THE DOMESTICATED RABBIT 39 
The domesticated rabbit compares well with 
sheep as to its likes and dislikes. It eats about 
the same ration, loves quiet and freedom from 
disturbance. It does not, however, require a 
large run or pasturage, and the green element 
in the ration should be considerably less than 
generally supposed. In fact, most successful 
breeders feed very sparingly of green food and 
give it only as a sort of tonic to the heavy grain 
and hay ration. 
The domesticated rabbit is a very clean 
animal, if given the opportunity to express its 
natural desires. It does not thrive in filth and 
likes to have a clean hutch, sweet air to breathe 
and good clean food to eat. 
It is not the puny animal that many people 
suppose. It is subject to many diseases, all of 
which are traced either to poor housing condi- 
tions or to improper feeding. I do not know of 
a single other disease that can be traced to any 
other quarter. The domesticated rabbit is 
naturally a hardy fellow if he is bred right. It 
will thrive equally well in the coldest climate. 
