CHAPTER IX 



THE SIBERIAN RABBIT 



I SHOULD not call this at all a common variety, although 

 specimens have been seen for a good many years, but it 

 has never " caught on " in this country as it has on the 

 Continent, 'especially in France, where it has many 

 admirers, amongst the lovers of rabbits there. 



It certainly has a striking and rather distinguished 

 appearance about it, and with quite a foreign look, which 

 is in its favour with some people. 



Some authorities doubt whether Siberia was really its 

 place of origin, but it has always been a prime favourite 

 with the fanciers of the Continent of Europe generally, 

 and it is quite possible it has been correctly named. 



Wherever it came from, in all probability it was pro- 

 duced by a cross between a Himalayan and an Angora, 

 most likely a buck of the former mated with a doe of 

 the latter variety. 



It is one of what I should call the essentially pet 

 rabbits, being handsome and showy, docile and good- 

 tempered, rather lethargic and comfortable-looking in 

 habit, and as a rule not averse to being carried, fondled 

 and groomed by its owners. These characteristics make it 

 suitable for those who desire to have a pretty pet animal to 

 feed and care for, but have no desire to exhibit it. 



I do not remember to have seen classes for them at any 



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