HARE. See LEPUS, MAMMALIA Index.
The hare is a beast of venary, 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 everywhere. 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 cunning in the paths and mazes of the fields, for, knowing the nearest ways, they run up the hills and rocks, to the confusion of the dogs. See HUNTING.
Hares and rabbits are very mischievous to new planted orchards, by peeling off the bark of the young trees for food. They do also the same sort of mischief to nurseries; for the prevention of which, some bind ropes about the trees up to a sufficient height; 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 make hares fat by 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 without apprehension.
Java Hare. See MUS, MAMMALIA Index.
Hares Ear. See BUFILEURUM, BOTANY Index.