HARE, in zoology. See LEPUS.
The hare is a beast of venery, or of the forest, but peculiarly so termed in the second year of her age. There are reckoned four sorts of them, from the place of their abode: some live in the mountains, some in the fields, some in marshes, and some wander about every where. The mountain-hares are the swiftest, the field-hares are not so nimble, and those of the marshes are the slowest: but the wandering hares are the most dangerous to follow; for they are cunning in the ways and mazes of the fields, and, knowing the nearest ways, run up the hills and rocks, to the confusion of the dogs, and the discouragement of the hunters. See the article HUNTING.
Hares and rabbits are very mischievous to new planted orchards, by peeling off the barks of the tender and young trees for their food. They do also the same sort of mischief to nurseries; for the prevention of which, some bind ropes about the trees up to such a height as they are able to reach; some daub them with tar; but though this keeps off the hares, it is itself mischievous to the trees; but this hurtful property of it is in some degree taken off by mixing any kind of fat or grease with it, and incorporating them well over the fire. This mixture is to be rubbed over the lower part of the trees in November, and will preserve them till that time the next year, without any danger from these animals. It is only in the hard weather in the winter season, when other food is scarce, that these creatures feed on the barks of trees.
People who have the care of warrens, pretend to an odd way of making hares fat when they get them there. This is the stopping up their ears with wax, and rendering them deaf. The hare is so timorous a creature, that she is continually listening after every noise, and will run a long way on the least suspicion of danger; so that she always eats in terror, and runs herself out of flesh continually. These are both prevented by her feeding in a safe place, and that without apprehension; and they say she will always readily be fattened in this way.
Though the hare lives on vegetables and water only, yet the habitual exercise of this animal exalts its salts, and renders it somewhat acalesecent; and this tendency is much increased, if it is killed immediately after being heated by strong exercise.