Page:The Hare.djvu/25

Rh the form with which Englishmen are least acquainted is the hare of North-east Europe. This animal possesses fur of a thick texture, and shows a tendency to become white in winter, a circumstance which might be expected to enhance the chance of its escaping from its enemies during severe weather, such as is often experienced in Russia. The central race, which includes our English hare, is characterised by the possession of fur of moderate texture. It shows a disposition to become grey in winter. To find the third race of brown hare recognised by the German specialist just quoted it is necessary to go to the extreme south of Europe. This hare of the Mediterranean sub-region differs from the animal we know so well at home in the relative thinness of its pelage. Its ears are but scantily clothed with fur. It is a redder animal than our hare. Mr. Abel Chapman says that it is more brindled in colour than our insular form. Another point of distinction lies in the inferior size of the Mediterranean hare.

Sportsmen are always interested in the weight of game. The average weight of a hare often serves as a topic for conversation in the gunroom. A full-grown animal in good condition generally turns the scales at seven or eight pounds. Plenty of hares weigh nine and ten pounds, but it is a very big hare