PAGES OF HARE LORE 



runs which she makes through the midst of the ripen- 

 ing crops. After the corn has been carried, the hare 

 frequents the stubbles, or seeks provender in the 

 turnip fields. Prudent farmers, knowing that the 

 hare prefers swedes to any other root crop, used to 

 drill in a few rows of swedes on purpose for the benefit 

 of Puss. The Ground Game Act has latterly super- 

 seded such kindly offices. As winter advances the hare 

 feeds more and more upon the turnips, but she does 

 not spoil them like the rabbit, but is content to con- 

 sume the root which she has selected to afford her 

 repast. If the weather becomes very severe, many of 

 the hares browse upon the tops and sprouts of young 

 whins. Others gather together in kitchen gardens 

 and fill their bellies with cabbages. If hard pressed, 

 they will eat a variety of substances which they would 

 not touch in a season of plenty. In the pride of their 

 summer strength, the fine brown rascals delight to 

 steal into the flower gardens and devour the carnations, 

 to the annoyance of the gardeners. In hard weather 

 the poor beasts are driven to eat such indigestible 

 substances as the berries of the common holly. Mr. 

 R. Mann assures me that when pressed by hunger 

 the hares of his district repair to the spots where the 

 plant called ' Rest Harrow ' grows. Scraping away 

 the snow, they devour the leaves of the flower. Else- 



