ANIMAL LIFE IN THE WOODS 175 



incisors in the upper jaw. They gnaw the bark from shrubs 

 and young trees. 



3. For the greater part of the day they remain in their 

 form, which is simply a hollow on the ground, and is con- 

 cealed by tall grass or brush. 



4. They live in the woods, in groves, under brush, even 

 in lumber-yards of large cities. At night, early in the 

 morning, and towards evening, they feed on grasses, herbs, 

 young grain, and vegetables. In the winter they live on 

 bark and buds, and often become very injurious to orchards 

 by killing young fruit trees. This can be prevented by 

 covering the trunks for about two feet above the ground 

 with tar paper. 



5. Rabbits do not hibernate. Their winter homes are 

 deserted holes of skunks, woodchucks, and other burrowers. 

 In the Northern States, they probably do make holes for 

 themselves. 



6. When pursued, they run swiftly to some cover, which 

 may be brush, a hole, or a hollow tree ; for they have no 

 means of defending themselves. When captured or wounded, 

 they utter a cry resembling that of a child in pain; at no 

 other time is their voice heard. How do they compare 

 with the chipmunk and the squirrel in this respect ? 



7. In autumn, the summer hair falls, and a thicker covering- 

 grows. Along the back this coat is gray, varied with black, 

 and more or less tinged with yellow; below it is white. 

 The tail is cottony-white, hence the name. Does the mixt- 

 ure of gray, black, and yellow make Brer Eabbit con- 

 spicuous on the ground? The cottontails do not become 

 white in winter. 



8. Are not easily tamed ; always try to escape from 

 confinement. 



9. Are among the most defenceless of animals. Their 

 enemies are legion. Men and boys, dogs and domestic cats, 



