191 1.] Rabbit Breeding for Small Holders. 



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anything from 11 to 20 lb. The standard of the National 

 Flemish Giant Rabbit Club, given below, will explain the 

 general characteristics of this breed. 



Standard of Points for Flemish Giant Rabbits. 



Size and weight to be as large as possible, bucks not less than 11 lb., 

 does not less than 13 lb. 30 points. 



Colour : Dark steel-grey with even, wavy ticking over the whole of 

 the body, chest, and feet alike ; belly and underpart of the tail pure 

 white. 20 points. 



Head and ears : Head to be large, full, and shapely, with large, bold 

 eyes, dark brown in colour ; ears to be carried erect, moderately thick ; 

 head and ears to be of the same colour as rest of body. 10 points. 



Body : Body to be large, roomy, and flat, with broad fore and hind- 

 quarters. Does to have a dewlap, evenly carried. 15 points. 



Condition : Full short coat, firm in flesh. 10 points. 



Legs and feet to be strong in bone, large and straight, colour to 

 match body. 15 points. 



The chief faults are sandy brown or red colour ; small size ; barred 

 feet ; camel back ; narrow, wedge head ; bowed legs ; lapping ears. 



Maximum number of points, 100. 



When purchasing, it is desirable to go to a well-known 

 and reputable breeder, preferably a member of the club, and 

 see the rabbits before buying them. In the case of does, 

 the type of rabbit required is one that is prolific, a good 

 mother and a hardy animal bred from a massive strain. The 

 standard says that bucks must not be less than 11 lb. and 

 does not less than 13 lb., and this rule should be observed 

 in buying. While show specimens are not necessary, 

 pedigree stock is, for the simple reason that unless the 

 animals are bred true, desirable qualities, such as great size, 

 weight, &c, will be absent. It must not be forgotten also 

 that by breeding the pedigree stock, the rabbit farmer has 

 two markets, viz., the live and the dead, for in the former 

 good prices are often obtained for really high-class animals. 



The Belgian Hare. — The Belgian Hare (which is, of 

 course, a true rabbit and not a hare) is a very different rabbit 

 from the Flemish Giant, as the following standard, set by 

 the National Belgian Hare Club, will show : — 



Colour : Rich rufous red, carried well down sides and hindquarters, 

 and as little white under the jaws as possible. 20 points. 



Shape : Body, long, thin, and well-tucked-up flank, and well ribbed 

 up, back slightly arched, loins well rounded, head rather lengthy. 



