MAMMALIA. 297 
[71.] 4. Lepus (Lacomys) princers. (Richardson.) 
The Little-Chief Hare. 
_ Genus, Lepus. Linn. Swb-genus, Lagomys. Cuvier. 
Lepus (Lagomys) princeps. RicHarpson, Zool. Journal. No. 12, p. 520. March, 1828. 
Lepus Lacomys (princeps), fuscus subter griseus, capite brevi, auriculis rotundatis. 
The Little-Chief Hare: tailless ; colour blackish-brown, beneath gray; head short and thick ; ears rounded. | 
‘This highly interesting little animal inhabits the Rocky Mountains, from 
latitude 52° to 60°. Through the kindness of Mr. Macpherson, I obtained some 
specimens from the River of the Mountains, or south branch of the Mackenzie ; 
and Mr. Drummond killed several near the sources of the Elk River. There is 
likewise a good specimen in the museum of the Hudson’s Bay Company. 
Mr. Drummond informs me, that the Little-Chief Hare frequents heaps of loose 
stones, through the interstices of which it makes its way with great facility. It is 
often seen at sun-set, mounted on a stone, and calling to its mates by a peculiar 
shrill whistle. On the approach of a man, it utters a feeble cry, like the squeak 
of a rabbit when hurt, and instantly disappears, to re-appear in a minute or two, 
at the distance of twenty or thirty yards, if the object of its apprehension remains 
stationary. On the least movement of the intruder, it instantly conceals itself 
again, repeating its cry of fear, which, when there are several of the animals in the 
same neighbourhood, is passed from one to the other. Mr. Drummond describes 
their cry as very deceptive, and as appearing to come from an animal at a great 
distance, whilst, in fact, the little creature is close at hand ; and, if seated on a gray 
limestone rock, its colour is so similar, that it can scarcely be discerned. ‘These 
animals feed on vegetables. Mr. Drummond never found their burrows, and he 
thinks that they do not make any, but that they construct their nests amongst 
the stones. He does not know whether they store up hay for the winter or not, 
but is certain that they do not come abroad during that season. 
The trivial name which I have adopte’ for the species, is a translation of the 
Indian appellation, buchkathre kah-yawz@. 'The Little-Chief Hare resembles the 
pika (agomys alpinus) in its alpme habits and general form. It is, however, a 
smaller animal, the largest of our specimens falling short of seven inches, which is 
the length of the smallest pika seen by Pallas. I have not.had an opportunity of 
2G2 ' | 
