84 CHECK LIST OF THE 



exact. y when it first appeared here, nor am I certain as to whether it first 

 entered the country by crossing the Niagara River on the ice or by cross- 

 ing at some point on the south-western boundary. I first saw it in the 

 winter of 1871-72 on the bank of the river at Niagara. During that 

 winter the river had frozen completely across and their tracks showed that 

 large numbers of rabbits had crossed to our side upon the ice bridge thus 

 formed. For some years they increased and spread vey rapidly, but of 

 late they have been so much pursued that in spite of the fact that they are 

 remarkably prolific they seem to be rather decreasing than gaining in 

 number. 



To the fruit-grower these animals are somewhat objectionable because, 

 of their habit of feeding upon the bark of young orchard trees ; sometimes 

 completely girdling and destroying them. The damage done by the Cot- 

 ton-tail in this respect, however, is trifling compared with that done by 

 meadow mice, though I find that in many parts of the country the mischief 

 done by the mice is generally charged against the Rabbits as they are 

 commonly called. 



The females produce two or three" broods during the summer and 

 each litter will contain from four to six young ones. 



(2) Lepns americanus. 



(Varying Hare, White Hare.) 



Formerly this Hare was very abundant and generally distributed over 

 the Province, but as the land has been brought under cultivation its range 

 has become restricted. It is essentially an animal of the woods and wher- 

 ever any extent of thick cover yet remains these Hares may still be found. 



The Northern Hare is remarkable for the seasonal change which takes 

 place in the color of its pelage. In summer it is of a dark reddish brown. 

 In winter it becomes perfectly white. 



FAMILY ERETHIZONTID^E. (THE AMERICAN PORCUPINES.) 



Fur mixed with bristly barbed spines ; tip of muzzle with small hair ; 

 chiefly arboreal. 



GENUS ERETHIZON. 



(3) Erethizon dorsalis. 



(Canada Porcupine.) 



Formerly common and generally distributed ; now only found in the 

 unsettled parts of northern Ontario. 



There is a popular idea that this creature defends itself by shooting 

 its quills at its enemies ; this is a mistake. The Porcupine will sometimes 

 strike a heavy blow with its tail, thereby driving the quills deeply into the 

 flesh of an antagonist, but it has not the power to eject its quills, nor is it 

 necessary, for its armature renders it almost invulnerable to its natural 

 enemies as it is. 



Its food consists of the tender bark, twigs, and buds of trees. 



