26 



FANCY MICE. 



is very sporting, and consists in a process of selection akin 

 to that used in Dutch rabbit-breeding, with the difference 

 that in-breeding in mice cannot be carried far, as it makes 

 them small, a grave fault. Three-coloured mice are also very 

 valuable and charming. 



The aim of some breeders at present is to produce a re- 

 liable strain of black and tans, both evenly marked like the 

 black and tan rabbit, and broken in patches, which will be 

 tortoiseshell. All strains of colours can now be had bred 

 with great care and purity, and should the amateur purchase 

 any distinct colour, it would be a great mistake to cross 

 them one with another, as this would mean retrogression. 



The Mouse Club is increasing its membership, and bids fair 

 to become a powerful society. The secretary is Mr. Enoch 

 Welburn, Pack Horse Inn, Beverley, from whom the Club's 

 Standard can he obtained. 



Fig. 3. Open SHOw-CAOfi. 



The feeding of fancy mice is a mere trifle, their cost of 

 keep being much less than that of birds. Canary and millet 

 seed make a good staple food ; milk should be given daily, as 

 it is both fattening and conditioning, and also mice need 

 to drink just as other animals do. Any kinds of biscuits, 

 nuts, a bit of sweet apple or pear, are liked, and small 

 branches or pieces of soft wood to gnaw should always be 

 given, or the teeth may become overgrown. 



It is not advisable to keep exhibition mice in very large 

 cages, as they become unsteady, and will not face the judge ; 

 nor should they be kept much away from human company, or 

 they will invariably bolt into the sleeping apartment when 

 disturbed. They should be frequently handled from earliest 

 youth, for if a mouse becomes adult without having been 

 tamed, it will be a hard matter to make him steady after- 

 wards. 



Bucks and does should be separated at six weeks old. The 

 former are usually larger than the latter, and smell much 



