106 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



" When just born the young are of a slatey blue colour, 

 and at about a month old they appear to be quite black, 

 but on close examination they will be found to be broken 

 all through the fur with white hairs, and at the first moult 

 this changes to the real silvering or light colour, when it 

 may be determined as to which are the best ; but they 

 are never at their best till after the second moult, and 

 generally not till they are about twelve months old, the does 

 usually assuming their grandeur soon after the first litter. 



" While in a brood the does are generally the best, so 

 that when a buck is found equal to a doe in all points, 

 some allowance should be made in its favour. 



"STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING DARK 



SILVER GREY RABBITS 



Head, of fair size without tapering . . 5 Points 

 Eyes, large, dark and protruding . . 5 



Ears, small, with erect carriage ... 5 

 Shape, plump, with a good loin ... 5 

 Coat, thick, close and fine . . .5 



Ground colour, dark slate . . . .10 



Silvering, sharp and clear . . . .10 



Ticking, distinct and bright . . . 15 

 Evenness, as uniform as possible . . 15 



Dewlap, large and broad . . . .10 



Condition ....... 5 



Size, from eight to twelve pounds . .10 



"Total 100 Points 



