54 THE HARE. 



kind, even the bark of trees, comes amiss to it. They 

 seldom live more than seven or eight years, even should 

 they escape the multiplied dangers to which they are 

 exposed. They pass a life of solitude and silence ; and 

 are capable of some domestication ; in which state they 

 become fond and caressing : but their attachment to any 

 particular person is very weak, and they are sure to watch 

 and lay hold of the first opportunity to regain their native 

 liberty and independence. 



The influence of climate is very perceptible in these 

 animals. In the northern countries they assume a white 

 colour in winter, and assemble in large troops. The hares 

 found in warmer latitudes are smaller than those of 

 Britain, and have a thinner fur. They are generally 

 diffused over every climate, from the northern regions to 

 the line, from the line towards the southern pole. 



The fur of hares is an article of considerable importance 

 in the hat manufactory. Their flesh is reckoned very 

 delicate eating among some nations, although from 

 superstitious or other motives it is detested among others. 



The Calling is an inhabitant of the South-eastern part 

 of Russia, and is also found among the mountains that 

 extend from the Uralian chain, about the river Irtish and 

 the western Altaic mountains. It is nearly six inches long, 

 of a brownish lead-colour above and whitish below. This 

 little animal forms an oblique burrow on some dry decli- 

 vity, covered with fine compact turf and bushes. It is a 

 solitary animal, and seldom seen. It betrays its residence 

 by its voice, which resembles that of a quail, and is heard 

 early in the morning, and after sunset. It is astonishingly 

 loud for so small an animal. The Calling Hare becomes 

 tame almost as soon as caught, being very gentle ; it sleeps 

 but little, and then, like the common Hare, with open 

 eyes. It generally sits with its body drawn up, and its 

 hind legs brought near the face ; in this position it will 

 just fill the hollow of the hand. It may be easily fed 

 with the leaves of various shrubs and plants. Its young 

 are very helpless at first, being blind and naked, but they 

 soon acquire fur and sight. 



