252 NATURE AND WOODCRAFT. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



HARES. 



Considering how long the Hare has been 

 known, there has been more unnatural history 

 written concerning it than any other British 

 animal. 



It is said to produce two young ones at a 

 birth ; but observant sportsmen know that from 

 three to five leverets are not unfrequently 

 found. Even by some writers in what are 

 called " standard " works it is stated that the 

 Hare breeds twice or at most thrice a year. 

 Any one, however, who has daily observed the 

 habits of hares, knows that there are but few 

 months in which leverets are not born. In 

 mild winters young Hares have been found in 

 January and February, whilst by March they 

 have become common. They may be seen 



