280 EODENTIA. 



peeled the branches, become visible, often 3 to 6 feet 

 from the ground, and in a fairly straight line. 

 , The wild Babbit was often killed in former times by 

 hawking, but now it is usually shot, being dislodged 

 from the burrow by Ferrets. It is also sometimes slain 

 near hedges, by Terriers working on each side of the 

 hedge. It is very quick for a short distance, requiring 

 a good quick marksman to kill it. When alarmed, the 

 Babbit signals the danger by stamping with its hind 

 foot on the ground. By the recent Game Act, tenants 

 are allowed one gun to shoot Babbits, but they may use 

 any number of traps. Babbits have recently been 

 coursed by dogs, a decidedly cruel sport, as they stand 

 very little chance of fair play. Foxes and Cats prey on 

 this animal to a great extent. 



. The Babbit is extremely prolific, more so than any > 

 other animal. It has two, four, or six young, which are 

 born blind. The period of gestation is one month. 

 ■The female lines its nest with the fur from her own 

 body. 



In turning down Babbits, five or six does to one buck 

 will be found most conducive to success. 



The flesh of the Babbit is white, when cooked. The 

 wild Babbit is good eating, but the tame variety often 

 tastes insipid or rank. The flesh of the leg is more 

 succulent than that of the back, which is closer grained. 

 The kidneys, although small, are tender and palatable, 

 and the liver, though not so delicate in flavour, is still 

 nutritious and good. 



The fur of the wild Babbit is chiefly utilized by fur- 

 cutters for felting or hat purposes. The skins are 

 collected in enormous quantities in this country ; in fact, 

 the Babbit is the great fur-producing animal of the 

 kingdom. The skins are called Wilds, and are sorted 



