ers for the markets, their flesh being considered as equal to most 

 other kinds of wild game and their natural enemies are so nu- 

 merous that it is almost impossible for any great increase in their 

 numbers. 



Their worst enemies are the foxes and owls, the latter hunting 

 them at night when they are feeding, and the foxes while they are 

 half asleep during the day. They breed early in the spring, having 

 several litters during the season, and have from three to six young 

 each time. The young are born with their eyes open and are cov- 

 ered with hair, being nursed by the mother for four or five weeks, 

 when they are old enough to care for themselves. The hides of the 

 rabbit and hare are used quite extensively in the manufacture of 

 the cheaper grade of furs, having the lowest market value. 



153 



