96 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



but, I am bound to say that when I took up exhibiting 

 rabbits, my English, as well as all the others, were 

 always kept inside a house, or shed, and I am sure they 

 were all the better for it. 



I have always found them good doers, not requiring 

 any special feeding, and lively and cheerful in their 

 temperament ; I have little doubt, although I have not 

 tried them since I was able to do so, that they would suit 

 for turning down, in a sheltered and protected place, to 

 be used for the table only, in which case I should allow 

 one buck with five or six does, of course, first hardening 

 them for a while in outside hutches, and making the 

 start the end of April, or beginning of May, and with 

 bucks of six or seven months and does of eight or nine 

 months old. 



The does are fairly prolific, having litters of from 

 five to seven at a time, sometimes more, and are generally 

 kind and attentive mothers, but I think it wise not to 

 allow them to have more than two litters a year, even if 

 they are not shown ; and does kept for show are better not 

 bred from while the exhibition strain and excitement is on. 

 With respect to weight, in my opinion eight pounds 

 should be the outside limit, and if I could have them 

 correct in their points I would prefer them from six to 

 seven pounds. Although originally kept for utility and 

 pets, this variety has now become a popular fancy article, 

 and is not wanted for quantity, but the concentration of 

 quality. At many shows I have seen and read of the 

 competition being as keen in the English as in any 

 variety of Rabbit exhibited. 



