7-1 Observations on the Breeding of Ralhits 



upper part of the brake is attached. After the breaking 

 of the hemp, it is wholly finished for use by scutching or 

 swingling, an operation which maybe either performed by, 

 the hand or machinery, and is easily executed by either 

 mode. 



The machinery for breaking hemp should be removed 

 from the rivers previous to the beginning of the frosts. 



XI. Observations on the Breeding of Rabbits and other 

 Animals, in Canada. By William Bond, Esq., of 



Canada*. 



THE WARREN RABBIT. 



JL o include the interest of the colonists and the mother 

 country also in one and the same pursuit, is not only laud- 

 able, but most likely to succeed, especially where only a 

 trifle of property of the individuals or of the public is wanted 

 to set the bountiful hand of Nature to work in a country 

 where animal subsistence and a suitable climate call for 

 the industrious husbandman, who may in various ways be 

 useful to himself and his country. 



In my travels through America, I have often been sur- 

 prised that no attempt has been made to introduce, for the 

 purpose of propagation, that useful little animal, the warren 

 rabbit, of such vast importance to the hat manufactory of 

 England. It is chiefly owing to the fur of this animal that 

 the English hats are so much esteemed abroad. It is a fact 

 well known amongst the hatters, that a hat composed of 

 one half of coney wool, one sixth old coat beaver, one sixth 

 pelt beaver, and one sixth Vigonia wool, will wear far pre- 

 ferable to one made of all beaver, as it will keep its shape 

 better, feel more firm, and wear bright and black much 

 longer^ 



'The value of the coney wool, the produce of the united 

 kingdom only, is not less, I will venture to say, than 

 250,000/. per annum ; but the quantity is much diminished, 



* From Transaclimis <f the Society for the Encouragemait of Arts, Manu- 

 factures, and Commerce, for 1807. 



owing 



