CHAPTER VII. 

 EXHIBITING. 



IT HAS only been within the last couple of years 

 that rabbits received any kind of recognition from 

 the different Poultry Associations, but since the 

 National Pet Stock Association and the American Fur 

 Fanciers' Association began "boosting" the Rabbit and 

 Pet Stock Shows, the Poultry Associations are glad 

 to make the proper classifications for the rabbits at 

 their shows. 



A wonderful change has come over the rabbit 

 shows in America during the past two years. A few 

 years ago it was a common sight to watch a poultry 

 judge holding his judging stick in the hutches and 

 placing the awards without even taking the specimen 

 out of the hutch. It was also amusing to hear the 

 different expressions of the spectators who called all 

 rabbits Belgians. So much for education and the de- 

 velopment of the rabbit in America. 



The most important points in preparing stock for 

 exhibition purposes are the conditions of coat and 

 flesh. For about one month before the show, feed 

 daily a few 'whole linseeds, and also give an eggnog 

 each day. This will assist nature in producing the 

 much desired silky coats. The coat must be bred in 

 the first place and then carefully groomed with a few 

 drops of glycerine in the palm of the hand. This will 



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