THE HARE. 



319 



I 



Precaution suggested by M. Sonnini. 



sable precaution to those who attempt it, Son- 

 nini advises that they be close shut up in strong 

 cages, or other conveniences, without any possi- 

 bility of escaping ; for their natural disposition 

 inciting them to gnaw whatever comes in their 

 way, they may occasion considerable damage to 

 a vessel in the course of her voyage ; and, being 

 able to eat through the hardest wood, may even 

 endanger her sinking. 



The female breeds several times in the course 

 of a year, and usually produces seven or eight 

 young at a time. 



THE PURE. , 



THIS timid and inoffensive little animal is 

 found in most of the northern parts of the world, 

 and is so generally known as to obviate the ne- 

 cessity of a particular description. It may be 

 proper to remark, however, that, being destitute 

 of weapons of defence, nature has kindly adapted 

 its formation to its dangers and mode of life. 

 Thus, the largeness and prominency of its eyes 

 enable it to perceive objects in every direction ; its 

 long and tubular ears may be moved with fa- 

 cility to every quarter, and catch the remotest 

 sounds; and the muscular power of its hind legs 

 gives it a singular facility of running up a hilJ, 

 while its pursuers are left far behind. The ccJouir 



