CHAPTER II. 

 THE PRINCIPAL VARIETIES. 



In order to secure the most up-to-date experience, 

 apart from our own knowledge, of the several varieties, 

 their points, and the best way to breed them, we have 

 invited the views of two or three of our leading fanciers 

 and judges of mice. We shall again quote from Mr. 

 Hamlin. He says: "There are twenty-seven recog- 

 nized varieties of mice, but I shall only deal with those 

 of which I have had practical experience, viz., self 

 colours. By that I mean those wholly of one colour. 

 First I will explain the different colours. They are 

 black, chocolate, fawn, white, cream, black-eyed silvers, 

 blues, and pink-eyed silvers. These constitute the self- 

 colours. To start with, I shall take 



BLACKS. 



These are undoubtedly very pretty mice, and a 

 really good specimen will generally do a bit of winning 

 for its owner, if shown in good trim. In blacks, the 

 great point is to keep them pure in colour, and free 

 from brindling or tanning on the sides, and also on 

 the throat and vent. The colour should be dense, 

 running right down to the feet and the end of the tail. 

 A lot of blacks are bred with pied feet and tails, but 

 these should not be used to breed from if it can possibly 

 be avoided. To anyone starting in blacks I advise 

 going to a breeder who makes a speciality of the variety. 

 He is sure to keep stock that has been black bred for 

 generations. Ask him for a hint or two as to the stock, 

 and how to proceed. You will not go far wrong." 

 Very often blacks are mated to blues i.e., pure blues, 

 with good results. The progeny, if both are soundly 



