164 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



so I may say of this variety, it is not unusual to find 

 partial or total deafness amongst them, and any intending 

 purchasers should satisfy themselves in this matter 

 before concluding negotiations. 



I always fancy I can tell by their countenance if 

 they have this affliction, but it is well to make sure 

 before purchasing, as a deaf cat is often a nuisance, and 

 seldom much good as a mouser. 



The head should be fairly big, very rounded in shape ; 

 not very short in face ; broad across the upper part of the 

 head, and deep in muzzle. 



The ears, rather large, and wide at base, very open to 

 the front, and carried bolt upright. 



The eyes, which should match in size and colour, 

 should be large, full, very intelligent and wide awake in 

 expression, and of turquoise blue in shade. 



The body should not be very long, but moderately 

 thick in shape, with rounded sides and limbs. 



The legs should be longish and fairly strong in bone, 

 with round small feet. 



The tail rather thick than lanky, and carried with a 

 curve below the line of the back. 



The coat should be short and deep, fine and glossy 

 in texture, with dense undercoat. 



The colour should be pure flake white, without any 

 tint or shade in it. 



The condition should be firm and compact, with a 

 comfortable general appearance and aspect. 



Size of males to ten or eleven pounds ; females, seven 

 to eight pounds. 



