1920.] Rabbit Keeping at Pttblic IxsTmiTioNs. 



particulars as to procluctiveness and mothering value. Fat does 

 are seldom of value for breeding. All does should be examined 

 before mating, for vent disease. The best does for breeding 

 purposes in the winter are those retained from spring litters of 

 the same year. Does must be taken to the hutch of the buck; 

 not vice versa. After one satisfactory mating the doe should 

 immediately be taken back to her hutch. Nothing is gained by 

 a second mating. Only healthy does should be used for breed- 

 ing, and the youngsters from the htter which make the most 

 rapid growth should be retained for the purpose. 



The writer would advise beginners to purchase at the com- 

 mencement only a few does and a really good buck of the breed 

 decided upon. In the case of a Public Institution it is possible 

 that one or more members of the staff may possess a knowledge 

 of rabbit keeping, in which case he should instruct those who 

 would have the care of the stock in the principles of the subject. 



In conclusion, it may be stated that the addition of rabbits to 

 the utility live stock kept on the premises in question has pro- 

 vided not only open-air recreation and interesting work for a 

 number of the inmates, but also a ready supply of meat, w^hich 

 has given a wTicome variety to the menus of both staff and 

 patients. Bearing in mind the urgent necessity for increasing 

 our home production of food, the huge quantities of rabbits 

 annually imported, and the fur shortage, and having regard also 

 to the exceptional facilities which a Public Institution possesses 

 for the profitable rearing of rabbits, the keeping of such live 

 i.toek is well deserving of careful consideration, and may be 

 urged upon all those concerned. Apart from the advantages in 

 the wa}^ of food, the financial returns from the undertaking 

 should mean a corresponding reduction in the burden of the local 

 rates, anfl the idea might properly commend itself to locnl 

 authorities en tliese grounds. 



