BRITISH MAMMALS 



when being tended in our own hands. Well adapted for 

 observing danger, having the eyes placed in such a way 

 that it can see all round, the Hare, as with other animals 

 that are hunted, is no exception to the rule In 

 spite of this, as also its swiftness of foot, sense of 

 smell, and quick breeding, its numbers have decreased 

 within recent years, though there is no cause for alarm 

 as to its ultimate survival. 



Accused of being a foolish animal — an old country 

 saying has perpetuated this : "As mad as a March 

 Hare " — because it has the habit of retracing its steps 

 to the " form " it had left, the reverse is true, when, as it 

 so often does, it runs uphill from its pursuers, in which 

 event it is greatly aided by the short fore, and the long 

 hind, legs. 



In diet, the Hare is a vegetarian, and often commits 

 sad havoc in cornfields, but being a favourite animal 

 for coursing, and for the table, it is afforded some amount 

 of protection. 



But it is best to think of this typical inhabitant of 

 rural England as a lover of the open heath and field, 

 roaming at will in the very heart of the country, free and 

 unfettered, under the open dome of the blue sky. 



The long, black-tipped ears, the curved claws, wealth 



of hair, well-proportioned body, are features of interest. 



It measures about twenty-four inches, and an average 



specimen turns the scales at eight pounds. The four or 



five young are born during the Summer, more than one 



litter being produced in a season. 

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