BRITISH MAMMALS 
THE IRISH HARE. 
Lepus timidus hibernicus, Yarrell. 
Plate 34. 
The Irish Hare closely resembles the Mountain Hare of Scotland 
and is considered as only a sub-species or variety by Mr. Millais, but 
the late Major Barrett-Hamilton gives it full specific rank. 
The Irish Hare differs from the other chiefly in its greater size 
and weight, and more distinct reddish brown colour. Owing to the 
milder climate of Ireland it is also less subject to the usual whitening 
process in the winter coat, which often retains its darker hue. 
This question of seasonal colour was formerly thought to be the 
chief point of difference between the two animals, but it is now 
known that the Irish Hare often turns partially and sometimes wholly 
white in winter, even in specimens introduced into England. A not 
uncommon buff variety of this Hare' is found along the coast of County 
Dublin and in other parts of Ireland. This variety is also sometimes 
met with in the Island of Mull, Scotland, where Irish Hares were im- 
ported many years ago. Millais says, "In Mull the Hares of Irish 
blood are fairly numerous ; they are larger than the Scotch ones and 
unlike their cousins do not become white in winter." 
The Irish Hare is not confined to the mountainous districts of its 
native country, but occurs also on the low grounds, and in habits 
does not appear to differ in any way from the Mountain Hares of 
Scotland. 
34 
