OEDEE OF EODENTIA. 499 



of liberty, confiuing it in boxes built for the purpose. The fol- 

 lowing are the rules laid down in order to arrive at the best 

 results : — 



The Rabbits are placed in a series of small compartments. These 

 ought to be about six and a half feet square, separated in such a 

 manner that they can see each other, and thus not be submitted 

 to solitary confinement. They should be exposed to a southerly 

 aspect, — it is indispensable that they be kept dry and well ven- 

 tilated. Plenty of good litter, frequently renewed, should cover 

 the floor, which ought to be of wood, and slightly sloped to 

 favour drainage. At six months old the females are isolated, 

 as at that time they are capable of breeding. A male is placed 

 with each for intervals of eight days. The male, however, 

 should be renewed from time to time, so as to give him rest. 

 It is also necessary to separate the young from their parents 

 as soon as they are weaned. All are then gathered together in 

 one compartment, the dimensions of which varies according to 

 the number of young Rabbits. Food is given them at fixed 

 hours — morning, mid-day, and evening. In summer this con- 

 sists of herbage and vegetables of all kinds ; in winter, vetches, 

 potatoes, hay, &c. Particular care should be taken not to mix 

 their food with watery herbage. When their food is of a dry 

 nature, water must be regularly supplied them. 



Taking into account the losses necessarily resulting under the 

 influence of various causes, each Rabbit may produce annually 

 thirty young ones, and give a clear profit of twenty francs. If 

 the undertaking is, therefore, on a large scale, it must prove 

 remunerative. 



Among the different breeds of domestic Rabbits must be men- 

 tioned the Angora Rabbit, originally derived from Asia Minor. 

 Like the Cats and Goats bearing the same name, it is celebrated 

 for the length and fineness of its hair. It is bred for its fur, 

 which is of value. 



Not only is the flesh and the hair of the Rabbit utilised, but its 

 skin is also employed in the manufacture of gelatine. 



The Domestic Rabbit is, therefore, a valuable animal. Not so 

 the Wild Rabbit, for, by its rapid multiplication, its burrowing 

 habits, and its herbivorous tastes, it is to the agriculturist a veri- 

 table scourge. For this reason it is hunted with perseverance, 



KK 2 



