Morning Light XXVI

Image: Subject and photographer unknown.

Eastwards from the Steppes of Asia

The Brown hare is thought to have moved eastwards from the steppes of Asia, as humans cleared the forests for farming during the Neolithic period. One theory put forward is that they arrived in Britain when it was still joined to Europe by a land bridge, before sea levels rose. An opposing story is that they were introduced to Britain by the Romans in the 1st century AD. A third theory put forward makes both the other two plausible: that they died out during the last Ice Age and were re-introduced by the Romans.

– Jill Mason
The Hare
p. 38

Tan Lines XV

Image: Subject and photographer unknown.

A Roaming Life

The hunted hare that runs in circles is usually a doe. If the hounds lose her scent she goes back to the place from which they started her. The hare that runs straight for long distances is usually a buck. He leads a roaming life and makes a new form frequently. Like the doe, he is more often alone than in company. Both are promiscuous. The buck serves as many does as he can find and the doe will accept several bucks one after another. But after mating they do not stay together.

- George Ewart Evans and David Thomson
The Leaping Hare
p. 27