FOR EXHIBITION AND MARKET 



youngsters. Never give over four youngsters to one 

 doe, and separate them as directed under the head of 

 Angoras, and give the doe that will not mother her 

 youngsters the same treatment as suggested in that 

 chapter. 



Breeding the Belgian Hare. 



Each fancier has a different idea of breeding. 

 There are a few set rules, however, that when properly 

 lived up to will prove to be very satisfactory to all. 

 In breeding exhibition stock never figure on over two 

 or three litters in a year, and never breed your stock 

 in summer, unless it is to increase the length of the 

 ears, which can be done to a certain extent. Spring 

 and fall breeding are the best, for at those times the 

 coats are usually in fine condition. It should be figured 

 out what shows your stock is being bred for, and the 

 age of the stock you wish for those shows, then breed 

 accordingly. Use about three does a week to your 

 bucks during the heavy breeding season. Let both 

 bucks and does rest during the months of June, July 

 and August, to obtain the best results. 



In selecting your stock remember that nearly two- 

 thirds of the color comes from the bucks and the shape 

 from the does. Choose bucks with good, rich, uniform 

 color, and with as good length and shape as you can 

 find. The does should have, first, length and type, then 

 as good color as can be found. Never breed old bucks 

 to old does, but use one young one. At times it may 

 be necessary to breed a buck five or six months of age 

 that has extra fine bones, to breed out large heavy 

 bones in the stock. Never breed unhealthy stock or 

 any that has bad points unless they are minor ones. 



99 



