SO-CALLED FANCY RABBITS 27 



Heavier animals are often mentioned, but they 

 are rare. Large size is the point aimed at 

 with the Flemish Giant. It enjoys wide pop- 

 ularity, but is not so handsome a rabbit as the 

 Belgian hare, although it has much the same 

 origin. There are several distinct varieties, 

 each of which has its connoisseurs. The exhi- 

 bition Flemish Giant is steel-gray. It has 

 been greatly improved through the work of 

 fanciers in England and America. The latter 

 country now produces quite as good animals 

 as those formerly imported from across the 

 water. Steel-gray Flemish bucks should not 

 weigh less than twelve pounds, and does 

 should weigh at least fourteen, if they are to 

 be up to the standard. The body is much 

 chunkier than that of the Belgian, and has a 

 broad, powerful appearance. They do not 

 grow so fast as the Belgians and other breeds, 

 often not maturing until nearly fifteen months 

 of age. 



The Steel-gray Flemish gets its name from 

 its color, which is carried all over its head, 

 ears, body and feet, although as near white as 

 possible under the belly and tail. 



A separate class has been made for the Gray 



