THE RABBIT. 



THE keeping of rabbits is the frequent amusement of 

 children and young persons in this country. It is, at 

 least, an innocent one, and it may exert a beneficial 

 influence on the mind. So much cannot be said for 

 many employments of our early days, nor, unhappily, for 

 some of riper years. And yet, the character and effect 

 of all our occupations ought to be ascertained, with the 

 solicitude not only to obey the charge, " Cease to do 

 evil," but that which requires us also to abstain from its 

 " appearance." 



The rabbit, though resembling the hare in some 

 respects, is easily distinguishable from it. It is dif- 

 ferent from that animal in habit, as well as in form. 

 Unequal to that rapid course for which the hare is 

 adapted, it digs deep holes for shelter and safety, and 

 enjoys the society of its fellows in spots where food is 

 provided. The ground of a warren, and sometimes to a 

 great extent, is pierced all about with deep holes. The 



