364 APPENDIX 



writing for Farmer's Bulletin Number 496. 

 THE STANDARDS OF PERFECTION 



There is only one way to establish uniform- 

 ity in any breed of animals, and that is for 

 those who breed them to unite upon certain 

 characteristics and color markings as the ideal 

 to strive for. If this plan were not followed, 

 all breeders would be working along different 

 lines and nothing could be accomplished. 

 There are organizations to foster the breeding 

 of all the leading breeds of rabbits. These 

 organizations are responsible largely for the 

 ideals which are determined upon, and which 

 •constitute what are called the standards of per- 

 fection. It is to be understood, of course, that 

 a rabbit which is one hundred per cent perfect 

 is not to be found in any breed. The ideal is 

 -always kept a little ahead of what has been 

 achieved ; but with the standard to guide them 

 a remarkable uniformity is obtained by expert 

 breeders. As fast as new breeds are created 

 and become popular, a standard is fixed for 

 -them. In each case the standard goes specifi- 

 cally into details covering weight, color mark- 

 ings, general conformation, and the like. By 



