38 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



DOMESTICATED BABBITS. — Of the smaller kinds of domestic 

 and semi-domestic animals deserving of attention in this section we 

 may mention the Rabbit, the Cavy, or Guinea Pig, and the Ferret. 

 "We will take them in the order written, and this brings us to the 

 Rabbit. 



The illustrations depict three kinds of these favourite pets, 

 namely, English Rabbit, showing approximate markings (Fig. 27), 

 Angora Rabbit (Fig. 28) and Dutch Rabbit (Fig. 29). An examina- 

 tion of the pictures of these three kinds will be sufficient to reveal 

 the differences that exist both in colour and texture. The number 

 of persons who now keep and breed Rabbits is extraordinary, and 

 the popularity of the animals is unbounded. I recollect with vivid 

 interest how, as a boy, I used to keep both Rabbits and Cavies, and 

 there is hardly any one who has not at some time or other kept these 

 favourite pets. 



The remarkable varieties of Rabbits that have been produced by 

 fanciers show the rapid strides that have been made in popular 

 favour of late years, and although it does not come within the 

 province of this book to dilate at length upon the merits, or other- 

 wise, of the various breeds now obtainable, a few notes as to some 

 of the more important of them will not be out of place. Whilst the 

 variety known as the Lop does not appear so popular as in days gone 

 by, the Belgian Hare — ^which in colour, size and shape resembles 

 very closely the British Wild Hare — has many admirers, both on 

 account of its pleasing appearance and its excellence for the table. 



The Silvers are a nice group of Rabbits in which animals pos- 

 sessing grey, fawn, cream or brown coats are found, whilst the 

 Dutch (Fig. 29) is popular, although a small kind. The latter' makes 

 a good foster-mother and has also the advantage of showing at an 

 early age whether a good specimen has been obtained. 



From the small Dutch we come to the large Flemish Giants, which 

 are heavy pets and invariably secure prizes where awards are offered 

 for the heaviest Rabbits. The Himalayan are probably so called 

 because they are of Eastern origin, but this breed, and also the pure 

 white Polish, do not now appear in special favour. 



The Angora (Fig. 28) is to be regarded as one of the most 

 beautiful Rabbits known to us, and is a great favourite among both 

 fanciers and others. It is the longest haired variety met with, the 

 fleecy white coat giving the creature a magnificent appearance. As 

 may be imagined, this coat — which in a good specimen looks like 



