BABBITS 165 



people of our forests and plains rabbits were 

 of the utmost importance as food, especially in 

 winter. The early pioneers everywhere re- 

 lied largely on them. Their thick fur too, was, 

 and is, a precious resource to the Indians, es- 

 pecially those of the Northwest, who make from 

 it artistic as well as substantial garments and 

 coverings. 



The smaller American rabbits have long been 

 esteemed as game. While their flesh is less 

 tender than that of the domesticated species 

 it is of much finer flavor, and when properly 

 prepared .for the table is much more desirable 

 as food. With the same care in dressing and 

 handling bestowed upon the rabbit in English 

 markets, our cottontail rabbit would stand 

 much higher in popular flavor. The jack-rab- 

 bits are not so good, yet many reach the 

 market. 



A strong prejudice against eating jack-rab- 

 bits often exists because occasional individuals 

 are infested by warbles and the tapeworm 

 larva. Unless badly affected, however, the flesh 

 is not injured by these parasites, and there is 

 no good reason why the animals should not be 



