RABBITS 165 
people of our forests and plains rabbits were 
of the utmost importance as food, especially in 
winter. The early pioneers everywhere re- 
lied largely on them. Their thick fur too, was, 
and is, a precious resource to the Indians, es- 
pecially those of the Northwest, who make from 
it artistic as well as substantial garments and 
coverings. 
The smaller American rabbits have long been 
esteemed as game. While their flesh is less 
tender than that of the domesticated species 
it is of much finer flavor, and when properly 
prepared for the table is much more desirable 
as food. With the same care in dressing and 
handling bestowed upon the rabbit in English 
markets, our cottontail rabbit would stand 
much higher in popular flavor. The jack-rab- 
bits are not so good, yet many reach the 
market. 
A strong prejudice against eating jack-rab- 
bits often exists because occasional individuals 
are infested by warbles and the tapeworm 
larva. Unless badly affected, however, the flesh 
is not injured by these parasites, and there is 
tio good reason why the animals should not be 
