126 HARE. Class I. 



at the same time to increase their amusement, 

 as well as to prevent the animal's destruction. 

 It very rarely leaves its form or seat in the 

 day, but in the night takes a circuitin search of 

 food, always returning through the same meuses, 

 or passes. 

 Color. The color approaches very near to that of 

 the ground, which secures it more effectually 

 from the sight of men, and of beasts and birds 

 of prey. Providence has been so careful in 

 respect to the preservation of the species of ani- 

 mals, as to cause in northern countries these as 

 well as many others to change color, and be- 

 come white at the bediming of winter, to render 

 them less conspicuous amidst the snow. Acci- 

 dental instances of white hares are met with in 

 South Britain. 



Hares differ much in size : the smallest are 

 in the isle of Hay : the largest in that of Man, 

 where some have been found to weigh twelve 

 pounds. 

 Food. Its food is entirely vegetable, and it does great 



injury to nurseries of young trees, by eating the 

 bark : it is particularly fond of pinks, parsley, 

 and birch. 



The hare never pairs, but in the rutting sea- 

 son, which begins in Ftbi^uary, the male pur- 



