MEANS OF LOCOMOTION 79 



of touch. When upon the ground Bats are most 

 ungainly, shuffling along in a cumbrous fashion 

 painful to witness. The membranous wing of 

 this wonderful Mammal is worthy of close exami- 

 nation, a remark which applies equally well to the 

 general structure. 



The Squirrel, as we saw in the last essay, 

 scampers, climbs, and springs through the tree 

 tops in a most ingenious manner; the Deer are 

 fleet of foot, and, at the same time, good swimmers 

 (a fact not so generally known); the Rats and 

 Mice are very quick and active, as those who have 

 tried to catch them can testify; and a similar 

 remark might be made with regard to the RabJ^it 

 and the Hare. 



Whilst the Rabbit can get over the ground with 

 celerity when occasion demands it, and it can skip, 

 jump, twist, and frolic in a most delightful way, 

 the Hare, for speed and staying powers, is easily 

 its successful rival. The Hare is a fine runner 

 almost anywhere; either over hill and dale, or 

 over flat country, it is equally successful. The 

 manner in which this interesting Mammal covers 

 the ground is nothing short of remarkable to notice, 

 and when he once gets going, it is a fine sight to 

 watch the creature, as he contrives to increase the 

 distance between you and him as much as possible. 

 You may sometimes almost tread upon the Hare 

 before he will move, but, give him a yard or two's 



