Page:The Hare.djvu/49

runs which she makes through the midst of the ripening crops. After the corn has been carried, the hare frequents the stubbles, or seeks provender in the turnip fields. Prudent farmers, knowing that the hare prefers swedes to any other root crop, used to drill in a few rows of swedes on purpose for the benefit of Puss. The Ground Game Act has latterly superseded such kindly offices. As winter advances the hare feeds more and more upon the turnips, but she does not spoil them like the rabbit, but is content to consume the root which she has selected to afford her repast. If the weather becomes very severe, many of the hares browse upon the tops and sprouts of young whins. Others gather together in kitchen gardens and fill their bellies with cabbages. If hard pressed, they will eat a variety of substances which they would not touch in a season of plenty. In the pride of their summer strength, the fine brown rascals delight to steal into the flower gardens and devour the carnations, to the annoyance of the gardeners. In hard weather the poor beasts are driven to eat such indigestible substances as the berries of the common holly. Mr. R. Mann assures me that when pressed by hunger the hares of his district repair to the spots where the plant called 'Rest Harrow' grows. Scraping away the snow, they devour the leaves of the flower. Else-