22 MAMMALS 



At the end of this period the litter may be examined. It 

 may be a very large one, perhaps as high as ten or twelve. 

 But so many babies are too much for the mother to care for, 

 and all but five or six should be removed. Of course the 

 weakest individuals should be selected for destruction. 



When three or four weeks old, the young rabbits will 

 begin to appear outside the nest, and soon will be feeding 

 freely. If weaned at four weeks, the youngsters are able 

 to care for themselves, but if left until they are two months 

 old, or even a little longer, it will prove better for both 

 mother and offspring. When the young rabbits are three 

 months old, the sexes should be separated. Just after 

 weaning well-prepared mashes will be found of great use. 



Breeds 



As the Belgian Hare is now by far the most popular 

 breed, both in this country and in England, it may be con- 

 sidered first. It has, of course, no connection with any 

 hare. It is a simple derivative of the common European 

 rabbit (Lepus cuniculus), as are all of the other breeds 

 so far as known. When first introduced from Belgium to 

 England, it was confidently believed to be a cross between 

 hare and rabbit, a fallacy founded, no doubt, on the close 

 resemblance to the color of the former animal. 



The Belgian Hare is essentially slim and racy. The 

 head and body are long, the back slightly arched. The fore- 

 legs are very slender and of good length, the feet small and 

 there should be no sign of a dewlap, or fleshy growth under 

 the chin. The ears should be straight, carried upright and 

 bordered near the tip with a narrow edge of black. 



The desired shade of color is commonly described as 

 " rich rufous red." The red is overcast with a plentiful 



