MAMMALS 217 
face each other and are worn down to form a groove, in 
which the lower incisors work when biting. At the back 
of the mouth along each jaw are six molar teeth with 
uneven surfaces, used in masticating the food. 
The neck is extremely flexible, and enables the head to 
be turned freely in any direction without the body being 
moved ; a matter of great importance to an animal whose 
life is in constant danger. 
The limbs. Rabbits, as we have seen, are timid defence- 
less animals—so that their only chance of safety lies in 
flight. For this reason they are provided with limbs 
which enable them to run with great swiftness. The hind 
legs are much longer and stronger than the fore-legs, the 
former ending in five and the latter in four toes. The 
toes are armed with thick blunt claws which the 
animal uses in burrowing. The soles of the feet are hairy 
and so are able. to maintain a firm hold on a steep or 
slippery surface. The great difference in the length of the 
fore and hind legs gives the animal a peculiar gait. It 
springs along the ground in a series of leaps, the long strong 
hind legs doing most of the work. 
The tail is short and curls upwards ; it is greyish-brown 
above and white below. | 
Food and habits. The rodents are plant-eaters. 
Rabbits are fond of the tender succulent leaves of many 
kinds of plants, and like to strip the bark off young 
trees, Their feeding is done in the early mornings 
and in the evenings, when they are most likely to 
be safe from their many enemies. They are timid and 
defenceless creatures, and live in burrows or underground 
passages, which they excavate for themselves by means of 
their strong hind feet. They are moreover fond of living 
and feeding in company, and at the least sound of alarm 
scamper away to places of safety. When running from 
