106 WILD LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND. 



CHAPTER XV. 



RODENTIA HAKES ; I XSECTIVORA HEDGEHOGS. 



THE HAHK (L< />//* < !//<>/>/!( HS). 



HARES, like rabbits, are animals destitute of any special means of 

 defence against their enemies except the rapidity of their move- 

 ments,- and they are exceedingly shy and timid. Their eyes and 

 ears are instantly cognisant of even distant warnings of danger, 

 and the limbs are admirably adapted for the most rapid Might. 

 The hind limbs are nearly twice as long as the fore limbs, and are 

 very muscular. Owing to their great length the animal, when 

 moving slowly in search of food, goes awkwardly about, "but 

 the moment there is occasion for him to move rapidlv the dispro- 

 portionate hind limbs stand him in good stead, and he shoots 

 along the ground by a series of long leaps and with _ r reat swift 

 ness. At the- same time, it is observed that the length of its hind 

 legs causes the hare to run with much greater facility uphill than 

 down, and in fact it is said that in descending steep inclines the 

 animal is obliged to run obliquely in order to escape overbalancing 

 itself. When pursued the hare lias the art of making sudden turns 

 in its course, known as 'doubles' or 'wrenches.' by which the 

 dogs in chase of it are thrown out. Greyhounds arc s \\iftei- of 

 foot than hares, but they are incapable of changing their course 

 so sharply, and thus, while they are carried some distance on- 

 wards bv their own impetus, their intended victim is making off 

 in a different direction." 



Hares can swim well, and have been seen crossini: an arm of 

 the sea a mile wide. Hares d-> not burrow, but live in a small 

 hollow of the surface of the ground, which is known as the " form." 

 They select a shady spot in summer, a sunny one in winter, and _"> 

 undercover when it ruins. Thev live chiefly in cultivated country, 

 but in Xew Zealand are not uncommon on ura^s land and on river- 

 be. Is. though 1 have met with them far up the slopes .f Mount 

 Kirmont. Thev feed on most vegetable materials. 



