THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 99 



weight. My own preference is for something between the 

 two limits, say not exceeding nine or ten pounds, and I 

 have handled a good many of the variety, both as owner 

 and judge, and believe the best I have ever seen were 

 under ten pounds. 



I have the impression the largest specimens I have 

 met with have been amongst the light shades, and the 

 smallest amongst the dark, but this may be only my fancy. 



I consider, neatness of shape is very important in this 

 variety, and greatly adds to its attractive appearance. 



Shortness of coat should also be insisted on, otherwise 

 it loses in sharpness and brightness of colouring, and, of 

 course, evenness is all-important, so that those in any 

 stage of moulting should be kept at home until that 

 operation is completed, as they will have little chance in 

 competition with others. 



Small, rather fine, well carried ears, rather full bold 

 eyes of dark colour, and alert, intelligent expression are 

 valuable points to secure, and add much to the taking 

 character of the specimen. 



When first this variety came prominently forward into 

 the exhibition world, they used to be shown together 

 simply as Silver Greys, all shades in one class ; indeed, I 

 have sometimes seen classes simply for " Silvers," when 

 Greys, Creams and Browns had to compete together. 



It was then almost as bad as a Variety Class, and it 

 depended much on the individual taste of the judge which 

 variety he went for. 



But now, when there are a sufficient number of keen 

 and skilful fanciers devoting their attention to each, there 



