254 



MAMMALIA — HARE. 



near its end, the extremity is turned into the skin, or is concealed by the 

 succeeding turn, so as to appear, when tiie whole is completed, as if but a 

 single strip had been used. In other instances, the ornament is wrought 

 of the porcupine quills exclusively, and is frequently extremely beautiful, 

 from its neatness and the good taste of the figures into which it is arranged. 

 In general, however, the strong contrast of colors is the most remarkable 

 effect aimed at. On some of the articles of dress, figures of animals, exhibit- 

 ing much ingenuity, are formed by embroidering with these quills. The 

 Philadelphia museum, so rich in objects of natural history, also boasts a 

 most splendid and valuable collection of articles of dress, and implements 

 of peace and war, peculiar to the various aboriginals of our country. Who- 

 ever wishes to see to what extent the quills of the porcupine are employed 

 by these interesting people, and also to form a better idea of the number of 

 porcupines that must be found in the tran;-Mississipian regions, may be 

 fully gratified by visiting this great institution." 



THE HARE. I 



Haees are universally and abundantly spread over the face of the whole 

 earth ; and rabbits, though they originated only in particular climates, do 

 yet multiply so prodigiously in almost every place to which they are trans- 



' Lepiis timidus, Lin. The genus Lrpjis has four upper and two lower incisors ; no 

 canines ; twelve upper and ten lower molars. Centre upper incisors large and wedge- 

 shaped, with a longitudinal furrow in front, lower incisors square ; molars crowned with 

 transverse laminae of enamel ; ears and eyes large ; fore legs short, with five toes ; the 

 hind feet lon^, with only four, covered with hair ; tail short, erect ; teats, from six to ten ; 

 ccEcum very Ikrge. 



