,'On which the nest is situate, would indicate that tine 

 chaffinch seems to intend her nest should be confound- 

 ed with the branch that bears it. 



26. Shall we visit the retreats of rats, Jidd~mlce y 



Zadgers, Joxes, otters, dears. We should undertake 



. thereby too tedious a journey. Let us limit ours-^ves 



L to the rabbit and monkey , as the most curious after 



those of the beaver. 



The rabbit and hare, which bear so near a resem- 

 blance to each other, both in their exterior and interior 

 part, teach us not to trust to appearances : they easily 

 couple together, and produce nothing : they are, there* 

 fore, distinct species. 



Moreover, the feeble hare contents herself with the 

 lodging she makes for herself on the surface of the 

 , earth. The more industrious rabbit penetrates into the 

 earth, and there procures an assured asylum. The 

 male and female live together in this peaceable retreat, 

 fearless of the fox or bird of prey. Unknown to the 

 rest of the world, they spend their days in happiness 

 and tranquillity. 



The hare might also dig the earth, but does not, 

 neither does the domestic rabbit, since he has no occa- 

 sion ; his dwelling-place being provided for hhn, he be- 

 haves as if he was sensible of it. The warren-rabbit 

 seems to know that he is unprovided, and procures for 

 himself a lodging. But to perceive the relations those 

 .retreats have to their preservation, and to judge that 

 they will shelter them from all the inconveniences they 

 labour under, is an operation of the soul that borders 

 on reflection, if it be not reflection itself. 



When the hare is ready to kindle, she digs for herself 

 a burrow. This is a winding trench, or one made in 

 zig-zag. At the bottom of this trench she works a great 

 cavity, lining it \vith her own hairs : that is the soft bed 

 she prepares for her young. She does not quit tuem 

 during several of the first days ; and only #oes out 

 afterwards to procure nourishment. The father at 

 4hut time juiaws nothing of his family ; he does not 



