92 THE RABBIT 



connection with the management and working of 

 ferrets, but this perhaps is not altogether necessary, 

 for several books written by experts have been devoted 

 entirely to this subject. It will suffice to give a few 

 hints that will be found useful in practice. 



When handling a ferret take it under the forelegs, 

 above the ribs, and if it struggles, let its forelegs go 

 through the fingers. Ferrets do not like to be held 

 below the ribs. Do not handle a 'jill' ferret about 

 to have a litter. The young ones should not be 

 allowed to run with the old male, or ' hob,' until they 

 can use their teeth. to defend themselves. By calling 

 them to their food at meal-times they soon learn to 

 obey a whistle like a dog, and give no trouble on being 

 picked up. Moreover they can then be let out much 

 more frequently to run about, and with this indulgence 

 are less likely to contract foot-rot. 



A ferret trained in this way will work a hedgerow 

 from end to end by himself, affording his owner shot 

 after shot if he stands well out in the open. 



Bells are of no use. They only alarm the rabbits, 

 and are not heard in deep burrows. 



Nothing makes a rabbit lie so close as the sound 

 of men tramping and talking, and terriers yapping 

 overhead ; a terrier used for ferreting should be mute. 

 Never talk loud, therefore, while ferreting, and never 



