64 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



At five or six weeks old some, at least, of the young 

 may be taken away for weaning, leaving a few of the 

 most promising a week or two longer with the doe. 

 When removed, a number of the youngsters may be run 

 together in a room or shed, where they can have plenty 

 of space for growth and exercise until they are about four 

 months old. Then the bucks should be separated from 

 the does, and hutched separately, but the does may con- 

 tinue to run together, unless found to quarrel, as is not 

 often the case with them. The spring of the year is the 

 best time to begin breeding operations, and does of eight 

 or nine months are thought better than those younger, 

 mated with bucks of not less than six or seven months. 

 This variety is not one in which crossing has been found 

 beneficial, although experiments have been made with 

 several sorts. It is best to keep them pure, of course, 

 with introduction of fresh blood occasionally to avoid 

 inbreeding. 



As an article of food the flesh of the Polish is 

 esteemed as being very palatable, and, as mentioned, the 

 fur has a market value, when produced in quantities 

 acceptable to the trade. 



I think it may be of interest to my readers if I quote 

 the views of my old friend, Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., 

 upon this variety. He has been an extensive breeder of 

 Polish, and had a long experience with them, and has 

 suggested a very elaborate standard by which they shall be 

 judged. I consider his opinion on the matter is deserv- 

 ing of attention and consideration, as he has often 

 had large classes before him as judge, particularly 



