90 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



feathery as possible, free from any knots, matting or 

 discolouration. 



The legs and feet are fine rather than muscular, and 

 long rather than stumpy. 



The shape of the body is moderately long and nicely 

 arched over the rump towards the tail, which seems 

 almost hidden by the fur or wool. 



The mouth is small for the size of the animal, and 

 the chin somewhat receding in character. 



Like all animals with heavy coats, they are very 

 deceptive in weight ; it will very seldom be found that 

 a high-class specimen, as regards its coat, shape and type, 

 will exceed eight pounds, perhaps from six to seven 

 pounds is more often their weight. Those larger than 

 this are usually the result of some cross breeding to 

 obtain size, often with the sacrifice of quality in the 

 coats. 



It is by no means a delicate variety, although I should 

 not advise intending exhibitors to keep them in outside 

 hutches, unless well protected from wet and cold, but 

 I consider them fairly hardy in constitution, and not 

 requiring artificial heat in a general way. 



Combing the coats, and brushing them once or twice 

 a week at least, with a brush with long and softish bristles, 

 should be made a practice of, and the trouble will be 

 repaid by the condition of the animals. 



I have found them gentle and docile, and they soon 

 get used to the toilet preparations, and make no objection 

 to them if kindly and carefully performed. 



The does are fairly prolific, and their litters average 



