94 THE ALPINE OR WHITE HARE. 



THE ALPINE OR WHITE HARE. 



THE white hare inhabits many of our mountains. It is 

 not confined, like the ptarmigan, to the tops of the highest 

 and most inaccessible, but, on the contrary, is often met 

 with on grouse-shooting ranges, where there are few 

 crags or rocks to be seen. I have frequently shot it on 

 flats, between the hills, where it had made its form like 

 the common hare ; and, though I have more often moved 

 it in rocky places where it sometimes has its seat a 

 considerable way under a stone I do not think it ever 

 burrows among them, as some suppose; for, although 

 hard pressed, I have never seen it attempt to shelter 

 itself, like a rabbit, in that way. Indeed, there would 

 be little occasion for this, as its speed is scarcely infe- 

 rior to the hares of the wood or plain, and it evidently 

 possesses more cunning. When first started, instead of 

 running heedlessly forward, it makes a few corky bounds, 

 then stops to listen moving its ears about : and, if the 

 danger is urgent, darts off at full speed, always with the 

 settled purpose of reaching some high hill or craggy 

 ravine. If not pressed, it springs along as if for amuse- 

 ment ; but takes care never to give its enemy an advan- 

 tage by loitering. 



