The Wild Rabbit Warrens. 173 



winter feeding, to consist of roots, such as turnips, carrots, 

 &c., and vegetables which will to some extent stand frost ; 

 the other for early spring feeding, comprising such vegetables 

 and green food as will supply the want of a good growth of 

 grass. Under the former head we have mentioned turnips 

 and carrots ; we may add parsnips, Jerusalem artichokes (a 

 most easily grown and first-rate food), kohl rabi, potatoes, 

 mangolds (a vegetable rabbits will eat, but do not relish 

 much ; it is, however, a good winter means of subsistence 

 for them). The largest and coarsest kinds of cow cabbage 

 are easily grown and as easily kept, but must not be given 

 when badly frozen. These and such other vegetables as 

 may suggest themselves to the experienced are all very 

 suitable, and all easy of cultivation. There is, therefore, a 

 large choice of food wherewith to stave off starvation 

 during the severities of winter. 



In early spring the provision that may have to be made 

 requires more care, both as regards the description and the 

 manner and quantity in which it should be administered, 

 for there is some risk both to the does and their offspring 

 in supplying an abundance of food following upon a time 

 of scarcity. The spring is the period when rabbits are 

 most prone to suffer from scarcity more than in winter, 

 when they have previously got into good condition. Conse- 

 quently, a sudden abundance is liable to render them, if 

 not unhealthy from over-feeding, at least expectant of its 

 continuance, and neglectful of the grass and other herbage 

 that may be obtainable. Tares, lucerne, comfrey, or green 

 oats, winter sown, will be found most serviceable, and at the 

 same time profitable to grow. 



