THE HARE. 321 



Surprising instance ot fecundity. 



fix upon a spot where the immediately surround- 

 ing objects are nearly the colour' of their own 

 bodies. 



Hares vary considerably in size and weight ; 

 the smallest are said to inhabit the isle of Hay ; 

 the largest are found in the isle of Man. The 

 Comte de Buffon asserts, that they are larger 

 and stronger in proportion to the coldness of the 

 climate. Their habitual timidity, and perpetual 

 apprehension of danger, preserve them lean ; but 

 when domesticated, they have been known to 

 die from acquiring too great a load of fat. Their 

 favourite food consists of birch, parsley, and 

 the bark of young trees. They are said to breed 

 during the whole year, excepting about two 

 months in the depth of winter. The female goes 

 with young one month, and generally produces 

 two or three at a litter, which she suckles about 

 three weeks; but at the expiration of that time, 

 they separate in quest of food, and make their 

 respective forms or seats, about sixty or eighty 

 paces from each other. 



As an instance of their fecundity, the Rev. B. 

 Daniel relates, that a brace of hares were in- 

 closed in a large walled garden, and proper plants 

 supplied for their sustenance: at the end of 

 twelve months the garden was examined, and 

 the produce was Jifty-seven hares, including the 

 original parents. 



Wild cats, weasels, foxes, and various birds of 

 prey, are the natural enemies of the hare j the 



NO. vii. 2 s 



