FANCIERS’ JOURNAL AND POULTRY EXCHANGE 
677 
for the return of Miss Laura’s father at about dinner-time, 
for he knew the hour he came home, and he looked for his 
supply of sugar-plums very often. On this occasion, when 
the gentleman opened the door as usual, the terrier jumped 
to meet him, when a large rat came waddling along in the 
gutter from some neighboring house, apparently searching 
for a hole somewhere through which he could secrete him- 
self, for he was quite out of his ordinary bounds in the open 
highway. As the front door opened Silky caught sight of 
this rat, and he didn’t hesitate to “go for him ” at a lively 
pace. 
Away scampered the surprised rat, who got a timely 
glimpse of his mortal enemy ; away leaped Silky in hot pur- 
suit, and away ran his master behind them. The rat mounted 
the earth-pile that had been thrown up in the street, and 
jumped into the trench beyond, at the bottom of which he 
saw the open end of the six-inch iron water-pipe, into which 
he dived unceremoniously, with Silky close at his heels. 
The rat escaped; but the dog, upon passing out of sight, 
inside this pipe, could force his flat body but a few feet 
within the opening, and shortly found himself stuck fast 
there, unable to go on or to recede. 
The water-pipe was so small and so smooth inside that 
Silky could neither turn, advance, nor retreat, and he quickly 
sent up a shriek that satisfied his master, who halted over- 
head, that the dog had got into a peculiarly “ tight place.” 
Miss Laura had by this time learned what was transpiring, 
and throwing a shawl upon her fair shoulders, she hastened 
to the scene in great dismay. What was to be done ? Silky 
would very soon suffocate in this fix. He was effectually 
incased in this unlooked-for iron trap, and could not be got at. 
Silky kept up his piteous howling, which grew fainter 
every minute; Miss Laura was in hysterics, and her father 
was not a little excited, while, even in that secluded aristo- 
cratic street, a little crowd was gathering, ajnong whom a 
pleasant-faced mechanic removed his hat respectfully, and 
said, “Don’t be scared, Miss ; we’ll get yer dog out; never 
fear.” 
And procuring some narrow strips of leather, this young 
man quickly made two free-running slip-nooses, which he 
fastened upon each side of the end of a ten-foot wooden rod 
lying close at hand, and thrusting this pole into the pipe, the 
stranger methodically went to work to fish poor Silky out. 
After brief manipulation he contrived to get a hitch with 
one of the loops upon the dog’s hind leg. And with the 
cheering exclamation, “I’ve got him, Miss!” he withdrew 
the pole cautiously, and Silky was discovered dangling at 
the end of it in the leather noose. Her pet was thus restored 
to its anxious mistress, to her great joy, amidst the ringing 
applause of the bystanders. 
Her father presented the mechanic with a bright ten- 
dollar note on the spot, which he accepted with thanks, but 
ventured to say that he was more than compensated’for his 
trivial services at beholding the intense gratification ex- 
hibited by the beautiful young lady upon the rescue of her 
pretty pet. 
The dog was unharmed, and soon forgot the jeopardy he 
had been placed in. He continued his pranks and tricks at 
home afterwards, and for years served as the liveliest of 
playmates for Miss Laura, who was thenceforth very careful 
towards Silky, as he grew fat and gouty at length in his 
splendid home. 
But he remained to the end, notwithstanding the indul- 
gences of his pampered surroundings, the best ratter in the 
neighborhood, the smartest little Skye Terrier about, the 
happiest and cunningest dog in town, and the best beloved 
of all, by his indulgent, affectionate and graceful young mis- 
tress. 
>fc 
(For Fanciers’ Journal.) 
III. 
RABBIT KEEPING. 
FEEDING. 
First, as to the time of feeding. I find that twice a day 
is sufficient. The first feed is given about six o’clock, a.m., 
in summer, and about half-past seven in winter. This 
should consist of wheat, buck-wheat, or barley, with the 
addition of a small piece of turnip or carrot about the size 
of a hen’s egg. In summer I give a small handful of clo- 
ver, instead of the roots. In feeding the above grains I 
alternate them ; this gives the rabbits a better relish for 
their food. 
The night feed, which is given about six o’clock, is always 
oats, with a handful of cut hay (clover, if to be had), and 
when green food is scarce, a small piece of turnip or carrot. 
If fresh clover can be obtained it is better to dispense with 
•both hay and roots. In using green food, never give it 
while wet. Cut it and let it wilt before using. Cut it when 
dry, and keep one day’s supply ahead. Dry food, with pri- 
vation of greens, water to drink, and cold temperature, 
sometimes occasions obstinate constipation. The warmer 
rabbits are kept the better they thrive. When vegetables 
are gathered fresh they should not be given wet — unless 
very seldom, and when hay is given, which will drink up 
the moisture, andkeep them sound without danger. Occa- 
sionally give for morning feed whole Indian corn. Peas, 
soaked a few hours, and then drained, makes another good 
change for the morning feed. In their season beet and car- 
rot tops, and pea haulm are a safe and good feed, when not 
used in excess, and should not be given very often. The 
too free use of very green or wet vegetable food will ,be cer- 
tain to produce the most disastrous results. Pot-belly, 
dropsy, and other diseases, are sure to follow. Dandelion 
tops are greedily devoured, and are a most excellent feed. 
This is an almost certain cure of the disease known as red- 
water, and is an excellent corrective of other ills. Plantain 
leaves and shepherd sprouts are also a safe and good feed, 
if not used in excess. 
A very little salt, once a week, mixed with their feed, is 
beneficial. Por condiments, to tempt the appetite, use fen- 
nel, sweet marjoram, parsley, and tea leaves, dried ; but 
these should be used in small quantities, and more as a tonic 
than a regular diet. All grain or food that is left in the 
feed cups should be removed before putting in a fresh sup- 
p ] y- 
After having breathed on the feed, and mussed it over, 
the rabbit, who is a dainty animal, will not eat it, unless 
compelled to by hunger. The feed cups should be washed 
often, for cleanliness is one of the indispensable adjuncts to 
success. The same cup should not be used for both wet and 
dry feed, unless thoroughly cleansed and dried after being- 
used for the former. 
Does with young should be more liberally fed, and with 
more nourishing diet than others. A slice of bread, dipped 
in milk, is a dainty treat for them, as well as being very 
nutritious. Also, young rabbits after being weaned, should 
be well tended to ; kept clean and warm, with plenty of 
food, and success is quite certain. 
The key to success in rabbit keeping is thus : 
1. Dry food mainly. 
2. Frequent change of diet. 
3. Regularity in feeding. 
4. Cleanliness. 
5. Warmth in the winter season. 
6. Large and well drained hutches. 
' Newark, Ohio. P. J- Keller. 
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