170 ANIMALS OF THE 



They move pretty much in the manner of rab- 

 bits, though not near so swiftly ; and when con- 

 fined in a room, seldom cross the floor, but ge- 

 nerally keep along the wall. The male usually 

 drives the female on before him, for they never 

 move abreast together, but constantly the one 

 seems to tread in the footsteps of the preceding. 

 They chiefly seek for the darkest recesses, and 

 the most intricate retreats ; where, if hay be 

 spread as a bed for them, they continue to sleep 

 together, and seldom venture out but when they 

 suppose all interruption removed. On these oc- 

 casions they act as rabbits ; they swiftly move 

 forward from their bed, stop at the entrance, 

 listen, look round, and, if they perceive the 

 slightest approach of danger, they run back with 

 precipitation. In very cold weather, however, 

 they are more active, and run about to keep 

 themselves warm. 



They are a very cleanly animal, and very dif- 

 ferent from those whose name they go by. If 

 the young ones happen to fall into the dirt, or be 

 any other way discomposed, the female takes 

 such an aversion to them, that she never permits 

 them to visit her more. Indeed, her whole em- 

 ployment, as well as that of the male, seems to 

 consist in smoothing their skins, in disposing their 

 hair, and improving its gloss. The male and fe- 

 male take this office by turns j and when they have 

 thus brushed up each other, they then bestow all 

 their concern upon their young, taking particu- 

 lar care to make their hair lie smooth, and bit- 

 ing them if they appear refractory. As they are 



