10 



DEPARTMENT OF A<;uici;r/i'ri:K. 



Some breeders use sawdust for litter, others straw or hay, whilst others supply 

 earth, and some no litter whatever, except for nesting material. Whatever material 

 for litter is used, the same should be frequently removed and the floor of hutch or 

 pen occasionally swept and disinfected. The writer, when a boy, always tarred the 

 hutch floors. This made them water-tight, a desideratum where hutches are placed 

 in tiers. Hutches ought to be whitewashed at least once yearly. A good wash can 

 be made by slaking lime with a small quantity of water, and then adding sufficient 

 skim-milk if obtainable. A small quantity of some good disinfectant can be added, 

 and the whole applied whilst hot, if possible. 



Angora buck and owner, a " gassed " soldier. 

 In some sections the Angoras are sheared 

 similar to sheep. The fur is utilized for 

 packing cushions, etc. 



With reference to location of hutches, it may be stated that where they are left 

 outside all winter they should face south. This aspect is not the most favourable 

 in summer, however. An eastern or north front will prove of more service and 

 comfort to the stock in summer. 



Feed-troughs and drinking-vessels should be of earthenware or concrete, as 

 wooden troughs are apt to get chewed up by the rabbits. To offset this, however, 

 small sticks, preferably of fruit-trees, may be given occasionally. Most rabbits 

 appear to derive satisfaction in " barking " them. 



FEEDING. 



Greenstuff, fresh and succulent, and in as great variety as possible, should con- 

 stitute the main diet of rabbits, and upon the quantity thereof available and its 

 cost will depend entirely the profit to be derived from table rabbits. When all the 

 greenstuff required grass, leaves, roots, etc. can be produced at home, or obtained 

 cheaply in sufficient quantity, rabbit-rearing for the table should pay well. In the 

 reverse case, the returns will be less satisfactory, if an actual loss is not incurred. 

 Nevertheless, however cheap and plentiful, green food as any other food must be 

 given to the stock with judgment if the best results are aimed at. The feeding 

 should take place at regular hours, and the quantity given must be just thai 



