THE RABBIT 253 



burrows, and a certain amount of isolated trees and 

 shrubbery. This land, if well cut with rides, is both 

 excellent feeding and shooting-ground. 1 1 is important 

 that the burrows be distributed pretty evenly and 

 generally in the warren. Where it is found that rabbits 

 have collected in one area to the exclusion of others, 

 and there is a danger of an insufficient food supply, it 

 might be as well to construct temporary enclosures 

 within the warren, in which the rabbits may be placed, 

 and these enclosures kept up till such a time as burrow- 

 ing is complete. Great care is necessary in regard to 

 the cover available. It may be necessary to scatter 

 fern or gorse seed, or even to plant or transplant trees 

 and bushes. Most good warrens have, here and there, 

 large flat heaps of the branches of trees. These afford 

 excellent cover, and are especially to be recommended 

 when the warren is used for shootingpurposes. Where 

 the warren is a permanent one, or where there is a 

 suspicion that temporary ground has become stale and 

 tainted, some addition to the natural food must be made. 

 That great authority, Mr. Lloyd Price, recommends 

 that portions of the ground should be fenced with wire- 

 netting, and crops of clover, oats, or beans grown 

 within the enclosures. When these have been carried, 

 or partly so, the wire-netting may be removed and the 

 rabbits allowed access to this reserved ground. By 

 changing the position of these plots, the rabbits get 

 access periodically to fresh, untainted ground, and 

 thrive accordingly. During the winter it is always 



