COMMON HARE. 273 



and pied examples are sometimes met with ; fawn- 

 coloured are great rarities. 



The Hare does not live in a burrow like the Rabbit, 

 but in a hollow or depression in the surface, which is 

 called its " form." It pairs in March. One, two, or 

 five young are produced at a birth, but the latter 

 quantity is not often met with, and two is the most 

 usual. The young are born in April, May, June, July, 

 or August. They are born with their eyes open, and are 

 called leverets. The Hare chews the cud, and, like other 

 Rodents, is able to raise itself on its hind legs. This 

 animal is sometimes tamed, and exhibited at shows, 

 beating drums, etc. 



The flesh of the Hare is highly esteemed ; it is close- 

 grained, and rich in flavour. It is easily digested, and 

 nutritious, although somewhat dry. The liver and 

 kidney are excellent eating, but the heart has, as well as 

 the marrow in the hind leg, less flavour. The price of a 

 Hare varies from 3s. 6d. to 5s. 



The wool or fur is extensively used by fur-cutters, 

 who remove the fur from the pelt, and use it for felting. 

 Many Turkish skins are used for this purpose. A 

 certain number of the best skins are carroted, i.e., 

 brushed with acid, when it becomes of a carrot colour, 

 as after this process they felt more easily. Some skins 

 are dressed and lined with red cloth, and are sold for 

 chest protectors. Hare's feet are used by costumiers for 

 putting on colour, the effect being unattainable by 

 brushes. 



The Hare is found in the United Kingdom, with the 

 exception of the Shetlands and Faroe Islands, France, 

 Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Russia, Turkey ; in 

 fact, throughout almost the whole of Europe, but the 

 size and quality vary considerably in the various lati- 



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