174 NATIONAL RABBIT BAZAAR. 



AMPTHILL RABBIT BAZAAR. I have stated at 

 the commencement of this article, that the large 

 concerns had generally ceased. Of late, one has 

 arisen at Ampthill, Beds, upon a more extensive 

 scale than ever before attempted, established by 

 J. H. Fisher, Esq. an agent of his Grace the Duke 

 of Bedford. Upon so extensive a plan, indeed, is 

 this new undertaking, that it may well be styled our 

 grand NATIONAL RABBIT BAZAAR. The building, 

 situated upon an eminence, is square, somewhat re- 

 sembling barracks, with a court withinside the 

 walls, and with thirty acres of fine light land adjoin- 

 ing, under culture of those crops known to be best 

 adapted to the nourishment and support of rabbit- 

 stock. It was proposed to keep between four and 

 five thousand breeding does, which number is pro- 

 bably now complete. The young rabbits, from 

 seven to nine weeks old, are sent to Newgate and 

 Leadenhall markets, fifty to sixty dozens, weekly. 

 The quantity of dung produced, which is reserved 

 with the utmost care, and free from any extraneous 

 substances, must be very considerable and valuable. 

 A number of men and boys are employed in the 

 concern, under the direction of an experienced 

 foreman, and the utmost regularity of attention ob- 

 served with respect to management, feeding, and 

 cleanliness. 



This Bazaar has been honoured by the visits of 

 persons of the highest rank ; of his Royal Highness 

 the Duke of Clarence, his Grace the Duke of Bed- 

 ford, Lord Holland, Lord Vernon, and a number of 

 ladies and gentlemen. 



