160 
1867, 224 (in pat only).—Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zodl., i, 1869, 
937.—Hall, Can Nat. and Geol., vi, 1861, 306. 
1877. Lepus americanus var. virginianus, Allen, Mon. N. A. Rodentia, 
1877, 304. 
Distribution and Varieties.—Lepus americanus is found throughout the 
wooded portion of the northern half of North America, its southern limit 
corresponding very nearly to the isothermal line of 60°. It is found in 
four well marked geographical varieties. Var. americanus is found in the 
more arctic regions of the continent, and shades imperceptibly into the 
three more southern forms. Var. batirde is an alpine form, found in the 
Rocky Mountains. Var. washingtoné is from the region about Puget’s 
Sound. War. virgintanus is found in eastern North America, from Minne- 
gota through the northern tier of States, south to Connecticut, and in 
the Allegheny Mountains to Pennsylvania atid even Virginia. 
Habits —The Varying Hare frequents dense woodland, being seldom or | 
never found in open country. It trusts to fleetness with more confidence 
when pursued than does the Gray Rabbit, and never seeks shelter in 
holes or stumps. It is often known to escape from pursuing dogs, and 
when captured resists by kicking and biting. It probably has but one 
litter in a season. Otherwise its habits do not particularly differ from 
the Gray Rabbit. 
Description.—Lenth of body averaging a little over 18 inches; hind foot 
about 54+ inches; ear a little over 3 inches; weight about 53 pounds. 
Var. virginianus differs in color from var. americanus, as might be ex- 
pected from its more southern range. The former, im summer, on the 
upper and cuter surface is pale yellowish-brown, varied with black, 
giving to it a dark umber-brown appearance. On the under surface, the 
breast and neck are yellowish-brown, chin, throat, and other under parts, 
white. Ears yellowish-brown mixed with black; apical fourth of ante- 
rior border black ; posterior border white or yellowish. Inwinter, white, 
except the extreme tips of the ears, which are narrowly tipped with 
black. 
Var. virginianus, in summer, ig mote rufous than var. americanus, the 
general color above being a rich reddish-brown or cinnamon-brown. In 
winter, the seasonal change is less complete and is worn for a shorter 
time. 
The references and synonomy above given apply to var. virgimanus. 
In Ohio it is found only in the north-eastern portion, being confined 
to those counties knuwn as the Western Reserve, which are embraced in 
the Alleghenian fauna. Of its occurrence there 1 am informed by Dr. 
Wheaton, who states that it is never common, but that he was informed 
