THE POLISH RABBIT 63 



The Polish is more elegant in shape, not so long in 

 body or legs, shorter in neck, purer and more even in 

 colour, and what some describe as more snaky in out- 

 line, and, although not heavy looking, weighs more 

 than its appearance suggests. 



The eye of the Polish is a lighter shade of pink than 

 seen in any of the other varieties with such colour ; the fur 

 is short and of a chalky white, without shade or tint, which 

 contrasts with almost any other white rabbit in this respect, 

 and gives it an appearance of its own, but somewhat 

 difficult to describe on paper. 



I should not call it one of the hardy sort, and it does 

 better in indoor hutches, being susceptible to cold and 

 wind. As it is active in habit, it should have plenty of 

 hutch room ; I have found them rather shy, and not 

 caring about much notice or handling, but docile and 

 easily managed. 



It is a prolific breeder, with litters averaging five or 

 six in each ; the does make good and attentive mothers. 

 They are placed by many persons second only to the 

 Dutch as foster mothers; some are kept in Rabbitries 

 for this purpose alone, and found very useful. The 

 young when born are of a delicate pink tint, and for 

 some days, until the white begins to appear, very little 

 difference can be seen in them. The mothers are very 

 jealous of any interference with their young, and are best 

 left alone, as much as possible, at this time ; they are so 

 assiduous in their maternal duties, that they should be 

 well kept up with nourishing food when they are suck- 

 ling, or their health may be endangered. 



