THE CAPE HARE 



rodents become a serious menace to the agricul- 

 turalist. 



The Cape Hare often develops unclean habits of 

 feeding, and frequents roads, Kafir and cattle kraals 

 to feed upon animal and human excrement. How- 

 ever, most species of rodent animals are apt at times 

 to devour loathsome substances. 



Hares sometimes do great harm in young planta- 

 tions by gnawing away the bark of the trees. 



During rainy weather these animals usually desert 

 the open veld and seek the welcome cover of patches 

 of scrub, the sheltered sides of rocks, and overhanging 

 banks. 



The Hare is a good swimmer, and will plunge into 

 a river and swim across when pursued by dogs, or 

 to secure better food or a mate. There is an 

 instance on record of a Hare actually swimming over 

 an inlet of the sea, a distance of more than a mile. 



The Hare is an exceedingly timid animal, and 

 utterly lacks defensive weapons in the way of fight- 

 ing-teeth, claws, or an offensive secretion. It is, 

 however, well compensated, as the colour of its 

 fur is highly protective, its speed is great, its hearing 

 is exceedingly keen, and it is endowed with much 

 cunning. 



When a Hare hears any suspicious sound, it raises 

 itself erect on its hind-legs, and listens intently. 

 If its suspicions are justified it quietly steals into 

 cover, takes to flight, or instantly squats flat upon 

 the ground, every sen.se keenly on the alert. When 



VOL. IV 193 13 



