OKDER OF EODENTIA. 



495 



It has also, like the Hare, many enemies, and to escape them it 

 takes refuge in its subterranean dwelling. As it has not the 

 speed of its congener, it would he rapidly overtaken by Dogs 

 if it trusted to its powers of flight. Its fear or anger is ex- 

 pressed in a singular fashion, namely, by striking the ground with 

 its hind foot ; some say it does this to warn its fellows of danger. 



The fecundity of the Hare, though great, cannot be com- 

 pared with that of the Eabbit, for one female of the latter may 



Pl 1 



la lU 1 



1j 



Ij ^if I /III' i 



Pig. 215. — Wild Kabbits (^Lepiis cunicuius). 



have seven or eight litters a year, with from four to eight in 

 each. Some days before bringing forth the Rabbit excavates a 

 chamber, which is specially destined for its progeny. 



This burrow, which is straight or crooked, as the case may be, 

 invariably terminates in a circular apartment, furnished with 

 a bed of dry herbage, which again is covered with a layer 

 of down, that the mother has torn from the lower portion of 

 her body. On this bed the young are deposited. As soon as 



