The Rabbit 



field or corn-land to dine. In the dense darkness of 

 night it is again in its burrow, but in the dewy 

 morning it once more moves afield. 



When alone there is no creature of the wilds more 

 alert than a Rabbit. It observes the slightest motion 

 on the landscape, and detects any unusual noise, with 

 an acuteness that is surprising. A Rabbit lying in a 

 reedy tuft of grass within a stone's-throw of a roadway 

 will crouch low down while a motor dashes past, but 

 were it feeding in the open, the instant that machine 

 comes within its hearing it will dash straight for its 

 burrow. Let the locomotive steam along its iron 

 track beside a Rabbit warren, and the animal will 

 merely set its ears erect and hop a few paces through 

 the grass blades. The whistle of the schoolboy or the 

 bark of a frolicking terrier sends terror into the 

 creature's heart, and it scurries off to the security of 

 the bank with its earthy tunnels. 



Where a colony is feeding, the position is even 

 more astounding and inexplicable. When in concert, 

 there appears to be little or no wariness exhibited. In 

 the clover field, the little rodents will be busily nibbling 

 the tender tops of the early clover. All is peace, 

 contentment, and evident security. Clap the hands 

 loudly, and here and there a head will appear as if 

 questioning the source. Clap again, and you will see a 

 single bunny hop nearer its home — that is all. If you 

 actually disturb the creatures, you will observe a white 

 tail bounding towards the bank at a quickened pace, 



B.L.M. 65 9 



