20. YORKSHIRE. 267 



In emptying the ciflcrn the rabbits are 

 forted: thole which are fat and in feafon are 

 flaughtcred -, thofe which are lean or out of 

 condition are turned upon the turneps to 

 improve. 



At the clofe of the feafon the bucks and the 

 does are forted in a fimilar way : the bucks 

 are flaughtered ; the docs turned loofe to 

 breed. One male, I underfland, is confidered 

 as fufficient for fix or feven females; and the 

 nearer they can be brought to this propor- 

 tion, the greater flock of young ones may be 

 expedlcd ; it being the nature of the males 

 (unnatural as it may appear) to deflroy their 

 young, more efpccially perhaps when their 

 proportional number is too great. 



Great precaution is requifke in the ufe of 

 thefe traps. If too many rabbits be admitted 

 at once, and the ciflern be kept clofe covered 

 only for a few hours, fuffocation and inordinate 

 heat take place, and the carcafes, at leaft, 

 are fpoiled. Many thoufand carcafes have 

 been wafted through this means The traps 

 are therefore watched; and when the required , 

 number are caught, the muce is flopped, or 

 the trap covered. 



Some 



