THE JACK RABBITS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



By T. S. Palmek, M. D. 



CHAPTEE I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Great Plains and deserts of the western United States are 

 inhabited by several species of large hares, commonly known as 'jack 

 rabbits.' These rabbits occur almost everywhere, except in the higher 

 mountains and in wooded regions, from the ninety-fifth meridian west 

 to the Pacific, and from the Plains of the Saskatchewan southward over 

 the table-land of Mexico to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The resem 

 blance of their large ears to those of the well-known pack animal of the 

 West has suggested the common names of 'jackass hares,' 'jack rab- 

 bits,' ' or 'jacks.' In some parts of California jack rabbits are called 

 'narrow-gauge mules' and 'small mules,' but fortunately these absurd 

 terms are very local, and not likely to come in general use. In the South- 

 west and beyond the Rio Grande the large hares are called 'liebres' 

 by the Mexicans, to distinguish them from the cotton-tail rabbits, or 

 'conejos.' 



GrENERAL HABITS. 



Jack rabbits may be seen abroad at almost any hour of the day, and 

 hence are likely to be recognized by the most casual observer, and are 

 perhaps better known than most other native mammals. Living as they 

 do on the open plain, where they are compelled to rely for safety on 

 quickness of hearing and on speed, their ears and hind legs are devel- 

 oped to an extraordinary degree. This gives them a somewhat grotesque 

 appearance, but in reality few animals are more graceful as they bound 

 along when once thoroughly alarmed. In spite of an unfortunate name 

 and seeming awkwardness of gait, a closer acquaintance with their 



This name seems to have been first introduced by Audubon and Bacbmanin 1851. 

 In referring to one of the species found along the Mexican border they say: "This 

 species is called the jackass rabbit in Texas, owing to the length of its ears." (Quad. 

 N. Am., II, 18.51, p. 99) ; and again, in reference to Lepus iexianns, ''This hare received 

 from the Texans and from our troops in the Mexican war the name of jackass rabbit, 

 in conuuou with Lepus callotis." (Ibid., Ill, p. 157.) 



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