218 



CLASS MAMMALIA. 



Rabbits, when confined, lose some of their natural quali- 

 ties, and acquire some others, nor are they so esteemed for 

 the table. It appears also, that races of these animals 

 which have been long domesticated lose altogether the in- 

 stinct for burrowing, nor do the sexes pair monogamiously 

 as they are presumed to do in a natural state ; the males in 

 particular in a domestic state not unfrequently destroy their 

 offspring, though they do not eat them, whence it seems pro- 

 bable that domestication has the effect of eradicating from 

 their nature the instinct of protection of the young, as well 

 as the inclination for digging, and probably other instincts. 

 The females nevertheless in this state seem still more pro- 

 lific than when wild ; they will sometimes produce twenty- 

 six young in sixty days. It is said, however, that after a 

 particular race of Rabbits has attained its maximum of 

 development in confinement, its prolific powers altogether 

 fail. 



Domestication has produced various varieties in these 

 animals, black, silvery white, and some with long silky 

 hairs, called Angora Rabbits. 



All the particularities of its organization have a close 

 analogy with those of the Hare, and as the animal is so 

 completely known, any additions on this subject may, per- 

 haps be spared. 



The Rabbit is said to be originally from Spain, but it 

 has been for ages- common in the rest of Europe, and is 

 now transported into Africa and America. 



We are assured on the authority of those who have paid 

 great attention to the subject, that Rabbits live in a social 

 state, and take an interest in each other, and even have 

 something like respect for the right of property. In their 

 republic, as in that of Lacedaemon, old age, parental affec- 

 tion, and hereditary rights are respected ; the same burrow 

 is said to pass from father to son, and lineally from gene- 

 ration to generation ; it is never abandoned by the same 



