The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-31
CLEVELAND HUNTS RABBITS.
NOTHING UNIDENTIFIED Nv 1T,
THE EX-PRESIDENT WRITES.

Give Molly Cottontaii a Fair Start and,
II You Pot Her, You Can Eat Her with
Clear COnscience-May Take Kick
to start Her and Maybe IOu'll Miss.
Grover Cleveland, ex-Presdent Of the
United States writes on rabbit shooting
Tor the vacation number Of the 'ndepen lent.
lie says
Because rabbit shooting is seasonable
only in late fall or winter weather the men,
lion Of is calculated to suggest shivering
rhills, cold feet, numb fingers and all sorts
of heavy clothing. At first blush, there
fore, it may not seem to be exactly an APP
}ropriate topic to be given place in a
ing ON second thought, however, hope
Il will not be deemed amiss that the torrid-
ity of such q magazine should be tempered
hy cooling admixture limiting OF recrea-
ton free from dog day swelter, and re-
way which brings with 1t outdoor sport
exempt from summer heat and unvexed
'by the stings and arrows Of outrageous
grats flies or mosquitoes. It is quite
within reason to suppose that the addition u
simmer in summer recreative reading
uirht be rs refreshing as the addition
Of ice to an otherwise tepid summer tipple.
Some hunters there are, OF the super
ietireu ana uuulSH soTII WIN ueHy W VIC
rabbit any position among legitimate game
animals; and there are others who, while
grudgingly admitting rabbits to the list,
eeem to think II necessary to excuse their
concession by calling them hares Iregard
oil this as pure affectation and nonsense.
deem it not beneath my dignity and stand
inr az a reputable gunner to write of the
rabbit us an entirely suitable member Of
the game community. and in doing so am
not dealing. with hares or any other thing
.cotton-tals' Though they may be de
famed by every charlatan' among hunters
Of self constituted high degree, and des-
their gane qualities, am not ashamed of
their pursuit, and / count 1t by no means
bad skill to force them by a successful
shot to topsy-turvy pause when at their
ri These sly little fellows feed at night,
and during the day they hide so closely
In grass or among rocks and brush that
It Is seldom they can be seen when at rest.
Of course, no decent man will shoot rabbit
while sitting, and have known them to
kick or punch. When they do start. how
ever, they demonstrate quite clearly that
they have kept their feet in the best pos
sibls position for spring and r. n. After
be given an abundant chance to gain full
Roadway, and when he has trayersed the
necessary distance for this, and is at his
fastest gait. the hunter that shoots him
has good reason to be satisfied with his
, "p and he escaped unhurt t}ho5rsh four
loads OF shot were sent after him.
an the main, however, dogs must be
relied upon for the real enjoyment and suc-
cess of rabbit hunting The fastest dogs
chase the rabbit so swiftly and closely that
he quickly betakes himself to hole or
other safe shelter. instead OF relying upon
his running ability. The baying, Of three
Or four good dogs i sdseSadiy 1olhloiTins
and as pleasant to ears attuned to the
music as IL the chase were for bigger game.
As the music Is heard more distinctly.
the hunter Is allowed to fatter himself
that his acute judgment can determine
the precise point from which an advanta-
geo,is shot can be secured. The self satisfied
conoeit aroused by fortunate guess con-
cerning this important detail, especially
permit the lucky gunner to enjoy as fully
the oompacent, pleasurable persuasion
that the entire achievement Is due to his
ragacity, keenness and skill as though the
animal ciroumve ZEN si were larger nea st.
delight born Of we'll fed sense Of supe-
rioritv and self-pride; and this, notwith-
standing all attempts to keep it in the
background. is the most gratifying factor
in every sporting indulgence.
Some people speak slightingly OF the
eabbit's eating qualities. This must be
an abject surrender to fad or fashion.
At any rate it is exceedingly unjust to the
csottontail; and one who can relish tender
chicken and refuse to eat nicely cooked
rabbit is. believe, a victim Of unfounded
preiudices.
why, then. should not rabbit hunting,
when honorably pursued, be given re-
epectable place among cunning activities7
1t certainly has every element of rational
outdoor recreation. 1t ministers to the
most exhilarating and healthful exercise:
It furnishes saving relief from care and
overwork; 1t il free from wantonness and
fnoxcusable destruction OF animal life, and,
81 luck favors, 1t gives play to innocent but
gratifying self-conceit.
'Let US remember however, that il rabbit
hunting is to be manly outdoor recre-
alton. entirely free from meanness, and a
sport In which true hunter can indulge
without shame. the little cottontail must,
In all circumstances, be given fair chance
Tor his life