THE COTTONTAIL 



135 



with grayish ; under surface white ; upper surface of legs pale 

 brown; outside of ears buffy grayish, plainly bordered with black 

 along front margin and at tip ; inside of ears dull gray ; color 

 below white; under side of neck dark buffy. 



Measurements. Total length, 17.80 inches; tail vertebrae, 2.45 

 inches; hind foot, 4.00 inches. 



This, like most other members of the family, is a variable form 

 but is not likely to be confused with any of our other species. 



Habits, Distribution, Etc. The cottontail is our commonest spe- 

 cies of rabbit and is usually found in thieketed woods and in open 

 country supporting underbrush. It is also fond of frequenting 

 gardens, particularly if there are bunches of weeds and bushes 

 or tufts of grass under which it may construct its "forms." It 

 does not make burrows, but often occupies holes in the ground 

 or in hollow logs. The cottontail is timid and gentle and when 



FIG. 34. Cottontail Rabbit in its "Form." (From U. S. Department of Agri- 

 culture, Bureau of Biological Survey.) 



caught does not attempt to bite but often utters a shrill squeal. 

 Although it is practically defenseless, the senses of hearing, sight, 

 and smell are strongly developed as are those senses in other 



