ORDER OF RODENTIA. 
499 
of liberty, confining it in boxes built for tbe purpose. Tbe fol- 
lowing are the rules laid down in order to arrive at the best 
results :■ — 
The Babbits 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 Babbits. 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 Babbit 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 Babbits must be men- 
tioned the Angora Babbit, 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 Babbit utilised, but its 
skin is also employed in the manufacture of gelatine. 
The Domestic Babbit is, therefore, a valuable animal. Not so 
the Wild Babbit, 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 
