The position of the rabbit in the animal kingdom.—It is clear from the above that the rabbit is, in the first place, a vertebrate animal; it belongs, secondly, to the mammalian class of vertebrates, and thirdly, to the rodent-order of mammals. EXERCISES ON CHAPTER XII. 1. In what respects does the hind-foot of a rabbit differ from the fore-foot? What is the use of the difference? 2. Describe the way in which a rabbit runs. What precautions does it take when feeding in an open place? (1901) 3. Make observations of the habits and external characters of hares, and compare them, point for point, with those of rabbits. [Pg 221] 4. Describe the inside of a rabbit’s mouth, and explain the advantages of any peculiar features to be seen in it. 5. Mention the two chief constituents of a rabbit’s tooth. Describe by what means the edges of a rabbit’s incisor teeth are kept sharp. 6. Make a list of all the vertebrate animals with which you are acquainted. Why are they called vertebrates? 7. By what external characters would you recognise that an animal was a mammal? [Pg 222] CHAPTER XIII. HOW A RABBIT LIVES. 44. THE SKELETON AND MUSCLES 1. The examination of the bones.—In a boiled rabbit clear away the flesh from the bones. Before separating a bone, notice carefully how it is attached to neighbouring bones. Notice also, especially in the limbs, the attachment of the bundles of flesh (muscles) to the bones, the ends of each muscle being fixed to separate bones. Notice that the places of attachment of the largest muscles are marked by ridges or roughnesses on the bones. 2. The skull.—Observe the two rounded knobs at the back of the skull, which fit into hollows on the first bone (vertebra) of the vertebral column. In the skull notice the saw-like boundaries of the various bones, and make out: the great, rounded brain-case; the external openings of the ears; the eye-sockets; the snout, with the two nasal chambers; and the upper and lower jaws. Before separating the lower jaw observe carefully how it is hinged on the arches which run below the eyes, and notice the great muscle on each side which moves it. Examine the teeth in detail, and remove them one by one from their sockets. Notice the bony shelf or palate separating the nasal chambers from the cavity of the mouth. Draw a side view of the skull. Shave off the top of the brain-case with a sharp knife, and examine the brain.