MAMMALS 



303 



And the long, stiff, bristlelike hairs on the sides of the 

 upper lip and ai'ound the e^yes. These last are tactile hairs 

 and are situated deep in the skin in intimate connection 

 with nerves. 



Eyes. — The eyes are set wide apart and the sense of 

 sight is very keen. Each eye has two movable, opac|ue 

 hds and an imperfect, vestigial nictitating membrane. 



Fi<;. 2U1. — Gray rabbit. 



Ears and nostrils. — The external ears of the rabbit are 

 veiy long and large and can be turned in different directions 

 to catch the sovmd. The inner ear is well developed and 

 the sense of hearing is acute. This animal depends largely 

 upon its sense of hearing to detect the presence of enemies. 

 When hiding from danger in its form, its ears lie flat along 

 the body. At other times the rabbit rises up to its full 

 height, pricks up its ears, and listens. 



The nostrils are longitudinal shts at the end of the nose. 



