Lone Rabbits

OF

Phoenix Island

IT must be 40 or 50 years since rabbits were first reported on tiny Phoenix atoll, in the Phoenix group, last of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; but—so far as we know—no one ever bas told how they got there, or how they live.

I In his recent article in the Poly nesian Journal, describing the coloni sation of the Phoenix Islands (see Hsewhere in this issue) Mr, H. E.

Maude says: [ “On Phoenix we found the only pbbits I have ever met with on any [oral island. They appeared to be jharing their burrows with the petrels hnd shearwaters, and one had to step Sarefully to avoid crushing rabbits and birds wherever one went.

I “They were in very poor condition md. although when chased they )vo uld be off like a rocket for a hundred yards or so, they soon gave I despairing squeak and lay still with heir ears back, ready to be captured, the delegates (Gilbertese natives) WlO had never, of course, seen such [nimals called them pussies and re used to eat them.

I “We took 25 away with us, with i view to breeding them in the Gilberts, but were unsuccessful, as hey were killed by dogs before they bad time to establish themselves. [ “I am told that rabbits never drink, fcertainly, those on Phoenix could not