56 THE HARE. 



ence in the feet. In the male, the feet are small and pointed, 

 and the nails short ; whereas, in the female, they are much 

 larger and more spread ; the nails also are much longer. 



Two species of hares may be distinguished : those of the wood, 

 and those of the plain. The hares of the wood are in general 

 much larger than those of the open ground : the fur is not of so 

 dark a colour, and they are better covered with it ; they are also 

 swifter in the chase, and their flesh has a better flavour. Among 

 the hares of the plain, those may be distinguished which inhabit 

 marshes : they are not so swift of foot, are less covered with 

 fur, and their flesh is not so fine flavoured and delicate. 



A young hare, that has attained the full growth, may be known 

 from an old one by feeling the knee joints of the fore legs with 

 the thumb nail. When the heads of the two bones, which form 

 the joints, are so close, that little or no space is to be perceived 

 between them, the hare is old. If, on the contrary, there is a 

 perceptible separation, the hare is young ; and is more or less so, 

 in proportion to the separation of the bones. It may also be 

 known whether a hare is old or young, but without pretending 

 to ascertain the precise age, by compressing the under jaw- 

 bones : if they break at the point immediately under the fore- 

 teeth, upon a slight degree of pressure, the hare is certainly a 

 young one ; but if considerable force is required, the contrary 

 may be inferred. 



The hare is very prolific, and I believe the female will some- 

 times take the buck the latter end of the same season the early 

 part of which gave it birth. In fact, were it not for its surpris- 

 ing fecundity, the species (in England at least) would soon 

 become extinct* To say nothing of its other numerous enemies, 

 this animal appears the peculiar object of the poacher. There 

 are various methods of taking them, and so little skill is required, 

 that any bungler is able to execute tis purpose. The wire 

 snare is most commonly employed by poachers ; though I be- 



