QUADRUPEDS. 25 



about thirty inches from the ground. The lepetition of this treat- 

 ment annually will effectually preserve the trees from their attacks, 

 while the numbers of the rabbits must, of course, be kept within 

 proper bounds by shooting or ferreting. There are also different 

 descriptions of net used for taking rabbits, som account of which 

 may prove useful. The fold-nets are so laid as to form an enclo- 

 sure between the burrows and the usual place of feeding ; into 

 these the rabbits are driven by dogs at night. The entrance is 

 then closed, and in the morning the rabbits are secured. 



The spring-net is so constructed, as to close on pressure ; it is 

 laid round a grain or hay-stack, and numbers will be thus taken. 

 The best mode of taking rabbits is by means of the trap. For this 

 purpose dig a pit in the run most commonly frequented, and have 

 it considerably wider at the bottom than at the top ; across this lay 

 a board, so nicely balanced upon a central pin, that the weight of 

 the rabbit is sufficient to weigh it down at the extremity, while, at 

 the same time, that weight removed, the board will resume its 

 former position. Numbers will be taken by this method. It may 

 be useful to remark that a rabbit is very tenacious of life, and that 

 it will frequently, if shot in the rear, succeed in making its escape ; 

 in shooting them, aim, therefore, always for the head ; if there be 

 an earth near, and it be only struck behind, it will be sure to escape 

 into it, and perish and rot uselessly in its burrow. 



THE HARE. This is the true name, but the animal is frequently 

 in America called the rabbit. 



In various parts of the Union the American hare is exceed- 

 ingly common, and large numbers are annually destroyed for 

 the sake of their flesh and fur. 



The timidity and defencelessness characteristic of the genus, are 

 well illustrated in this species, which has no protection against its 

 numerous enemies, and can escape by flight alone. Its peculiar 

 color must, however, minister to its safety, as it is so similar to the 

 general color of the soil as to require a close attention to distinguish 

 the animal, which is usually passed without being observed by 

 such as are not especially in search of it. Yet the swiftness and 

 other natural advantages of the hare, insufficient to secure it from 

 the artifices of man, or from being preyed upon by various beasts 

 and birds, would not prevent the species from soon being extin- 

 guished, were it not for its remarkable fecundity. 



During the day-time the hare remains crouched within its form, 

 which is a mere space of the size of the animal, upon the surface 

 2 



