CHAPTER XXXIII 



ABYSSINIAN CAVIES 



I HAVE never been able to get reliable information that 

 this variety has any real connection with Abyssinia, nor 

 any reason for its being so called, as it is believed to 

 be, like its brethren, a native of Brazil, but has been 

 acclimatised and established as a distinct variety for some 

 years in this and other European countries. 



It is thought to be the hardiest of the family, 

 although I think all cavies should be kept in some kind 

 of house or building, as they are very susceptible to wet 

 or cold, artificial heat is rarely necessary unless in very 

 severe weather. 



Size is not nearly so important with Abyssinians as 

 with the other varieties ; indeed, the best I have ever bred 

 or seen have not been the largest, but of course, if the 

 other points can be obtained to anything approaching 

 perfection, a large specimen would be preferable to a 

 small one. 



The most difficult feature to procure is a really harsh 

 coat, so many failing in this respect, and although many 

 means of artificially improving an otherwise defective 



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