NORTHERN HARE or WHITE RABBIT 



Lcpus aincricanus virgimanus. 



This is one of the largest of the rabbit family. Adults being 

 from eighteen to twenty inches and the more northern varieties up 

 to twenty-four inches long and averaging from four to six pounds 

 in weight. It is most commonly found in the northeastern part of 

 the United States from northern Maine to North Carolina, along 

 the Alleghany Range. 



From the middle or last of February, until the coming of snow, 

 their color is of a dark reddish brown, which usually changes in a 

 short time to be pure white, or, in some cases, white with the 

 patches of brown still remaining during the early part of the winter. 



This change of color is their greatest protection, both from 

 the hunter and from their various animal enemies, from the small 



151 



