CHAPTER VI 



THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT 



ALTHOUGH this variety is named after a district in South 

 America, I have never heard of any specimens being 

 imported from that part of the world, but they have been 

 extensively bred on the Continent of Europe, more 

 especially France. 



From the fact that they have been little in demand 

 for exhibition, and almost entirely bred for table use, 

 there has not been much trouble bestowed on keeping the 

 strains pure, and they have been crossed with both Belgian 

 Hares and Flemish Giants, from time to time. 



In colouring it much resembles the wild rabbit, but 

 has more of iron grey in its tints, and often appears 

 freckled or mottled in hue. The belly is generally 

 almost white in shade. 



The carriage of the ears is one peculiarity of the 

 variety. While stout and strong in substance, and wider 

 than most others, they do not seem as stiff, and frequently 

 have a bent and broken appearance, making them hang 

 over at tips, as though overpowered by their length and 

 weight. They are large, massive rabbits, and it is not at 



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