44 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



At one time there was a good deal of discussion and 

 controversy carried on, as to whether the Belgian Hare 

 was the production of a cross between the Hare and some 

 kind of Rabbit, but all the evidence of value I have 

 examined leads me to disbelieve it. 



We know how closely in colouring and form they 

 approach the Hare, but their ways and habits are more 

 in accordance with a Rabbit ancestry, and their young are 

 different to leverets, which are, to all intents and 

 purposes, born clothed ; whereas all rabbits are almost 

 bare of any covering at all. 



I merely mention the matter, because it is sometimes 

 referred to ; for my own part, I do not think there is 

 much in it, although I am aware many persons consider the 

 flesh of Belgian Hares superior to that of any other of the 

 Rabbit tribe, and more approaching the flavour of the Hare. 



In case it may suit the convenience of some of my 

 readers to try the experiment, I may say that Belgian 

 Hares are looked upon as a hardy race, where they can 

 be sufficiently protected from climatic vicissitudes. They 

 have been found admirably suited for life in woods and 

 warrens, when does of eight months old or more have 

 been placed out, with bucks of not under six months, of 

 course, the number of the former considerably in excess of 

 the latter. They must all be looked after for some time 

 after they are located, both in the way of securing them a 

 sufficiency of food and water, and guarding against their 

 being demolished by their terrestial and aerial enemies, of 

 which they have so many, and from some of which they 

 possess no means of escape. 



