CHAPTER X 



THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT 



THIS variety is correctly named in both respects, as I 

 think it is generally admitted to have been first produced 

 in Flanders, and to be still largely bred in Belgium and 

 the northern districts of France ; and it is generally the 

 largest and heaviest of all the Rabbit family. 



Probably as a food producer it has no equal, as not 

 only is the flesh of excellent flavour, but they put on flesh 

 very rapidly, so that breeders who keep up their feeding 

 operations with vigour are often able to kill youngsters of 

 three months old, up to six pounds in weight, which must 

 be "good business," as our commercial friends say. 



While size is very important with the Flemish, colour, 

 which is always harder to obtain, should not be lost sight 

 of. Iron grey should be the predominant shade every- 

 where, except on the belly and under parts, which should 

 be white. It is desirable to avoid any with sandy colour 

 upon them, which are thought to show a Belgian Hare 

 cross at some time or other. 



As they mature, tickings appear in coat, on back and 

 sides, which are admired, and have a good effect. 



In many varieties dewlaps are drawbacks, and have to 



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