Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 April 1894 — A Rabbit Drive in Texas. [ARTICLE]

A Rabbit Drive in Texas.

In the Panhandle of Texas the rabbits are very nearly as much of a nuisance as they are in Australia, and the problem of how to exterminate is a serious one. Unlike the prairie dog, which moves when civilisation reaches his habitation, the jack rabbit will remain very near the settlements and run the chances of being killed. Parties are formed to drive these rabbits. A triangle, with the sides about a quarter of a mile long and the base about an equal distance across, is formed with closely constructed wire fences or wire screening. The hunters separate very much as in a fox hunt and, going in a circle, meet a short distance below the base of the triange, beating the grass as they go. Then, closing in, they drive the rabbits into the triangle, and the animals suspect no danger until they are huddled together at the point. They try to jump the fence, and, falling in that, make a rush to reteat. The hunters are armed with stout clubs and kill them by the hundred. It is not uncommon for two or three thousand to be killed ift a single drive. The sport is an exciting one, as the animals are exceedingly quick in their movements and will execute some very artful dodges to try to pass the hunters. The King of Dahomey, wishing to communicate with his father, who had the excellent fortune to be dead, cut off the head of his mother so that she could act as messenger. As an instance of filial devotion the case is complex and further confused by the circumstance that while the headsman was at work the King looked on calmly smoking a pipe. The King is clearly entitled to some recognition. He deserves at least the privilege of being sent forthwith to join his lamented parents, bearing his owij head under his arm.