THE SIBERIAN RABBIT 69 



of the shows, all I have met with have been either in the 

 possession of non-exhibitors, or if at the shows entered either 

 in the Any Other Variety, Gift, or Selling Classes, in none 

 of which they stand much chance of obtaining distinction. 



The nearer they combine the best characteristics of 

 the two varieties, which seem to be fused into one, the 

 more perfect the specimen is considered. 



Contrary to what has been found with some cross 

 breeds, they are found to breed very true to colour and 

 type ; but they are longer in maturing their coats in point 

 of length and texture than is the case with Angoras ; of 

 course this is subject to variation in individual cases. 



As in the case of all long-haired varieties, frequent 

 attention with brushing and combing is necessary to keep 

 the hair in form and to avoid knots or matting, and their 

 hutches for the same reason must be kept scrupulously 

 clean and as dry as possible. 



Straw is best for bedding, as the ends of hay are apt 

 to get into the coats and give an unsightly appearance, 

 besides giving endless trouble to remove. 



They are sufficiently hardy to do fairly well in outside 

 hutches, if protected in wet, cold or stormy weather, but 

 the quality and quantity of the coat is likely to be better 

 in those kept in a house or shed, especially in the 

 colder parts of the year. 



This variety does not run to great weight, eight 

 pounds may be looked upon as the limit, and many more 

 will be found of four, five and six pounds. As a general 

 rule, those nearest perfection in their points are between 

 five and six pounds in weight. 



