LITTLE FOLKS THAT GNAW 191 



nature. To-day, in the western Massachusetts 

 hills, we annually kill more wildcats than snow-shoe 

 rabbits. My own belief is that temperament rather 



'■'•: I 



•^ Sty Kv 







^ varying hare under his snow-laden, fairy roof 



than habit is the explanation. We are prone to 

 underestimate the part temperament plays in the 

 life of animals, in spite of our long acquaintance 

 with dogs. The cottontail does not mind civiliza- 

 tion. Mind it? He likes it! Believe me, for I 



