Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 211, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 September 1918 — RABBITS A PEST NO LONGER [ARTICLE]

RABBITS A PEST NO LONGER

Australia Finds the One-Time Curse Now a Profitable Source of Revenue.

Washington.—Rabbits, which were once the curse of Australia, as they have been to a lesser extent in thesouthwestern United States, now are providing a profitable source of revenue and at the same time helping to win the war by increasing the food supply. Official dispatches received here say the British board of trade has ordered 600,000 crates of skinned rabbits, which will require the killing of 21,600,000 rabbits, weighing 36,000,000 pounds after dressing. Previously the rabbits were shipped with the skins on, but inconvenience was experienced at hospitals in England in removing the fur. How to dispose of the skins is causing the Australians speculation. There is a ready market for them in this country, but tonnage is scarce.