THtf RABBIT. 



327 



Attentions toward the young. 



conceals them from her consort, lest he should 

 devour them; and therefore when she goes out, 

 she covers up the hole so carefully that its place 

 is scarcely perceptible: yet, when they are 

 brought hy the mother to the mouth of the hole, 

 to eat such vegetables as she gets for them, the 

 male seems to acknowledge them as his offspring, 

 takes them betwixt his paws, smooths their hair, 

 and caresses them one after another with great 

 tenderness. The maternal attentions continue 

 only one month; as at the expiration of that 

 time the young are able to provide for them- 

 selves. 



The fur of this animal is principally used in 

 the manufacture of hats ; being mixed in certain 

 proportions with the fur of the beaver. 



