PET RABBITS, CAVIES, AND MICE. 21 



must be brushed daily, whether on show or not, and "or 

 this purpose a proper hog's bristle brush should be 

 obtained. They must be kept free from mats or 

 tangles, or their chances are heavily handicapped. 

 Another point: Feed exhibition stock well. Milk is 

 useful. So is a little oil cake. So also is a mash made 

 of linseed (boiled and let to stand and get cold) and 

 equal parts barley meal and toppings. This thrice a 

 week. Always let the rabbit feed before dispatching on 

 a journey. Ours get a feed of oats and have a little 

 green food and plenty of hay in the box or basket. 

 Much has been written anent this question of rabbis 

 travelling to and from exhibitions. A great deal the 

 major part has been dictated by the most humane con- 

 siderations. There can be no doubt that baskets are 

 best in the summer, and boxes of ample size, and plenti- 

 fully ventilated at the proper points in the winter. 

 Common sense should enter at this door, and a box can 

 be ventilated without being made draughty. Let either 

 box or basket have secure straps or fastenings, and a 

 proper handle at the top. Railway porters are too busy 

 (sic) to lift a parcel (containing live or dead stock) care- 

 fully. They play bounce ball with some, football with 

 others. Nobody sees them, and their hearts have no 

 feeling for the dumb creation. This is from the experi- 

 ence of observation. Help these people, then, and give 

 them no excuse. Night journeys are best if possible to 

 far distant shows, but in any case sufficient time ought 

 to be allowed in transit. When rabbits return from a 

 show it is wise to give them an aperient. We know an 

 old breeder who .always gave his a Beecham's Pill 

 There is a sound idea here. 



