56 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



has been found to produce beneficial effects in their 

 condition. 



I think the great point to be considered is to give as 

 much variety in food as possible, provided it is of a 

 nourishing character, and such as they will eat with an 

 appetite. 



I like to see any kind of animal or bird of mine 

 take their food readily, and as if they enjoyed it ; 

 knowing there is not often much the matter when 

 that is the case. 



As in some of the other large breeds used for the 

 table, gelding is sometimes adopted when great size is 

 desired ; the operation, which should be performed by a 

 practised hand, may take place when they are put up for 

 fattening. 



I should have said that boiled potatoes, mixed with a 

 little barley, or oatmeal, and given lukewarm, are useful 

 additions to the tariff, when fattening ; and they are 

 partial to a little milk occasionally, particularly with 

 some sugar mixed with it. 



Straw will be found better than hay, or other material, 

 for such as are confined in hutches, and if well supplied 

 with hay they will not be likely to eat their beds. 



One of the main points to be sought in this variety, 

 after size, is to get as much uniformity in colour, with 

 large, strong, lengthy ears ; the eyes appear set rather 

 wide apart, and the head large and very wide. 



In shape Patagonians run rather wide from the neck 

 to the loins, with heavy hind quarters and large hips, the 

 bones of which are very noticeable. 



