THE NORTHERN HARE. 29 



at different seasons from three, to six and a half pounds, 

 but five and a half pounds is the average weight of a 

 full-grown one. 



It is probable that the doe produces two families in 

 the season, the young numbering from four to six each 

 time, and the period of gestation is about six weeks ; 

 but this species is said to be subject to failures through 

 a disease which is of periodical occurrence. 



This Hare is found in pine-woods and in thickets on 

 rocky hill sides and in undisturbed districts, preferring 

 dry arid rather high situations; and is generally to be 

 met with, in greater or less abundance, wherever there 

 is any quantity of dwarf birch or of willow. In the 

 summer the chief part of its food consists of grass 

 and the leaves of various plants. It is said to be very 

 fond of the young twigs of the Laurus benzoin or wild 

 allspice ; and in winter scratches up the snow to feed on 

 the berries and leaves of various species of Pyrola.* 



It ranges as far north as latitude 68, and, according 

 to Dr. Bachman,f its southern limit is 51; but I have 

 myself seen and shot it at the Short Hills, in the 

 Western Province, which is about 43 15', and it is com- 

 mon still further south in many parts of the State of 

 New York, to my own knowledge. It is very abundant 



* Can. Nat. Greo., Mont. f Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil. 



