THE HARE AND RABBIT FAMILY 405 
in North America. We give a brief description of the three 
that are common in the northern states. 
_, Cottontail, Gray Rabbit, Common Rabbit. — This rabbit 
is found throughout the eastern part of the United States, west- 
ward to the central part of the Dakotas and southward as far 
as Central America. Throughout this region it is said to be 
about the best known of —— 
all wild quadrupeds. It | 
lives in parts where brush 
ravines or rocks are close 
at hand to afford a refuge 
when pursued by dogs 
foxes, etc.; for though it 
is a good sprinter it cannot 
trust its life to its short 
legs in case of a long chase. 
These rabbits do no seri- 
ous damage to crops; and 
as they furnish good sport for the hunter and valuable food 
for the table, their presence in a country is desirable except 
in the vicinity of orchards, where they should not be allowed. 
White-tailed Jack Rabbit, Prairie Hare. — This species 
inhabits the prairies and plains of the northwestern states 
from Kansas to Saskatchewan and from Minnesota to Ore- 
gon. It is one of the largest animals of this family, has long 
ears, and very long and strong hind legs that make it a wonder- 
ful runner. Its color changes with the seasons, being gray in 
summer and white in winter, and this helps it to escape ob- 
servation by its enemies. Its tail is entirely white, a feature 
that distinguishes it from the jack rabbits with black-and- 
white tails that live farther south. 
Like the cottontails these animals occasionally cause some 
Gray RABBIT OR COTTONTAIL 
