86 RODENTIA 



from the extensive warrens at Gullane Links or downs in 

 East Lothian." 



Several varieties, doubtless the descendants of domestic 

 animals run wild, are to be met with. One of these is thus 

 referred to by Neill in the "Scots Magazine" for 1816,p.l70: 

 " On the Isle of May, in the entrance of the Firth of Forth, 

 there exists a well-marked variety of the rabbit, distinguished 

 not only by the great length of the hair, but by its silky 

 fineness." Mr Agnew, for many years lighthouse-keeper on 

 the island, tells me this form was still there when he left 

 five years ago. I have recently observed a yellowish variety 

 in some numbers on Gullane hill, and others with black fur 

 near Cramond and on the Pentlands. 



A hundred years ago the skin was the most valuable part 

 of the animal ; "The skins may be valued at 6s. a dozen, and 

 the body sells at the rate of 5d. per pair " (" Old Statistical 

 Account," parish of Dowally, vol. xx., p. 472). Now the 

 skins are worth about 2s. a dozen, and the bodies are sold 

 at 2s. 6d. a pair. Within the last two or three years the 

 price of the skins has fallen by about one-half, owing to the 

 large importation from Australia and New Zealand. 



If, as seems highly probable, the Eabbit was originally 

 introduced into Scotland, it was most likely by the monks. 

 The monastery on the Isle of May was founded by David I. 

 before the middle of the twelfth century. 



