37 2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



cealed in her bosom ; which taking what was 

 deemed a fortunate course, was looked upon as a 

 good omen. It is to this day deemed unclean by 

 the Mahometans. 



The Hare is found in most parts of the world, 

 with very little variety. Those of North America 

 are rather less than the European. They frequent 

 marshes and meadows, and when pursued take 

 refuge in hollow trees. 



THE ALPIXE HARE. 



Is grey in summer, with a slight mixture of 

 black and tawny. Its hair is soft, its ears shorter, 

 and its legs more slender than the common Hare's. 

 In winter, the whole body changes to a snowy 

 whiteness, except the tips and edges of the ears,, 

 which remain black. 



This animal lives on the highest hills in Scot- 

 land, Norway, Eapland, Russia, and Siberia ; never 

 descends from the mountains, nor mixes with the 

 common Hare, although they abound in the same 

 parts. It does not run fast ; and when pursued,, 

 often takes shelter in clefts of rocks. It is easily 

 tamed, is very frolicsome, and fond of honey and 

 other sweets. It changes its colour in September, 

 and resumes its grey coat in April. Troops of five 

 or six hundred are sometimes seen, which migrate 

 towards the south in spring, and return in autumn. 



A variety is found in those mountains of Tartary 

 which extend as far as the lake Baikal. It inhabits 

 the middle regions of the hills, among thick woods, 

 and in moist places abounding with grass and herb- 



