188 



CALIFORNIA MAMMALS. 



tail, extendiriig more or less on the rump, black, remainder of tail 

 pale gray. 



Length about 510 mm. (20 inches) ; tail vertebrae 90 (3-55) J 

 hind foot 117 (4.60) ; ear from crown 155 (6.10). 



Type locality, Colorado Desert. 



Desert Hares are more or less common in the Deserts ol 

 southeastern California and northward along the eastern slope 

 of the Sierra Nevada to the northeastern corner of this State. 



Desert Hare. One-fourth life size. 



They are found in the open plains, the edges O'f the deserts and on 

 the slopes at the foot of the mountains where small shrubs are 

 scattered about, seldom in timbered places. Their food consists 

 of nearly every kind of herbage obtainable, even cactuses being 

 eaten, particularly in the drier parts of the year, when these are 

 almost the only plants retaining any moisture. These Hares sel- 

 dom drink, but obtain sufficient moisture to- supply their bodily 

 needs from the green plants eaten. Their run is graceful and very 



