Of this numerous tribe of animals, there is perhaps no species so
truly elegant in its appearance as this, and although it is one of the
most common, yet its habits are but little known. It is very numerous
in all the northern parts of Africa. In size, it is rather smaller
than the fallow deer. Its color is a dusky brown, mixed with red; the
tail is short; the horns, which are about sixteen inches long, are
black, distinctly annulated almost to the top, and have three curves.
The brachia, or sides of the lyre, were frequently made of these
horns, as appears from ancient gems. The female is destitute of horns,
and has a white stripe on the flanks.


[Illustration: Hare.]

THE RABBIT.

The Rabbit is a very pretty animal, and loves to live about the house
and barn, in a state of friendship with all around it. It has no
defence, but to run away; and so harmless and innocent is it, that
nobody can have the heart to do it injury. It feeds upon clover,
apples, and other fruits, and will often sit for hours in some snug
covered place, quietly chewing its cud, with the greatest
satisfaction. There is another kind of rabbit, which runs wild in the
woods and fields. He is remarkably swift of foot, and no dog can
overtake him in a race, but a grey-hound. His fur is very soft, and is
used in making coarse hats.


[Illustration: Musk Deer.]