[Illustration: RABBITS.]
The animals composing this family have twenty-two molar teeth, formed of
vertical layers joined to each other; the ears are very large and
funnel-shaped, covered with hair externally, almost nude internally; the
upper lip cleft; the tail is short, furry and ordinarily elevated; the
hind feet are much longer than those in front, and are provided with
five toes, while the fore feet have only four; the claws are but little
developed; the feet are entirely covered with hair, above as well as
below.
It would be superfluous to describe the Hare in detail; the animal is
too well known to render it necessary. As, however, it might be
confounded with the Rabbit, which it much resembles, it may be remarked
that the Hare has the ears and the thighs longer, the body more slender,
the head finer, and the coat of a deeper fawn color.
The Hare inhabits hilly or level regions, forest or field; but it is
most frequently found in flat or slightly elevated districts. It does
not burrow, but chooses a form or seat, the situation of which varies
with the season. In summer it is on the hillocks exposed to the north,
in the shade of heaths or vines; in winter, it is found in sheltered
places facing the south. It is often found crouched in a furrow between
two ridges of earth, which have the same color as its coat, so that it
does not attract attention.
During the daytime, the Hare does not generally stir from its retreat;
but as soon as the sun approaches the horizon it goes forth to seek
food—consisting of herbs, roots and leaves. It is very fond of aromatic
plants, such as thyme, sage and parsley. It is also partial to the bark
of some varieties of trees.
No animal has so many enemies as the Hare. Snares and traps are set for
it by poachers. Foxes, Birds of Prey, and sportsmen, aided by Dogs, are
all its persecutors.
To guard itself against so many perils, the poor creature has ears
endowed with extraordinary mobility, and which catch the faintest sounds
from a great distance; four agile and very muscular limbs, which rapidly
traverse space, and transport their owner quickly from its pursuers. In
a word, its defence consists in perceiving danger and fleeing from it.
The Rabbit is closely allied to the Hare in its form and external
aspect, the two differ greatly in habits. The Rabbit lives in societies,
and retires into burrows. It is not found on the open plain, but chooses
for its home places where there are hillocks and woody banks. Like the
Hare, the Rabbit has not a preference for day; but towards evening it
comes forth and gambols about in the glades or nibbles the dewy herbage.
It has also, like the Hare, many enemies, and to escape them it takes
refuge in its subterranean dwelling. As it has not the speed of the
Hare, it would be rapidly overtaken by Dogs if it trusted to its powers
of flight. Its fear or anger is expressed in a singular fashion, namely,
by striking the ground with its hind foot; some say it does this to warn
its fellows of danger.
Besides our well known Wild Rabbits, many fine species have been
imported from different countries and trained as pets.
The Wild Rabbit, also called the Warren Rabbit, is said to be a native
of Africa, from whence it passed into Spain, then into France and Italy,
and successively into all the warm and temperate parts of Europe and
America.
Among the different breeds of domestic Rabbits must be mentioned the
Angora Rabbit, originally derived from Asia Minor. Like the Cats and
Goats bearing the same name, it is celebrated for the length and
fineness of its hair. It is bred for its fur, which is of value.
Not only is the flesh and the hair of the Rabbit utilized, but its skin
is also employed in the manufacture of gelatine.
The domestic Rabbit is, therefore, a valuable animal. Not so the wild
Rabbit, for, by its rapid multiplication, its burrowing habits, and its
herbivorous tastes, it is to the agriculturist a veritable scourge. For
this reason it is hunted with perseverance, ferrets being frequently
employed in some countries to drive it from the depths of its warren.