BRITISH MAMMALS 



THE IRISH HARE. 



Leptis timidus hibernicus, Yarrell. 

 Plate 34. 



The Irish Hare closely resembles the Mountain Hare of Scotland 

 and is considered as only a sub-species or variety by Mr. Millais, but 

 the late Major Barrett-Hamilton gives it full specific rank. 



The Irish Hare differs from the other chiefly in its greater size 

 and weight, and more distinct reddish brown colour. Owing to the 

 milder climate of Ireland it is also less subject to the usual whitening 

 process in the winter coat, which often retains its darker hue. 



This question of seasonal colour was formerly thought to be the 

 chief point of difference between the two animals, but it is now 

 known that the Irish Hare often turns partially and sometimes wholly 

 white in winter, even in specimens introduced into England. A not 

 uncommon buff variety of this Hare is found along the coast of County 

 Dublin and in other parts of Ireland. This variety is also sometimes 

 met with in the Island of Mull, Scotland, where Irish Hares were im- 

 ported many years ago. Millais says, " In Mull the Hares of Irish 

 blood are fairly numerous ; they are larger than the Scotch ones and 

 unlike their cousins do not become white in winter." 



The Irish Hare is not confined to the mountainous districts of its 

 native country, but occurs also on the low grounds, and in habits 

 does not appear to differ in any way from the Mountain Hares of 

 Scotland. 



34 



