198 COMMON HARE. 



side of the mouth is also coated with short hair : 

 the upper lip is divided ; the eyes are large, yel- 

 lowish-brown, and are said to be constantly open 

 even during sleep. 



The hare is a very prolific animal, generally 

 producing three or four young at a time, and 

 breeding several times in a year. The young re- 

 quire the assistance of the parent but for a short 

 time, and in about three weeks are able to provide 

 for themselves : they do not remove to any great 

 distance from each other, but continue in the 

 same neighbourhood for a considerable time. The 

 Hare feeds on various vegetables, but is observed 

 to prefer those of a milky and succulent quality. 

 It also occasionally feeds on the bark of trees, as 

 well as on the young shoots of various shrubs, &c. 



The nature of the soil in which the Hare re- 

 sides and feeds, is observed to influence in a con- 

 siderable degree the colour and constitution of 

 the animal. Those which feed in elevated situa- 

 tions are larger and darker than those which re- 

 side in the plains. 



The Hare is an animal proverbially timid, and 

 flies, if disturbed when feeding, by the slightest 

 alarm ; but when seated in its form, will allow 

 itself to be approached so near as to be reached by 

 a stick ; seeming to be fascinated as it were by 

 fear, and instead of endeavouring to fly, con- 

 tinues to squat immoveable, with its eyes fixed on 

 its enemy. It is necessary, however, in order to 

 conduct this manoeuvre, to approach in a gradual 

 and circling manner. 



