828 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



The kind of Dogs most generally employed in the pursuit of 

 Hares in this country, is a small species of Beagle, the produc- 

 tion, we believe, of a cross and recross of the Fox-Hound and 

 Beagle. These animals, as well as most other mongrels found 

 on our farms, become very fond of the sport, and acquire con- 

 siderable sagacity and speed in the pursuit. 



There are few Dogs that live in the country but will hunt 

 Rabbits, or more correctly speaking Hares; some of course are 

 far superior to others, according to their build and the intelli- 

 gence bequeathed them by their ancestors. 



DOMESTICATED. 



The American Hare has in some few instances been domesti- 

 cated, but when confined in inclosures, are ever making efforts 

 to escape — they will, however, breed in Warrens. 



THEIR CRY. 



" This species, like all the true Hares, has no note of recog- 

 nition ; and its voice is never heard, except when wounded, or 

 at the moment of its capture, when it utters a shrill, plaintive 

 cry, like that of a young child in pain ; in the Northern Hare, 

 this cry is louder, shriller, and of longer continuance." 



ENEMIES. 



It is not surprising that a timid, defenceless creature like 

 the Hare should have numerous, sanguinary enemies, and 

 among them, none are more destructive than the Weasel. 

 This formidable and courageous little animal is constantly on 

 the look out for Hares, and tracking them enters the holes, 

 hollow trees, or other places where they are secreted, and dis- 

 patches them with the greatest ferocity. -Skunks, Wild Cats, 

 Foxes, Hawks, Owls, Snakes, &c., all prey upon the Hare 

 whenever they can succeed in capturing him either by pursuit, 

 stealth, or stratagem. 



