HARES AND RABBITS. 227 



ain-Hare does not turn white in winter; and it is said that 

 imong those introduced into Ayrshire and the neighbouring 

 counties, the change is much less complete and regular than in 

 he north. Moreover, of those introduced into Mull, some be- 

 come white in winter, while others do not ; and it is, therefore, 

 lot improbable that those in which the change does not take 

 )lace, were imported from Ireland. Elsewhere in Scotland the 

 issumption of the white winter-dress is regular and complete. 



Regarding this change, Macgillivray writes that " in Septem- 

 )er the colours begin to assume a paler tint, many of the dusky 

 lairs having disappeared. In October the change is further 

 advanced, and towards the end of the month, the muzzle, hind- 

 leck, and feet are white, of which colour there are spots and 

 )atches dispersed here and there. In December the fur seems to 

 )e entirely white, but has an intermixture of long blackish hairs 

 m the back ; the anterior external part of the ear is brownish, 

 .nd its tip black. The under-fur is light bluish-grey at the base, 



lale yellowish, or cream-colour towards the end 



horn the examination of individuals at different periods of the 

 'ear, I have inferred that in this species the hair is almost 

 •Iways changing; that in April and May there is a general but 

 ;radual shedding, after which the summer-colours are seen in 

 lerfection ; that towards the middle of autumn many new 

 /hite hairs have been substituted for coloured ones, and that 

 )y degrees all the hair and under-fur are shed and renewed 

 )efore the end of December, when the fur is in the perfection 

 if its winter condition, being closer, fuller, and longer than in 

 ummer." Bell, on the other hand, believed that the change 

 vas due to an alteration in the colour of the hairs themselves; 

 )ut we have every reason for regarding the former as the true 

 explanation. 



Habits. — In its general habits this species resembles the 

 Common Hare, producing active, furred young, and not burrow- 



Q 2 



