322 Transactions. — Zoology. 



immense number of rabbits died in this section of the country, 

 many being found dead in the erect posture, which goes far to 

 show that death must have been very sudden. In many cases 

 diffused dropsical swelhngs were to be seen all over the body, 

 the throat being much swollen, and a streaky bloody dis- 

 charge oozing from the mouth. The i^ost-mortcm examination 

 in most cases revealed the cellular tissues much congested 

 with black tarry blood, the mucous membrane lining the 

 trachea much congested, the liver enlarged and congested, 

 likewise serous effusion into the thoracic viscera. There were 

 also to be seen bloody exudations into all the internal organs. 



I am, &c., 



J. L. PoETT, Vet. Surgeon. 



Extract of Letter from L. Clarke, Esq. 



N. W. Territories, Eegina. 

 In reply, I have to state that rabbits swarm throughout the 

 country every seven years periodically. 



For instance, in 1880 rabbits were found dead in scores 

 under every bush ; in 1881 but very few were snared ; in 1882 

 they had almost totally disappeared ; in 1883 the country was 

 travelled for long distances without a rabbit-track appearing 

 on the snow ; in 1884 rabbit-tracks became common ; in 1885 

 they became still more numerous ; in 1886 they simply were 

 swarming throughout the country ; in the winter of 1887 they 

 were still very numerous, but their numbers greatly dimi- 

 nished. 



In 1885 lynx and foxes became numerous ; in 1886 the 

 same classes of fur-bearing animals were caught in great quan- 

 tities ; in 1887 the catch of these animals was very much 

 larger than in the previous year. These two classes of fur- 

 bearing animals prey entirely upon rabbits when the latter are 

 plentiful, and destroy large numbers. 



The rabbits, following the usual course of events, in 1888 

 will be attacked by a murrain or throat-disease, which will 

 almost exterminate them. 



I have an opinion that the rabbits, having eaten i;p all 

 their natural food within their reach, are compelled to fall 

 back upon other food-substance which proves the cause of the 

 singular disease which kills them. 



Scores of rabbits next year will be found under every bush, 

 evidently choked to death, from the appearance of the neck 

 and head. I have, &c., 



L. Clarke, C.F. 



