216 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



with these and many other animals in a domesticated 

 state, which not unfrequently die of an accumulation of fat. 



As a further proof of the subserviency to the powers of 

 man of the most predominant moral quality in this animal, 

 its timidity, we may refer to an exhibition which has been 

 common about the streets of London* certainly in one indi- 

 vidual, and probably in several, of a Hare which moved 

 fearlessly about upon a table in the midst of the surrounding 

 multitude, the tones of a hand organ, and the mixed noise 

 and confusion of a public street. The Hare was taught 

 further to beat a tambourine, which it did with great rapi - 

 dity, and in the manner of that described by M. Desmarest 

 when soliciting a boon from its master ; and as a still fur- 

 ther proof how completely its fears were neutralized, it was 

 accustomed to pull the trigger and discharge a pistol, ra- 

 ther large in dimensions and calibre, and commensurate 

 consequently in report, and when it is considered that this 

 was an affair of recurrence perhaps almost every half hour, 

 it can hardly be supposed that the animal was taken by 

 surprise, as to the consequence of pulling the trigger. 

 There are few animals so completely stupid as not to learn 

 by reiterated practice the immediate consequences which 

 invariably follow from any particular act, nor did the ani- 

 mal in question exhibit the least alarm or shack on making 

 the report, which would, in all probability, at least with- 

 out similar training, have the effect of turning a Lion. 



A Hare, a Cat, a Rat, a Mouse, and a Sparrow have also 

 been exhibited together about the streets, confined in one 

 commoia cage. 



The Rabbit, in all its physicalities and relative propor- 

 tions, is extremely assimilated to the Hare. The habits 

 and instincts of the two form, perhaps, their greatest dif- 

 ferences. Although provided with similar organs, clothed 

 in the same dress, and inhabiting the same ceuntries, they 

 seem to have a natural aversion for each other ; a hatred, 



