ANIMALS IN RAIN 1 1 3 



till October, wasted the new conscript army almost 

 as fast in the fertile plains of Saxony, and even 

 arrested the veterans of the Peninsular War whom 

 the Pyrenees had failed to stop. 



The reluctance with which most human beings 

 face any voluntary exposure to such weather will 

 account for our very limited knowledge of the shifts 

 and devices by which our wild animals endeavour to 

 avoid the worst discomforts which it brings. But 

 those who are bold enough to go forth in all 

 weathers know by experience that in all but the 

 most open countries there are generally to be found 

 some cosy corners to which the rain does not 

 penetrate, or which, even if not dry, are sheltered 

 from the direct access of the driving drops. 

 Animals, birds especially, while showing the utmost 

 dislike to endure the storm, are by no means so 

 clever in the use of such natural shelters as might 

 be supposed. Hares, as a rule, leave the open 

 country, and seek shelter in the woods ; and stupid 

 as they are in circumstances new to their experience, 

 as when suddenly chased, or in avoiding snares and 

 traps, they show considerable ingenuity in securing 

 their comfort. They nearly always make a form 

 near, but not touching, the trunk of some large tree. 

 Thus, while securing the shelter of the stem and 

 overhanging limbs, they avoid the water which drains 



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