THE HARE. 223 



which it was. It is said that a shepherd, however nu- 

 merous his flock, soon becomes so familiar with their 

 features, that he can, by that indication only, distinguish 

 each from all the rest ; and yet to a common observer, 

 the difference is hardly perceptible. I doubt not that 

 the same discrimination in the cast of countenances 

 would be discernible in hares, and am persuaded that 

 among a thousand of them no two could be found 

 exactly similar j a circumstance little suspected by those 

 who have not an opportunity to observe it. These 

 creatures have a singular sagacity in discovering the 

 minutest alteration that is made in the place to which 

 they are accustomed, and instantly apply their nose to 

 the examination of a new object. A small hole being 

 burnt in the carpet, it was mended with a patch, and 

 that patch in a moment underwent the strictest scrutiny. 

 They seem to be very much directed by the smell in the 

 choice of their favourites : to some persons, though they 

 saw them daily, they could never be reconciled, and 

 would even scream when they attempted to touch them ; 

 but a miller coming in engaged their affections at once ; 

 his powdered coat had charms that were irresistible. 

 It is no wonder that my intimate acquaintance with these 

 specimens of the kind has taught me to hold the sports- 

 man's amusement in abhorrence ; he little knows what 



