120 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



standing wheat crops by rabbits, at Cove, about three 

 miles out. 



" The damage is of so extensive a nature, that the corn 

 in many of the fields cannot be cut by machinery. 



" Rabbits have also played havoc with the oat crops. 



" From many other parishes in North and North- East 

 Devon similar damage is reported. 



" Rabbits have multiplied to such an extent as to 

 become a plague . The trouble has been growing for some 

 two or three years, and strenuous efforts have been made 

 to keep the rabbits down. 



" About twelve months ago a number of farmers met 

 to consider what steps should be taken to prevent the 

 increase. One gentleman advocated the use of poison, a 

 suggestion which did not find favour then. 



" It is thought now that more stringent measures will 

 have to be taken than merely using guns. It is estimated 

 that each rabbit costs the farmer two shillings a year. 

 When sent to the local markets they realise no more than 

 sixpence a-piece. The total damage done by the rabbits 

 represents, in many cases, enough to pay the farmers' 

 rents." 



The late Rev. J. C. Atkinson, the well-known 

 naturalist, relates the following incident, which may be 

 interesting to some of my readers : 



" There seems to be but little question that the male 

 partridge, as is known to be the case with the male of 

 other species of birds, occasionally takes his turn in the 

 labours of incubation. 



" As the time of hatching approaches, or is fully come, 



