214 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



it to suspend the action of the organs. They have ten 

 mammae. 



Hares are capable of reproduction at a year old ; their 

 gestation is thirty days, and they bring from two to five at 

 a birth. 



There is one very remarkable physical character of the 

 Hares, as also of the Rabbits, the females are provided 

 with a double matrix, and the consequence is, that two 

 contemporaneous fecundations can proceed together ; this 

 does not arise from any real superfetation, but by the fe- 

 cundation of a second distinct organ. This accounts for the 

 extraordinary prolific quality of the species of this genus- 

 Hares do not, like Rabbits, dig themselves, or seek a sub- 

 terraneous retreat, they merely look for a convenient hollow 

 place in a furrow, which is called their seat, and in which 

 they pass quietly the greater part of the day,till the approach 

 of evening rouses them to seek their sustenance. They 

 vary this seat according to the season, and select the most 

 favourable positions for receiving the benefit of the sun 

 when necessary. In severe weather, they betake themselves 

 to the shelter of the woods. Their sexual appetites are very 

 strong early in the spring, at which time their actions, from 

 this excitement, have led to the observation of the mad- 

 ness of a March Hare. 



The great length of their hind legs, compared with the 

 others, disqualifies them from any other than a leaping 

 motion, or an interrupted gallop. Like the Kanguroos, fyc. 

 they will sit on the tarsi, and use the fore feet to convey 

 food to the mouth, and clean the fur, §c. They drink lap- 

 ping, and can bite with much severity if driven to it. 



The intelligence of the Hare is considered as very limited, 

 nor have its instincts much of a prominent character. Its 

 doubles, however, in coursing are very notorious ; but if 

 this be the result of intelligence, it does not accord with 

 its conduct on the same occasion, in returning to the spot 



