the well-known pack animal of the 

 West lias suggested the common names of 'jackass hares,' 'jack rab- 

 bits," or 'jacks.' In some parts of California jack rabbits are called 

 'narrow-gauge mules' and 'smull mules,' but fortunately these absurd 

 terms are very local, and not likely to come in general use. 1 n the South- 

 west and beyond the Kio Grande the large hares are called 'liebres* 

 by the Mexicans, to distinguish them from the cotton-tail rabbits, or 

 'couejos.' 



GENERAL HABITS. 



.Tack rabbits may be seen abroad at almost any hour of the day, and 

 lience are likely to be recognized by the most casual observer, and are 

 perhaps better known than most other native mammals. Living as they 

 do on the open plain, where they are compelled to rely for safety on 

 quickness of hearing and on speed, their ears and hind legs are devel- 

 oped to an extraordinary degree. This gives them a somewhat grotesque 

 appearance, but in reality few animals are more graceful as they bound 

 along when once thoroughlj- alarmed. In spite of an unfortunate name 

 and seeming awkwardness of gait, a closer acquaintance with their 



'This name seems to have been first introduced by Audubon and Haohman in 1851. 



In referring to one of the species found along the Mexican border they say: "This 



species is called the jackass rabbit in Texas, owing to the length of its ears." (Quad. 



N. Am., II, 1851, p. 99); and again, in reference to Lepttn texianux. "This hare received 



from the Texans and iVoinoiir troops in the Mexican war the name of jackass rabbit, 



in common with Lepita callotis.'' ^Ibiil., Ill, p. 157.) 



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