Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1894-12-20
A DIRE PEST OF RABBITS.
VAST SwARMS OF THE RODENTS
OVERRUN NEW ZEALAND.
Hunted For Their Fur and SIaugl-
tered by Millions by the Farmers,
They Still Keep on Increasing.


{ says: AS the increase of rab-
bits proceeded the crops were laid
under contributions by their raven
GUS teeth. The farms were stripped
of their grain, and the fields became
barren squares on the plains. The
colony was besieged by a pest too nu-
merous to be handled. The colonists
saw that if the rabbits did not leave,
the people would have to go. They
assembled together to devise relief.
Their difficulties were too diversified
for individual management.
Parliament was petitioned to take
cognizance of the situation and intro
duce redress. 1t took cognizance and
panaceas were suggested. Forces were
sent against the invaders, armed to
The teeth, and ordered to breathe
slaughter and play havoc promiscu-
ously. CANNES were engaged and traps
we're employed. Mounted horses were
:avorting over the plains achieving
victories.
Although the plains were carpeted
with dead and the hills covered with
dying bunnies no shrinkage among the
living animals was perceptible. Their
powers of temperance were equal to
their disappearance. Killing had as
much influence on their numbers
rs plasters have on flies in the summer
time. Fresh arrivals tool, the places
OF those leaving by physical exits.
Rewards were offered for improve
ments in the process of determination.
Lead was found too slow to supply de-
mands. Various schemes were tested.
1t was discovered that the most con-
venient channels to reach the systems
of the animals would be down their
throats. 1t was decided to commuIi-
cate with their vitals through their
stomachs, and to open up results
among their bodies by poison. Grain
well soaked with phosphorous was
scattered over the hills and plains.
The animals enjoyed the hospitalities
of the colonists for few minutes );
then turned over on their sides and
closed their accounts.
Poison was found more powerful
than all hostile aGgressions. 1t was
kept well scattered over the provinces
infested, and the dissolution of rab-
bits was greatly assisted. Hence the
large increase in the expectation of
rabbit skins. Rabbit hunting became
national sport in New Zealand. 1t
is one of the popular diversions at the
antipodes. 1t takes the place among
the colonists of the fox chase in the
old country. The number OF animals
brings the range OF the sport within
convenient access, and the large area
infested render search for the bunnies
unnecessary.
The writer, while recently explor-
ing the islands, joined in the colonial
pastime of rabbit hunting, and in
dulged in frequent drives after the
animals. The prairies south of the
province of Otazo were the favorite
hunting grounds, us there the rabbits
were found in the largest numbers.
Early morning would find our horses,
guns and dogs ready for the chase.
The rabbits are early risers and were
rarely taken by surprise. Daybreak
would find them hopping over the
land in quest of breakfast. They roam
in such vast legions that the earth in
the neighborhood is kept denuded of
vegetation, and supplies for their
meals are not always handy or easy OF
access.
They have discovered that it is the
early animals which "get the worms, -
and they are astir by dawn. SO ac-
customed are they to the hunter 8
raids that many have never enjoyed a
good nights rest The activity used
to keep from the clutches of pursuers
reduces their flesh and decreases their
weight; as a result, many of the ami
mails are lean and not in immediate
demand for the table. After being
housed and fed for some days after
capture they are in good condition
and fit for market. But their flesh is
SO common in New Zealand that it is
in but little demand for diet. The
most pronounced devotees to animal
flesh soon tire of rabbits as an article
of food, and wish change.
The decimation of the animals by
the chase forms a small proportion OF
the destruction otherwise accom-
plished. Ii their decrease was left to
most of the hunters the grain farms
of South Island would be a desert.
The favorite method of catching the
animals is by the use of wire screens.
The screens are stretched over the
prairie for miles like the prongs of a
compass. The barricades extend open
like the front of fan, but recede
into point in the rear; the narrow
inclosure contracts into lane, and
finally leads into an open pen through
Il gate.
The hunters surrounds the rabbits,
and from strategic points change on
the bunnies. A liberal supply of
noise. from the dogs, reports from the
guns and yells from the horsemen
produce panic among the rabbits
they take to their heels in disastrous
rout, and in the wild stampede the
riders direct their CANNES with such
skill that the rabbits are headed
toward the wire screens. The herds
.t,.rW.