Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/234

224 A remarkable exception to the ordinary character of the Rodentia, distinguishes the typical genera of the present family. Behind the two incisive teeth, common to the group, there are in the Hares in the upper jaw two additional ones of smaller size. The molars are numerous, destitute of true roots. The interior of the cheeks, and the soles of the feet, are clothed with hair as the external parts. The fur is copious, soft&#59; the eyes are large, and prominent&#59; the tail very short or wanting&#59; the hind limbs usually more developed than the fore ones&#59; the clavicles are wanting.

The Leporide are timid, vigilant, and swift-footed. Their geographical distribution is extensive&#59; but North America alone contains nearly as many species as are known to inhabit all the rest of the world.

Lengthened and very moveable ears, a short erected tail, and hinder limbs muscular and much longer than the fore, are the generic distinctions of the Hares and Rabits. Upwards of thirty species are known, of which half belongs to the North American continent. Four species inhabit the British Islands&#59; the Common Hare (Lepus tumidus, ), the Alpine Hare (L. variabilis, .)&#59; the Irish Hare (L. Hibernicus, ), a species but recently identified, and the Rabbit. (L. cuniculus, .)