COMMON HARE 



The Hare depends for protection upon its powers 

 of locomotion, as it does not, like the Rabbit, resort to 

 an underground dwelling. Herein is the reason why the 

 young — called Leverets — are born with their eyes wide 

 open, ready to scamper about soon after they are pro- 

 duced. This is a very important provision of Nature, 

 as, not being sheltered in a hidden nest, the young are 



more subject to attacks by numerous enemies — four- 

 footed and otherwise — and it is highly essential they 

 should in some measure be able to protect themselves. 

 A baby Hare a few hours old is one of the cubbiest of 

 wild creatures, and cannot fail to make a strong appeal to 

 all those who are fond of animal Ufe. To children, 

 especially, a Leveret is very dear, and among the mammals 

 exhibited in the Museum of which we are in charge, 

 none calls forth the best side of a boy or girl's nature 



more than one of these babies which breathed its last 



47 



