94 THE RABBIT 



where rabbits have had previous experience of the 

 association between ferrets and sportsmen. Rather 

 than bolt under such circumstances, and so face 

 the known danger of the waiting gun, rabbits will 

 often allow themselves to be torn with the ferret's 

 claws and teeth. This is the case no matter how 

 silently operations may be conducted ; the mere fact 

 of a ferret entering their burrow seems to be enough 

 to assure the rabbits that sportsmen are waiting for 

 them outside. 



