512 COMMON BUZZARD. 
“‘] have not heard of the existence of this small species of Hare to 
the north of the State of South Carolina, nor is it found in the upper 
parts of this State,—confining itself to the maritime districts, to low 
marshy grounds partially inundated, to the borders of rivers subject to 
the overflowing of their banks, and to the ponds, usually termed re- 
serves, where the waters intended to overflow the rice-fields are pre- 
served. In these situations, rendered almost inaccessible on account 
of mud, entangled vines, and stagnant waters, sending up poisonous 
miasmata, the fruitful source of disease, surrounded by frogs, water- 
snakes, and alligators, this species resides through the whole year, 
scarcely molested by man. In these forbidden retreats, frequented by 
Herons (Ardea), Snake-birds ( Plotus Anhinga), and Ibises. this almost 
aquatic quadruped finds a home suited to its habits; making up for its 
want of speed in eluding pursuit, by its facility in winding through 
miry pools and marshes overgrown with rank weeds and willows. In 
such situations, I have met with it fifty miles north of Charleston ; 
but, as soon as the traveller arrives at the high grounds of the middle 
country, where the marshes disappear, this Hare is no longer seen. It 
is common in all the lower parts of Georgia, and I have observed it 
for sale in the market of Savannah. It is abundant in East Florida, 
even at its farthest southern extremity. I received a living animal of 
this species, taken on one of the islands near Indian Key, called Rab- 
bit Key, separated from the main-land by several miles of sea ; where 
it could have proceeded only by swimming, but where it is now found 
in great numbers. In all the low grounds of Florida, this species takes 
the place of the American Hare, which has not been observed in those 
situations. 
“The Marsh Hare is one of the most singular in its habits of all 
the species. It runs low on the ground, and cannot be said to possess 
the fine leaping gait of the American Hare. It is so slow of foot, that 
nothing but the sheltered and miry situations in which it resides can 
save it from being easily overtaken and captured. I have, indeed, ob- 
served the domestics on a plantation, during a holiday, setting fire to 
a piece of marsh ground, in a very dry season, and armed with clubs, 
waiting till the flames drove these Hares from their retreats, when 
they were run down and killed in considerable numbers. I noticed 
that when the American Hare made its appearance it was suffered to 
pass, on account of the speed they knew it to possess, but no sooner 
