HARES 71 



If a pair are marked in a form the entire lack of 

 motion only lasts while they are imder observation. 

 It is preliminary to immediately shifting their 

 quarters as soon as they feel safe to move. They 

 will invariably be found to have disappeared if one 

 returns to look for them soon after. Our common 

 wild hare becomes a deUghtful companion when 

 tamed. One which the present writer obtained at 

 an early age grew as familiar and playful as a kitten. 

 It would sleep in a basket by the fire during part 

 of the day, and come out for its gambols about the 

 room as evening approached. The animal, during 

 some months it was under observation, displayed in 

 all its movements how deeply the hunted life of its 

 kind had left impress on aU its quahties, and how 

 watchfulness as to the necessities arising therefrom 

 formed as it were the dominant character of the 

 hare's mind. If it was introduced to a strange room, 

 for instance, its first behaviour was always the same. 

 Although it showed no fear if accompanied by any 

 one it knew, it invariably continued in a state of 

 mental tension until it had satisfied itself on one 

 point. It made sure that there was a place to 

 which it could retire at will, and if possible remain 

 screened from view. Then and then only would 

 it relax into playfulness and ease. One of its 

 continual frolics was to come out of this hiding- 

 place and then pretend to be chased back at full 

 speed. On some occasions the mixture of shyness 

 and daring was most fascinating to watch. There 

 was apparently a mental process going on in which 

 native timidity was being continually corrected 

 by the assurance that everything was quite safe. 

 It was boldest and most familiar at night. It 



