344 LEPORID^. 



every district of Great Britain and Ireland, and in most 

 of their dependant isles. In many places it has become 

 extremely abundant, owing to its preservation for the 

 purpose of sport and the destruction of its natural enemies 

 — indeed we may say, without entering on argument, that 

 it is to this animal that the preservation of game in Britain 

 owes the most of its present unpopularity. In some parts 

 of Scotland the species has increased enormously of late 

 years, even where it has not been purposely encouraged, 

 a result whicli may probably be attributed to the persecu- 

 tion by man of all beasts and birds of prey, and especially 

 of the Weasel tribe. 



The Rabbit differs from the Hare in its smaller size, its 

 more plump and rounded body, and its much shorter ears, 

 and hind legs, as well as in its more imiform grey colour. 

 Its habits differ no less than its form. Unfitted by its 

 organization for that long-continued and rapid course by 

 which the Hare is distinguished, it seeks at once its safety 

 and its shelter in deep holes of its own digging, and 

 associates in large societies in places suitable for the easy 

 excavations of its burrows. Sandy heaths covered with 

 furze are a favourite resort of Rabbits, and in such places 

 they often multiply to a great extent ; the soil being 

 easily penetrated, and the furze affording at once a secure 

 cover to their retreat, and a wholesome and never-failing 

 supply of food ; the young tops of the plants are constantly 

 eaten down and the bushes present the appearance of a 

 solid mass, with the surface even and rounded as high as 

 the rabbits can reach when standing on their hind legs. 

 Where undisturbed they may be seen abroad at all hours, 

 but generally they remain in their burrows during the day, 

 coming out towards twilight to feed. On moors, where 

 the soil is very wet, Rabbits often refrain from burrowing, 

 and content themselves with runs and galleries formed in 



