THE WARREN 6i 



as to counteract, in a great measure, its natural dis- 

 advantages. For example, on a clay soil, wherein 

 rabbits evince a disinclination to burrow, their com- 

 fort may be secured by artificially throwing up 

 mounds of earth on the surface, and sowing them 

 with grass seed. Mr. Simpson recommends that 

 such mounds should be thrown up in parallel lines, 

 about loo yards apart. They are easily made, 

 and will cost about 9^. per cubic yard to throw up. 

 They may be about four yards wide, and three feet 

 above the ground line at the apex. In making them, 

 the following directions should be given to the 

 labourers : ' Set out a circular piece of ground, four 

 yards wide, and round that a ring a yard wide. Dig 

 the soil out of the outer ring, and throw it roughly 

 into the centre, gradually making a conical heap, 

 with holes here and there, formed by rearing up on 

 end two large sods, and placing them gable-wise. 

 Above this the earth should be piled loosely till the 

 desired height is attained.' 



With this incentive to begin digging on their 

 own account, the rabbits will soon complete these 

 excavations, and form regular burrows. Mr. Simpson 

 notes the importance of having them so made at first, 

 that the rabbits can find shelter in them at once, 

 and when fresh stock is introduced into a warren, the 



