THE RABBIT 1369 



the European hare in the direction of the rabbit, although none of them are as gre- 

 garious as the latter, and, with one probable exception, none produce blind offspring. 

 On these grounds the rabbit cannot be separated generically from the hare. The 

 rabbit is characterized by its small size, relatively-short ears, which about equal 

 the length of the head, its small head, and the comparatively-slight elongation of the 

 hind-legs. The general color is grayish brown, with the neck reddish fawn, the 

 under parts and lower surface of the tail white, and, at most, only the margins of 



RABBIT. 

 (One-sixth natural size.) 



the tips of the ears white. Black, fawn, or parti-colored individuals are, however, 

 at times met with even in the wild state. The length of the rabbit is usually about 

 sixteen and one-half inches, and its weight from two and one-half to three pounds, 

 although it may occasionally reach as much as five pounds. 



These Rodents which, as compared with the hare, are deficient in speed, are 

 eminently gregarious, forming in. suitable soils numerous burrows, collectively 

 termed "warrens." Sandy soils, especially those clothed with heath or gorse, are 



