SMALL WILD ANIMALS 6i 



are not likely to escape in that manner, but for rabbits 

 it is necessary to run the wire into the ground, or even cover 

 the entire bottom of the cage. Our native species are indif- 

 ferent to cold, but cannot endure damp quarters. Hares do 

 not nest in holes, and so should be supplied with a shelter 

 on the surface. Rabbits dwell in burrows, and a box or 

 barrel may be sunk for them. The food should be of a 

 vegetable nature, such as fresh grass, clover, cabbage, 

 vegetables and bread. Water should be provided at all 

 times. 



The rabbits and hares belong to the family Leporid^, of 

 H|the same order as the woodchuck and the squirrel (Glires). 

 The two groups are distinguished by the fact that hares have 

 long ears and spend their lives above ground, while rab- 

 bits have short ears and make their homes in burrows. 



The Varying Hare or Snowshoe Rabbit (Lepus amer- 

 icanicus), of the extreme northeastern United States and 

 Canada, is a typical hare, well known to the sportsman for 

 its excellent running qualities. This hare is brown during 

 the summer months, but at the aproach of winter assumes a 

 white coat, presumably for protective reasons. Captivity 

 does not seem to suit it, although there appears to be no 

 good reason why it should not live. 



The Jack Rabbit (Lepus texianus) is, of course, really 

 a hare, and not a rabbit. Several closely allied species are 

 found in various parts of western North America. The 

 Jack Rabbit is characterized by a slim body and immense 

 ears. If given proper treatment, this species does well in 

 captivity, but some individuals appear to be less hardy than 

 , others. 



I The Cotton-tail or Gray Rabbit {Lepus sylvaticus) 

 is a true rabbit, nesting in burrows. It ranges from the 

 northern portion of the United States to Central America. 



