108 



DOMESTIC RABBITS. Chap. IV 



Fig. 5. — Half-lop Rabbit. (Copied from E. 8. Delamer's work.) 



from its great length and weight, favoured no doubt by the 

 weakness of the muscles consequent on disuse. Anderson 13 

 mentions a breed having only a single ear; and Professor 

 Gervais another breed which is destitute of ears. 



The origin of the Himalayan breed (sometimes called Chinese, 

 or Polish, or Eussian) is so curious, both in itself, and as throw- 

 ing some light on the complex laws of inheritance, that it is 

 worth giving in detail. These pretty rabbits are white, except 

 their ears, nose, all four feet, and the upper side of tail, which 

 are all brownish-black ; but as they have red eyes, they may 

 be considered as albinoes. I have received several accounts of their 

 breeding perfectly true. From their symmetrical marks, they 

 were at first ranked as specifically distinct, and were provi- 

 sionally named L. nigrijpes. u Some good observers thought that 

 they could detect a difference in their habits, and stoutly main- 

 tained that they formed a new species. Their origin is now well 

 known. A writer, in 1857, 15 stated that he had produced Hima- 

 layan rabbits in the following manner. But it is first necessary 

 briefly to describe two other breeds: silver-greys or silver- 

 sprigs generally have black heads and legs, and their fine grey 

 fur is interspersed with numerous black and white long hairs. 



13 'An Account of the different Kinds " ' Proc. Zoolog. Soc.,' June 23rd, 



of Sheep in the Eussian Dominions,' 1857, p. 159. 

 1794, p. 39. 15 i Cottage Gardener,' 1857, p. 141. 



