TRACKS IN THE SAND 65 



tracks of the ground hog were plainly to be seen. 

 Here then was full proof that the ground hog 

 and his shadow are not to be relied on! Thus 

 are our cherished beliefs overthrown, our idols 

 shattered I 



Tracks of cottontail rabbits are also uncommon 

 in the dunes, but they are all too common in the 

 snow in pastures and orchards of the upland. 

 They are easily distinguished from those of other 

 animals. The rabbit hops along and lands on his 

 soft feet so disposed that the powerful hind 

 ones are in front and the smaller fore paws 

 between his thighs behind. The marks of the 

 hind feet are side by side in front, those of the 

 forefeet are in a line one behind the other. This 

 pattern always distinguishes the tracks of a cot- 

 tontail from those of a grey squirrel for in the 

 latter case the forefeet like the hind feet are in 

 pairs side by side. Besides this, in the case of 

 the squirrel, the tracks often begin or end at a 

 tree trunk. Rabbits do not climb trees. 



Like the deer, the cottontail flashes his white 

 tail in fear. They are timid creatures and are 

 always attacked with panic at the sight of man. 



