THE MOUNTAIN OR BLUE HARE 99 



tions with the object of growing timber unless they are made 

 proof against hares for several years after planting, particularly 

 in moorland and hilly districts. 



FIG. 63. THE MOUNTAIN OR BLUE HARE. 



The RABBIT (Lepus cuniculus), Fig. 64, is not a native of Britain 

 but was introduced into this country from Spain. It differs frcm 

 the hare by its generally smaller size, by its shorter ears, of uniform 

 brown colour, and by the shorter limbs, consequently lesser speed. 

 The rabbit is social and burrowing in its habits, numbers of indi- 

 viduals congregating together and forming colonies, which, reared 

 and preserved, are called " warrens." Rabbits always select the 

 situations best suitable for burrowing, such as sandy pastures and 

 hill-slopes, knolls on commons, outskirts of woods, and hedge banks. 

 The burrows which the rabbits excavate are irregularly disposed, 

 and communicate freely with each other. Rabbits are extremely 

 prolific, and begin to breed when about six months old. They may 

 breed six or seven times a year, producing from five to seven or 

 eight at a birth. 



The parturient rabbit excavates a special burrow for herself in 

 which to give birth to and shelter her progeny. The " nest " is lined 

 with down plucked from her own body. The young are hairless when 

 born and have their eyes closed. The eyes open about the tenth or 

 twelfth day. When about half grown the young rabbits are highly 

 esteemed as food, and the flesh of the full-grown rabbit is greatly 

 appreciated. Besides, the skin is of value, being largely employed 

 in the manufacture of felt hats, muffs, furs, and boas. The refuse 

 skin, ears and feet are also used as articles of manure in fruit-grow- 

 ing and hop-producing districts. 



