154 Mr. W. E. de Wiiiton on the Hares of 



depth from top of nasals to palate immediately in front of 

 premolars 22*5, in front of palate 20 ; mandible, length (bone 

 only) from condylar proc. to upperside of incisors 65, back 

 of incisors to angle 60'5 ; greatest height standing on table 

 per])endicularly to condyle 38"3, 



1 lie number of names which have been proposed show 

 clearly that this hare was never thought to be the same as 

 the more northern form, and I can only suppose that the 

 would-be describers were baulked by not having a typical 

 L. mediterraneus for comparison. It seems perfectlyincredible 

 that this well-marked species, by far the most strikingly 

 coloured member of the genus, should never have been 

 described ; but after a most thorough search in every book or 

 pamphlet which was likely to throw light on the subject, I 

 am unable to attach any of the above names to a description. 



I have connected with this handsome species the name of 

 the late Lord Lilford, in memory of the extreme interest he 

 took in the mammals of Europe, especially those of the 

 Spanish peninsula, and in recognition of the gracious help he 

 was always ready to give in assisting this branch of zoology. 



Lepus mediterraneus, Wagn. 



Lepus fnediterraneus, Wagner, Miinch. Anz. 1841, p. 439 (uec Water- 

 house, nee Loche). 



A description of this hare is given here for the sake of com- 

 parison, especially in regard to the measurements of the skull. 



Size very small, not much more than half that of 

 L. e. occidental is; tiie ears are rather short in proportion, 

 the backs of which are thinly clad with hair; the fur of 

 the back is not waved and plaited ; the nape, fore and hind 

 legs bright foxy red, the underparts strongly washed with 

 the same colour, exce))ting the centre of the belly and the 

 inguinal region, which are pure white ; there are no sharp 

 lines between the colours in any part excepting the tail, which 

 is like its allies. The bases of the fur in all parts are slate- 

 coloured ; this is very marked in the neck and chest-band, 

 and on the back the iur is buff-grey beneath the broad black 

 ring, and not white as in L. ewojjceus and allies. 



ileasurements (taken from dried skin, no. 92. 2. 27. 1, in 

 the British Museum, from Sardinia) : — 



Head and body (c.) 400 millim. ; tail 76; hind foot 97; 

 ear 96. 



Skull: greatest length 79*5 ; greatest breadth 39 ; breadth of 

 maxillai below lachrymal 27'5; length of nasals in miildle line 

 27, greatest length 34, greatest breadth 17"5, across narrowest 

 part 12; intertemp. constr. 12; basal length 63; lengthof upper 



