3 2 PET RABBITS, CAVIES, AND MICE. 



back nicely arched to a slight degree, the loins should 

 be well rounded, and across the shoulders the specimen 

 should be narrow, and show as much length as possible 

 from the flank to the shoulder. Fanciers are very partial 

 to a long lean head in a Belgian Hare, particularly in a 

 buck, and a most objectionable feature is a short, 

 stumpy, thick head. Many of the most successful 

 youngsters fail in this respect when they reach the adult 

 stage of their existence. Another point which we think 

 should be emphasized to-day is the necessity for a 

 straight tail. We know not who is responsible for the 

 state of things prevailing, but it really exists, and it is 

 necessary in a modern book of this kind to call attention 

 to it. More frequently than is pleasant, a judge is met 

 with exhibits carrying their tails on one side. If there 

 is a distinct screw or twist in the tail it will run to side 

 and curl inwards at the point. Besides, it can be dis- 

 tinctly felt, like a child with curvature of the spine. 

 But the majority stop short at side carriage, without 

 the screw. This side carriage is a great eyesore, and a 

 distinct blemish on the rabbit's outline. Unfortunately 

 judges are not agreed upon the weight to be placed on 

 this disadvantage. Some view it lightly, others more 

 seriously. But none go so far as to take definite and 

 severe notice of it. This is a pity, as vigorous and 

 united judicial action would soon settle the matter, for 

 in point of demerit, there is but the difference 'twixt 

 tweedledum and tweedledee in a screw tail and a tail 

 " carried on one side." Nothing adds to the fire and 

 raciness of a good Belgian Hare more than a bold, wild, 

 hazel eye, which looks as if it were starting out of its 

 socket. This gives to the animal a wild, hare-like 

 appearance. Another eyesore is a dewlap, or pouch 

 under the chin. The standard weight of a show speci- 

 men is put down at 8 Ibs, but we leave that matter, as we 

 are of opinion that not one in 20 reaches it, and might 

 be handicapped adversely if they did. Let your Belgian 

 Hare be healthy not fat and podgy, and with fur short, 

 full and flying, when turned back. We must not over- 

 look another defect in some of the young Belgians of 

 the present day. We allude to barred or flaky fore-feet, 

 i.e., feet with light, silvery bars across, just above the 

 toes. A word as to mating. Some prefer a golden 

 tan buck and a doe of deep rufus red colour, but both full 



