MAMMALS. 



37 



Hare (Lepus timidus). Ears longer than the head. 

 Eyes yellowish brown. Fur rusty yellow to grey on 

 the upper side, white on the under side. The doe 

 litters in an open " form ; " the young are born 



Fig. 20. — Abnormal Tooth in Hare. 



covered with hair and with open eyes. Mature 

 animals breed four or even five times a year, pro- 

 ducing two to four leverets each time. The hare is 

 injurious to agriculture, eating cabbages, rape, turnips, 

 clover, vetches, young corn-plants, carrots, and grass. 

 It also eats many weeds. It is, however, less injurious 

 than the rabbit, for it does not burrow. The damage 

 done by the hare is also less evident, since this restless, 

 fastidious animal seldom feeds continuously in the 

 same spot. 



Rabbit {Lepus cuniculus). Ears shorter than the 

 head. Eyes dark-brown. Fur yellowish brown to 

 greyish yellow on the upper side, redder in front. 

 Under fur bluish grey. Shape more compressed. 

 The rabbit breeds more rapidly than the hare. Five 

 to six times yearly the doe brings forth four to eight 

 young, which, after six months, can again reproduce. 

 Dwelling subterranea,n. Young, blind and hairless 

 at birth. As the rabbit burrows, it is limited to certain 

 districts, for the soil must not be too stiff and firm. 



