lo PRACTICAL RABBIT KEEPING 



Probably all the fancy rabbits are descended 

 from the common wild rabbit (Lepus Cuni- 

 culus). That this is true seems demonstrated 

 by the fact, as pointed out by an English 

 authority, C. J. Davies, that reversion on 

 crossing is always to the wild color, that all 

 varieties cross freely and the progeny are fer- 

 tile together or with either parent, and that 

 wild rabbits can be reared and crossed with 

 tame rabbits. 



Very ancient history contained mention of 

 domestic rabbits. They seem to have been 

 known in China for several centuries B. C. 



Some new breeds have come into being in 

 a haphazard way, while others have been de- 

 liberately made. The English fanciers are 

 responsible for three or four distinct breeds, 

 some of them produced from native animals, 

 although there is reason to believe that at least 

 a little outside blood was introduced in most 

 cases. The large Lop-eared rabbit is supposed 

 to be wholly an English creation. The Eng- 

 lish breeders have been especially concerned 

 with fancy stock. On the continent, on the 

 other hand, more attention has been given to 

 the production of utility rabbits, especially 



