[Illustration:
THE RABBIT.
]
The Rabbit abounds in Great Britain, where its skin forms a very
considerable article in the manufactory of hats. Although the Hare and
the Rabbit are so like each other, nature has placed a strong barrier
between them, in their feeling of mutual aversion. Besides this, there
is a wide difference in their habits and pursuits: the rabbit lives in
holes in the earth, where it brings forth its young, and retires from
the approach of danger; whilst the Hare prefers the open fields, and
trusts to its speed for safety. The female makes a bed of down for her
young, which she pulls off her own coat. She never leaves them, but when
pressed with hunger, and returns as soon as that is supplied. During the
time she tends them, she carefully conceals them from the male, lest he
should devour them; and often covers up the mouth of the hole, that her
retreat may not be discovered. The tame Rabbit is of various colours,
and is somewhat larger than the wild Rabbit; but its flesh is not so
good, being softer and more insipid. Its food is generally cabbage
leaves, colewort, blades of corn, sourdock, and other moist plants; but
sweet short hay, and a little clean oats, make the best diet.
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