Multiplying Rabbits
From every part of the country come tales of the multitude of rabbits ; it is perhaps unparalleled in England. The reasons for this plague, for it is hardly less, are two, one biological, one economic I First, the seasons have been very congenial for breeding ; and the rabbit is the greenfly of the mammal world. Secondly, the professional enemies of the rabbit have greatly diminished their activities. The rabbit has lost value, either because the number put on the market was excessive or because other meat food is preferred ; and in some countries the rabbit is not considered fit for human consumption. While the price was high the trappers killed off most of the natural enemies of the rabbit, especially, in the west, the foxes. The balance of nature was upset. There were not enough vermin left to recover from the campaign against them ; and the artificially pro- tected rabbit multiplied beyond measure the moment its value declined. It must, however, be admitted that this host of rabbits is apparent in. the Home Counties and other places where professional trappers have never prevailed.
* * * *
Previous page
