INTRODUCTORY 9 



often confounded with the Flemish Giant, to which it has 

 some points of resemblance. There is little doubt they 

 have been bred together, not, I think, to the advantage of 

 either, but this is a matter of opinion. 



Probably, if a few spirited breeders took up the 

 variety with vigour, attention might be drawn to it, and 

 classes provided at some of the shows, but unless this 

 is done it will remain, in the words of the old song, "a 

 sort we sometimes hear about, but very seldom see." 



Another variety in the same category is the Siberian, 

 which, in my opinion, is even less often met with, at least 

 at shows, than the Patagonian. 



In spite of its name and supposed connection with 

 Russia, the general idea amongst fanciers here seems to 

 be that it is a home production, and the result of a cross 

 between the Angora and the Himalayan varieties. 



And this its appearance does much to justify, as it 

 possesses the long coat of the former, with the markings 

 of the latter. But whether a cross or not, it is found to 

 breed true to type and colour, and to be rather a prolific 

 breeder. It is usually tame, gentle in disposition, and 

 hardy in its constitution. 



They are often very beautiful animals, suitable for 

 young ladies and others caring to keep them as pets 

 rather than for exhibition, as, like the Patagonians, it is 

 almost impossible to find schedules with classes for either 

 of them. 



I have been told that this variety is in great favour on 

 the Continent, particularly in France, where great numbers 

 of them are kept, perhaps more for the value of their 



