CHAPTER X. 



FERRETS AND RABBITS. 



^ RABBIT never fights although it can 

 scratch and bite. About all they ever do 

 when caught by man, dog or ferret is to 

 lay back their long ears and squeal. 

 Their means of self-preservation is largely in 

 their legs for they are swift runners, yet they 

 soon hole when chased from their nest. In win- 

 ter and especially during severe weather the 

 majority hole up, except at night, when they 

 come out for something to eat. Such being the 

 nature of the rabbit it is game on which ferret 

 hunting can begin at an early age — four months 

 or thereabouts. 



Right here is a good place to call attention 

 to the fact that the short, open lawful season for 

 rabbit hunting has tended to increase the supply 

 in even many of the thickly settled states. In 

 certain localities farmers, gardeners, horticul- 

 turists, etc., are complaining of rabbits gnawing 

 young fruit trees. Here is a splendid opportu- 

 nity of helping the land owner get rid of the 



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