she saw the eager curiosity shining in their eyes. She didn't wait
for them to ask questions. "Yesterday," said she, "I told you
about your water-loving cousin, the Marsh Rabbit. You have another
relative down there in the Sunny South who is almost as fond of
the water. Some folks call him the Swamp Rabbit. Others call him
the Swamp Hare. The latter is really the best name for him, because
he is a true Hare. He lives in swamps instead of marshes, but he is
a splendid swimmer and fond of the water. When he is chased by an
enemy he makes for the nearest point or stream."

"How big is he?" asked Jumper.

"Just about your size, Jumper," replied Old Mother Nature. "If
anything, he is a little bit heavier. But because his hair lies
much smoother than yours, you probably would look a little bit
bigger if you were sitting beside him. As with his cousin, the
Marsh Rabbit, the hair on his feet is thin. His toes are rather
long and he can spread them widely, which is a great help in
swimming. He doesn't have to take to the water as his little
cousin does, for he is a very good runner. But he does take to it
as the easiest way of getting rid of those who are chasing him.
The Marsh Rabbit and the Swamp Hare are the only members of your
family in all the Great World who are fond of the water and who
are at home in it. Now, who shall I tell you about?"

"Our biggest cousins," cried Peter and Jumper together. "The ones
you told us yesterday are bigger than Jumper," added Peter. "It
is hard to believe that there can be any much bigger than he."

Old Mother Nature's eyes twinkled. "It is often hard to believe