HARES. 253 



right on through summer and autumn, and 

 even in October leverets apparently about a 

 month old are not at all unfrequent. Of course 

 exceptional seasons may account for this in some 

 measure, but the same set of facts applies to 

 ordinary years. Does shot in October are some- 

 times found to be giving milk; and in November 

 old hares are frequently noticed in the same 

 patch of cover. These facts would seem to point 

 to the conclusion that the Hare propagates its 

 species almost the whole year round — a startling 

 piece of information to the older naturalists. 

 Add to this they pair when a little over a year 

 old ; that gestation lasts only thirty days ; and 

 it may be seen how prolific an animal the hare 

 may be. The young are born covered with fur, 

 with their eyes open, and after about a month 

 leave their mother and seek their own sub- 

 sistence. 



The Hare would certainly become abundant 

 were it not beset by so many enemies. The 

 balance could always be kept adjusted prior 

 to the legislation of 1880; since which date, 

 however, Hares have had no protection what- 

 ever. A shy and timid animal, it is worried 

 through every month of the year. It does not 



