5. Why does a piece of damp bread become mouldy when it is exposed to the air?
6. Describe simple experiments which prove that the dust of ordinary air contains living particles.
7. Mention common plants which are wafted about by currents of air in a dwelling-house, and point out changes which such plants may set up in articles of human food. (1905)
PART II. ANIMAL LIFE
CHAPTER XII.
THE RABBIT: A TYPICAL MAMMAL.
43. THE RABBIT: HABITS AND APPEARANCE.
1. The habits of the wild rabbit.—In what places have you known wild rabbits to have a warren? In what kind of ground is a rabbit warren generally found? How can you recognise it? Are all the holes of the warren of similar size, or can you distinguish between main entrances and “bolt-holes”? Look for smooth paths, perhaps nine inches wide, which lead to the main entrances and intersect each other, so as to form “runs.” Watch the animals feeding and playing; to do this successfully it will be necessary to keep very still and silent; avoid walking on the runs. What do the rabbits eat? Do they walk, or hop? How do they run? Notice how conspicuous is the white tail of a running rabbit. In June look for a nest of young rabbits. The position of such a nest may often be recognised, when the doe is away from home, by a smooth patch of earth with which she has covered up the hole. Dig up this very carefully and notice how the nest is lined. Examine the young ones without hurting them, and then cover them up again.