192 ROUND THE GREAT WHITE HORSE 



enjoys a reputation as delicate food among the working 

 class of the North and of the large towns, which makes 

 it always saleable at a high price. The wild rabbit, in 

 a ivarren, does not multiply as it is reported to do in 

 the Australian runs. A pair in an isolated burrow 

 might, the author considers, produce 20 young in the 

 season, which lasts from February till September ; but 

 in a warren, not overstocked, 10 young is the highest 

 number which can be expected from a single pair. In 

 reference to the great demand for rabbits, the author 

 writes : " In all towns and populous districts the 

 demand is practically unlimited, and has increased since 

 the Ground Game Act came into force. It might be 

 supposed that the market would be glutted when the 

 shooting season is in full swing, and thousands of 

 rabbits are sold daily from many estates ; but that is 

 not the case, and game-dealers compete keenly with 

 each other for the chance of securing the rabbits at 

 shootings, and will attend and move them if shot, and 

 pay cash down for them if required. The dealers find 

 ready buyers at from 2s. 6d. to 3,9. 6d. per couple, and 

 a little less for the smallest and worst shot. But a 

 considerably better price can be had for hand-killed 

 rabbits than for shot ones." There can be no doubt 

 that rabbits are the favourite luxury of the poor ; and 

 though we should be inclined to rate the constant 

 market-value at from 2s. to is. 6d. per couple, rather 

 than at the higher value given above, there is never any 

 difficulty in disposing of them in any quantity, and at a 

 constant price. 



