200 COMMON HARE. 



resemblance to those of a roebuck. This particu- 

 larity, as strange as it is uncommon, seems to im- 

 ply a kind of indistinct approach in this animal 

 to the order Pecora. Accounts of horned hares 

 may be found, not only in the writings of Gesner 

 and Aldrovandus, but of many other naturalists, 

 and there seems to be no reason for doubting the 

 reality of the phenomenon. Dr. Grew, in his Mu- 

 sceum Regalis Societatis, mentions a pair of these 

 horns, which were at that time in the collection 

 of the Royal Society, and Mr. Schreber has lately 

 figured a pair in his work on quadrupeds. 



The Hare is a short-lived animal, and is sup- 

 posed rarely to exceed the term of seven or eight 

 years. Its voice, which is scarce ever heard but 

 in the distress of sudden surprise, is a cry not 

 much unlike that of an infant. The Hare is 

 preyed upon by foxes, wolves, eagles, hawks, 

 kites, &c. &c. which, together with the more de- 

 structive pursuits of mankind, contribute to thin 

 the number of these animals, which from their 

 prolific nature would otherwise multiply to the 

 most extravagant degree ; since, according to 

 Buifon, in some districts appropriated to the plea- 

 sures of the chace, not less than four or five hun- 

 dred have been destroyed in a single day ! 



It may be proper to add, that in very severe win- 

 ters, and especially in those of the more northern 

 regions, the hare becomes entirely white, in which 

 state it is liable to be mistaken for the following 

 species. 



