BRITISH MAMMALS 



Dr. Browne, writing in his Life of 'Bede^ describes one of the robes — 

 presumably made between 1085 and 11 04 — and used when the body of 

 St. Cuthbert was removed from Lindisfarne to Durham, as having pictured 

 on the border of the garment a horseman " with hawk in hand and a 

 row of rabbits below." 



When once introduced it seems to have spread rapidly in England, 

 where it was valued on account of its skin as well as the flesh. In 

 Scotland it appears to have been at first chiefly confined to the eastern 

 lowlands and some of the islands, and it was long before it reached the 

 Highlands. 



According to Mr. J. H. Dixon in his account of the parish of 

 Gairloch, Ross-shire, the Rabbit was quite unknown there till about 

 1850, when it was introduced at Letterewe. Now it is abundant in 

 all suitable parts of the county. 



It is also plentiful in Ireland, where it was brought in in early 

 times. 



Rabbits are very sociable in their habits, usually living in colonies, 

 and making comfortable homes for themselves in dark underground 

 burrows, which are often very elaborate in their construction, and are 

 used as- a safe retreat during the day. As evening approaches the 

 occupants come out to feed, or to frolic and play, when a Rabbit 

 warren presents a busy scene. 



Light sandy soil with plenty of cover is best suited to the habits of 

 this species, but they may be found inhabiting almost any ground not 

 too damp and exposed. In the Highlands of Scotland they usually 

 make their retreats under the shelter of rocks. 



The excellence of the turf in Rabbit warrens, owing to the close 

 cropping of the various grasses, is well known. Furze also forms a 

 favourite food, and along the shores of the Moray Firth and elsewhere 



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