MAMMALS 215 
mud or damp; yet in spite of this they are noted for 
keeping their coats clean and dry. The hair of the dog 
soon becomes wet and the wool of the sheep matted—the 
latter also retains a good deal of dirt. 
The longest hairs on the Rabbit are its whiskers, which 
project from the cheeks, upper lip, and above the eyes. 
The whiskers are very sensitive—by means of them the 
animal can find its way along the narrow underground 
passages of its burrow, 
Protective colouring. The colour of Wild Rabbits is 
greyish brown, for this is the colour which harmonises best 
with their surroundings. Rabbits are timid animals, and 
when in a wild state have a great number of enemies—any, 
therefore, whose colour is conspicuous have much less 
chance of escape than the others, and hence are not likely 
to leave offspring to inherit their disadvantages. The 
normal type of colour is the one which survives, the others 
gradually bring about their own destruction. Tame 
Rabbits.on the other hand are not exposed to the same 
dangers, and variation of colour is frequently transmitted 
to the next generations. 
The belly and under-surface of the tail are white. When 
the animal is feeding, the tail is kept down, but when flying 
from danger it is raised so as to expose the white under- 
surface, and to warn and guide others in their flight for 
safety. 
The external ears are long funnel-shaped flaps of skin. 
These are very mobile and can be turned in any direction, 
enabling the animal to catch the slightest sound. When 
away from its burrow, the Rabbit erects its ears turning 
them constantly in all directions. If, however, the animal 
wishes to escape from observation by crouching on the 
ground, it lays its ears along its back. 
