THE RABBIT. 153 



means take place, there is every reason to believe that their num- 

 bers would exceed the means of support, and totally consume 

 the whole vegetable produce of the country. In this animal, 

 therefore, as well as in many others, we discover a striking dis- 

 play of the wisdom of the Creator, in so exactly proportioning 

 the measure of fecundity and destruction. 



The rabbit is not among the indigenous animals of America ; 

 but in many of the West India islands there arc great numbers, 

 which have originated from a stock carried thither from the old 

 continent. 



One striking dissimilarity between the habits of this quadru- 

 ped, and those of the hare, to which, although inferior in size, 

 it bears so visible a resemblance, is, that the former burrows in 

 holes in the ground, while the latter depends on speed for its se- 

 curity. The flesh of the rabbit, as well as that of the hare, is 

 esteemed unclean by the Jews and the Mahometans, but is con- 

 sidered as a delicacy among Christians ; and the fur of the one as 

 well as of the other, constitutes a very considerable article in 

 the manufacture of hats. The skins of the rabbits, indeed, con- 

 stitute no small part of the profits of those who keep warrens. 

 Thus we see how wonderfully the Creator has multiplied his 

 blessings, and how much he has rendered this prolific little animal 

 conducive to our convenience and comfort. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



" Her chariot is an empty hazel-nut, 

 Made by the joiner squirrel, or old grub, 

 Time out of mind the fairies' coach-makers." 



As the objects which natural history presents, are so exceed- 

 ingly numerous, and especially as it is not our design to impose 

 on the memory a burdensome task, which might interfere with 

 other necessary studies ; but rather by the way of an agreeable 

 amusement to lead to the delightful contemplation of the wis- 

 dom, power, and beneficence of the Creator, displayed in his 

 works, we shall, in pursuance of our original plan, without de- 

 scending to minutias, go forward to some of the most striking 

 objects of the animal creation ; and in this undertaking we hope 

 to be able to season instruction with pleasure. 



We might, indeed, take up some time with elaborate descrip- 

 tions of the Guinea-pig an animal of diminutive size, and in- 

 considerable utility, in comparison of many others; and which 

 is often domesticated among us ; as also the spotted cavy, the 



