ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 
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674 
WithTheir bright, contented appearance, their quiet and cleanly habits,, 
together with their good qualities in general, they appeal alike to the 
fancier and the lover of pets. Belgians, though not so showy as some 
of the smaller breeds by reason of their self-color, are noble-looking, 
animals, and for domestic use are of greater value than any of their, 
companions. They are hardy, and few are born that will not with! 
ordinary care and attention be reared to maturity. They are very; 
docile, much more so than the smaller varieties, and do not consume 
as much food as would be expected for their size. . 
Of all domestic breeds the flesh of the Belgian tastes the most like 
that of the hare, and has not the rank flavor so common in the ordinary, 
rabbit. They will live and thrive in the woods or warrens, when turned' 
down for breeding at six or eight months old, if some protection be given 
them from the inclemencies of our seasons; thus in two or three genera- 
tions they become acclimated and require no further attention. 
Lop-Eared Rabbits. 
Of the different varieties of fancy rabbits none has attained so 
great a degree of prominence and favor as the lop-eared. That they! 
arc justly entitled to their great popularity no one will deny, for the I 
grand thoroughbred lop undoubtedly stands at the head of the lust, j 
Jn fact there are many fanciers who consider the lop-eared as the only 
variety worthy of notice. Their long, drooping ears are their most! 
peculiar and esteemed feature, and in good specimens they will measurej 
'from fifteen to twenty inches. What is meant by length of ears is not 
the length of each individual ear, as might be supposed, but is the 
distance obtained by resting a rule across the top of the head and meas- 
uring from the tip of one ear to the tip of the other.* They are of all 
colors common to the rabbit tribe, and weigh from 18 to 25 pounds per^ 
pair. 
Angora Rabbi*? 
Angora rabbits will give general satisfaction and genuine pleasure 
iribreeding them. The pure white ones with pink eyes are the most 
liTdemand. The fur is long, soft and silky, after the style of the An- 
gora sheep and goats. In the good specimens the fur measures from 
three "to five inches in length. The Angora is hardy and prolific, 
generally having from five to nine young to a litter. 
Himalayan Rabbits. 
This variety of rabbits bids strong for popular favor on account 
of its beautiful markings. The body is white, and the fur short and 
fine while the ears, nose, feet, and tail are dark brown, almost black; 
llTe’eves are red, the ears very short and firm. They weigh from five 
to'seven pounds and are extremely hardy and prolific. 
English Rabbits. 
English rabbits are not only desirable as pets, but are valuable 
for their excellent table qualities. The flesh of the wild rabbit bears , 
