HARE KIND. 169 



ness, and even the natural instinct so common to 

 almost every other creature. 



As to their manner of living among us, they 

 owe their lives entirely to our unceasing protec- 

 tion. They must be constantly attended, shielded 

 from the excessive colds of the winter, and se- 

 cured against all other domestic animals, which 

 are apt to attack them, from every motive, either 

 of appetite, jealousy, or experience of their pusil- 

 lanimous nature. Such indeed is their stupidity, 

 that they suffer themselves to be devoured by the 

 cats without resistance j and, different from all 

 other creatures, the female sees her young de- 

 stroyed without once attempting to protect them. 

 Their usual food is bran, parsley, or cabbage 

 leaves ; but there is scarcely a vegetable culti- 

 vated in our gardens that they will not gladly 

 devour. The carrot-top is a peculiar dainty, as 

 also sallad : and those who would preserve their 

 healths, would do right to vary their food ; for if 

 they be continued on a kind too succulent or too 

 dry, the effects are quickly perceived upon their 

 constitutions. When fed upon recent vegetables, 

 they seldom drink. But it often happens, that, 

 conducted by nature, they seek drier food when 

 the former disagrees with them. They then 

 gnaw clothes, paper, or whatever of this kind 

 they meet with ; and, on these occasions, they 

 are seen to drink like most other animals, which 

 they do by lapping. They are chiefly fond of 

 new milk ; but in case of necessity, are content 

 with water. 



