204 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



that there is almost entire absence of even the slight Tabby 

 markings, which appear on specimens of the latter, and it 

 is not so short and thick in shape of body and tail, the 

 latter with the rings very faintly indicated upon it, which 

 are rather a feature in the native Wild Cat. 



Contrary to the usual supposition that the progeny 

 of imported animals are larger than their parents, it is 

 asserted by breeders that those which have undoubtedly 

 come to this country from Abyssinia are larger and finer 

 specimens than those born here, and more free from any 

 markings, except the dark trace down back and the tick- 

 ings peculiar to the species. 



The head should be fairly large, round, not very short, 

 but full in face, with dark red nose, shortish, strong neck, 

 deep chest, and shoulders rather wide. 



The ears moderately small, dark brown in colour, 

 laced and tipped with black, carried very erect. 



The eyes round and full, deep yellow, with a glint of 

 green in them, and intelligent in expression. 



The legs fairly long and well boned, with small round 

 feet. 



The body, rather compact and cobby, than long ; well 

 rounded at sides, not tucked-up looking, and with strong 

 hind quarters. 



The tail, thick at base, tapering to the tip. 



The coat very dense and soft, but not long anywhere. 



The condition hard, firm and muscular ; general ap- 

 pearance of an active, powerful animal of compact build. 



The size of males, eleven to thirteen pounds ; of females, 

 eight to ten pounds. 



