GIFT OF A. P. Morrison Rabbits, Cats and Cavies a ALL RIGHTS RESERVED RABBITS CATS AND CAVIES DESCRIPTIVE SKETCHES OF ALL RECOGNISED EXHIBITION VARIETIES WITH MANY ORIGINAL ANECDOTES BY C. H. LANE, RZ.S AUTHOR OF "ALL ABOUT DOGS," ETC. WITH OVER 100 ILLUSTRATIONS FROM LIFE STUDIES OF PRIZE WINNERS BY ROSA BEBB NEW YORK E. P. DUTTON AND COMPANY 31 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET 1903 QIBT OF TO HARRISON WEIR, F.R.H.S. WHO, BY PEN AND PENCIL, HAS DONE SO MUCH DURING THE LAST HALF CENTURY TO INCULCATE A LOVE OF ANIMAL LIFE, THIS BOOK IS MOST RESPECT- FULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. MAY HE LONG CONTINUE THE USEFUL AND BENEFICENT WORK WHICH HAS AFFORDED PLEASURE TO SO MANY. M94383 PREFACE HAVING been from his earliest remembrance a lover and fancier of many kinds of pet animals, the subjects treated of in these pages have been the most numerous and perhaps excepting dogs only, by far the most interesting, in the writer's possession. As in the several capacities of breeder, exhibitor and occasional judge, great numbers of these little animals have come under the writer's notice, some detailed descriptions of the several varieties with particulars of the standards of perfection to be aimed at by breeders may be useful to the increasing number of persons of both sexes, and in all ranks of life, forming the exhibiting public. For this purpose the writer has drawn upon a life-long experience, introducing many original and other anecdotes which may be of interest to his readers. The illustrations have all been made specially from life studies for this work, and executed by a skilful and sympathetic artist, who is fortunately also a fancier, and has taken the keenest interest in the subject. It is believed that such a collection of portraits of high-class Vll viii PREFACE and typical specimens has never before appeared in any one book on the subject, and it is hoped these illustrations may assist the readers in appreciating the points of the several varieties depicted. The opinions herein expressed are almost without exception the writer's. They have been formed by practical and dearly- bought experience, as in all transactions, whether of breeding, buying, selling or judging, he has made it a rule to rely on his own judgment, so that no one else is responsible for any mistakes made, nor thanks due to others for successes attained. CONTENTS :HAP. . PREFACE ...... vn RABBITS i. INTRODUCTORY ...... 3 n. The Lop ...... 21 in. The Belgian Hare . . . . . 3 iv. Standard of Excellence for the Heavy Weight Belgian Hare ...... 41 v. The Black and Tan Rabbit . . . .48 vi. The Patagonian Rabbit . . -53 vii. The Japanese Rabbit ... .58 vin. The Polish Rabbit ..... 62 ix. The Siberian Rabbit . . 68 x. The Flemish Giant Rabbit . . 7 2 xi. The Himalayan Rabbit . . . -77 xii. The Dutch Rabbit . . . 83 xin. The Angora Rabbit . , . . xiv. The English Rabbit ..... 93 xv. The Silver Grey Rabbit . . 9 8 xvi. The Silver Fawn or Cream Rabbit . . .108 xvn. The Silver Brown Rabbit . . 1 1 3 xvm. Concluding Remarks on Rabbits . . .118 CATS xix. LONG-HAIRED White Cat . . . .131 Black Cat . . . 134 Blue Cat . 137 Cream Cat .139 xx. LONG-HAIRED Chinchilla Cat . . . .142 Brown Tabby Cat . . 144 Silver Tabby Cat . . 147 Red or Orange Tabby Cat . 1 50 xxi. LONG-HAIRED Smoke Cat . . . .153 Tortoiseshell Cat . .156 Any Other Variety . 1 59 ix x CONTENTS CHAP. PAGE xxn. SHORT-HAIRED Black Cat . . . .161 White Cat .' . , .163 Blue Cat . . .166 xxiii. SHORT-HAIRED Red Tabby Cat . . .169 Silver Tabby Cat . . .172 Brown Tabby Cat . . .175 Spotted Tabby Cat . . .178 Narrow Striped Tabby Cat . . 181 xxvi. SHORT-HAIRED Smoke-Coloured Cat . . .184 Black and White Cat . . . 186 White and Black Cat . . .188 Tabby and White Cat . . .191 xxv. SHORT-HAIRED Tortoiseshell Cat . . .194 Tortoiseshell and White Cat . .196 Manx Cat . . . .199 Abyssinian Cat . . . 203 Siamese Cat .... 205 Mexican Hairless Cat . . . 209 Indian Cat . . . .211 xxvi. SHORT-HAIRED Wild Cat . . . .213 Any Other Variety . . .218 xxvn. A Few Words on Cats in General . . .220 xxvni. Anecdotes about Cats . . . . .226 xxix. ...... 237 xxx. . 251 xxxi. . . . . 266 CAVIES xxxn. Peruvian Cavies . . . . .285 xxxm. Abyssinian Cavies ..... 292 xxxiv. Bolivian or English Cavies . . . . 298 Bolivian Self-Coloured Cavies .... 299 Bolivian or English Agouti Cavies . . .301 Tortoiseshell Cavies . . 302 Tortoiseshell and White Cavies . 304 Dutch-marked Cavies . . 306 Any Other Variety . .307 INDEX . . *' , . . .311 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Group of British and Foreign Cats . . , : Frontispiece Headpiece to Rabbit Section Group of Rabbits . . 20 Lop-eared Rabbit " Ch. May-field Surprise." Owners, Messrs Chadwick and Tuckett . .24 Lop-eared Rabbit "Ch. Coronation." Owner, W. C. E. Dibble . . . . . 24 Belgian Hare Rabbit "Ch. Fashoda." Owners, Bonanza Rabbitry, Los Angeles . . . 33 Belgian Hare Rabbit "Ch. Dash." Owners, Meadowbrook B. H. Co., Los Angeles . . . . 33 Belgian Hare Rabbit " Ch. Priory Prince." Owner, E. H. Guy . . . , . . .41 Belgian Hare Rabbit " Lord Lurgan." Owners, Lord Lurgan Rabbitry, Los Angeles . . . .41 Belgian Hare Rabbit " Sir Styles." Owners, Messrs Westbrook and Brown, Los Angeles . .. ,44 Belgian Hare Rabbit" Lady Di." Owner, C. H. Lane --I 44 Black and Tan Rabbit " Ideal." Owner, Rev. W. Mathias . 48 Blue and Tan Rabbit "Ch. President Lincoln." Owners Messrs Ovenden and Fawcett . * '. ... 48 Japanese Rabbit Typical Specimen . . 5^ Patagonian Rabbit Typical Specimen . . . 58 Polish Rabbit Great prize winner. Owner, Geo. Dickinson . 64 Polish Rabbit" Lord Richard." Owner, C. H. Lane : .- 64 Siberian Rabbit Typical Specimen . . . .72 Flemish Giant Rabbit "Ch. Lady Beatrice." Owner, A. Merry, Junior . . . . . . 72 Flemish Giant Rabbit "Victoria." Owner, S. R. Turk . 77 Himalayan Rabbit "Chall. Cup Winner. Owner, F. Avard . 77 Himalayan Rabbit "Larry Carter." Owner, C. H. Lane . 83 xi xii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Dutch, Black Rabbit "Ch. Bonus." Owner, J. Malley . 83 Dutch, Tortoiseshell Rabbit "Ch. Sensation." Owners, Messrs Mason and South . . . .87 Dutch, Blue Rabbit " Little Boy Blue." Owner, C. H. Lane ....... 87 Angora White Rabbit " Ch. Quality." Owner, E. J. Sands 90 Angora White Rabbit " Ch. Elegance." Owner, Miss W. Kimmins ...... 90 English Rabbit "Ch. Matchless." Owners, Messrs Cunliffe and Son ...... 94 English Rabbit " Ch. Majestic." Owner, Albert Tottle . 94 English Rabbit " Lyric." Owner, C. H. Lane . . 97 Silver Grey Dark Rabbit " Ch. Model." Owner, T. A. Luck . . . . . . . 97 Silver Grey Medium Rabbit " Ch. Darling Ethel." Owners, Messrs Oddy and Son . . . . .102 Silver Grey Light Rabbit " Lord Grey." Owner, C. H. Lane 102 Silver Fawn Rabbit "Ch. Orange Queen." Owners, Messrs Barkham and Stone . . . . .112 Silver Fawn Rabbit "Ch. Lincoln Hero." Owner, T. A. Luck . . . . . . .112 Silver Brown Rabbit " Ch. First Favourite." Owners, Messrs Tee and Son . . . . .116 Silver Brown Rabbit "Little Goldmine." Owners, Messrs Tee and Son . . . . . .116 Headpiece to Cat Section Group of Cats . . .128 Long-haired White Cat "Ch. White Heather." Owner, Hon. Mrs McL. Morrison . . . .131 Long-haired Cream Cat "Ch. Ronaldkirk Midshipmite." Owner, Miss Beale . . . . ' I 33 Long-haired Black "Ch. Neptune." Owner, H. W. H. Warner . . . . . *33 Long-haired Black Cat "King Lear." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . . .135 Long-haired Blue Cat "Ch. Wooloomooloo." Owner, Mrs Dean . . . * . , 137 Long-haired Blue Cat "Ch. Holmwood Skittles." Owner, Miss Jay . . . . . .138 Long-haired Blue Cat "Ch. Mabel of Lozells." Owner, C. W. Witt ...... 138 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xiii PAGE Long-haired White Neuter Cat " Laurel Shah." Owner, C. H. Lane .... ... . 140 Long-haired Chinchilla Cat "Ch. Ameer." Owner, Hon. Mrs McL. Morrison ..... 142 Long-haired Chinchilla Cat "Ch. Fulmer Zaida." Owner, Lady Decies . . . . . .144 Long-haired Chinchilla Cat " Ch. Fulmer Lord Southampton." Owner, Lady Decies ..... 145 Long-haired Brown Tabby Cat " Ch. Prince." Owner, Mrs King . . . . . . .146 Long-haired Tortoiseshell Cat " Laurel Lulu." Owner, C. H. Lane ...... 149 Long-haired Dark Smoke Cat "Ch. Backwell Jogram." Owner, Mrs H. V. James . . . 153 Long-haired Red Tabby Cat "Ch. Puck." Owner, Hon. Mrs McL. Morrison . . . . .154 Long-haired Orange Tabby Cat "Ch. Golden Butterfly." Owner, Mrs Dean . . . . .154 Long-haired Light Smoke Cat " Laurel Cheeky." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . 155 Long-haired Silver Tabby Cat "Ch. Abdul Hamet of Dingley." Owner, Miss Leake . . .156 Long-haired Silver Tabby Cat "Ch. Thames Valley Silver King." Owner, Miss Derby Hyde . . .156 Long-haired Grey Tabby Cat "Ch. Laurel Leopold." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . .158 Short-haired Black Cat " Laurel Luther." Owner, C. H. Lane ....... 161 Short-haired Black Cat " Little Sambo." Owner, C. H. Lane 161 Short-haired White Cat" Ch. Ballochmyle Billie Blue Eyes." Owner, Lady Alexander . . . .163 Short-haired White Cat " Ch. Laurel Emperor." Owner, C. H. Lane ...... 164 Short-haired Neuter Cat " Laurel Leonidas." Owner, C. H. Lane ...... 164 Short-haired Blue Cat "Ch. Ballochmyle Brother Bump." Owner, Lady Alexander . . . .167 Short-haired Blue Cat " Ballochmyle Blue Queen." Owner, Lady Alexander . . . . .167 Short-haired Red Tabby Cat" Ch. Ballochmyle Perfection." Owner, Lady Alexander . . . .170 xiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Short-haired Neuter Red Tabby Cat " Lord Rufus." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . .170 Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat " Ch. Jimmy." Owner, Mrs George Herring . . . . I 73 Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat " Ch. Laurel King." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . 173 Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat " Ch. Laurel Queen." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . 174 Short-haired Brown Tabby Cat "Ch. Fulmer Xenophon." Owner, Lady Decies ..... 177 Short-haired Brown Tabby Cat " Laurel Quar." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . .177 Short-haired Spotted Tabby Cat " Tiddles." Owner, R. T. Babb ...... 181 Short-haired Narrow-Striped Tabby Cat " Silver." Owner, Mrs Fossett . . . . . .183 Short-haired Smoke Cat "Laurel Luke." Owner, C. H. Lane ....... 186 Short-haired Black and White Cat " Laurel Rector." Owner, C. H. Lane 188 Short-haired White and Black Cat "Laurel Magpie." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . -.188 Short-haired Tabby and White " Laurel Silver Star." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . .192 Short-haired Male Tortoiseshell Cat "Ch. Ballochmyle Sam- son." Owner, Lady Alexander . . .195 Short-haired Female Tortoiseshell Cat "Ch. Ballochmyle Bountiful Bertie." Owner, Lady Alexander . .195 Short-haired Tortoiseshell and White Cat "Ch. Balloch- myle Otter." Owner, Lady Alexander . .196 Short-haired Male Tortoiseshell and White Cat "Laurel Lothair." Owner, C. H. Lane . . * 196 Short-haired Manx Tabby Cat " Ch. Bonhaki." Owner, Mrs H. C. Brooke .'-..' . . . . 198 Short-haired Manx White Cat" Lord Luke/' Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . * .198 Short-haired Abyssinian Cat " Queen Jumbo." Owner, Mrs George Herring ..... 203 Short-haired Siamese Cat "Ch. Wankee." Owner, Mrs M. Robinson , . . . 206 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xv PAGE Short-haired Siamese Cat "Ch. Meo." Owner, Mrs Cunliffe Lee ....... 206 Short-haired Mexican Hairless Cat "Jesuit." Owner, Hon. Mrs McL. Morrison ..... 209 Short-haired Indian Cat "Indischer Furst." Owner, Mrs H. C. Brooke . . ... . . .211 British Wild Cat Typical Specimen. Owner, late Lord Lilford . . .'*"' . . -'. ; 217 Short-haired Narrow-striped Tabby and White "Lord Stanley." Owner, C. H. Lane . , , * 219 Headpiece to Cavy Section Group of Cavies . . V 282 Peruvian Cavy, Self "Ch. Grand Duke." Owner, W. A. Sherlock . . . . . 289 Peruvian Cavy, Self "Ch. Lily-White." Owner, S. Newlove 289 Peruvian Cavy, other than Self " Lord Sultan." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . .291 Peruvian Cavy, other than Self " Lady Irene." Owner, C. H. Lane ...... 291 Abyssinian Cavy "Ch. Bosco." Owner, J. Thompson . 292 Abyssinian Cavy " Ch. Hull Lady." Owner, J. Thompson . 292 Abyssinian Cavy "Ch. Florence Second." Owner, J. Thompson ...... 295 Abyssinian Cavy " Laurel Leopold. Owner, C. H. Lane . 295 Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self ." Ch. What's Wanted." Owners, Messrs Tee and Hanslip . . . 298 Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self Ch. Daisy." Owner, F. W. Walker . . . . . .298 Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self "Ch. Black Bess." Owner, A. Foster ...... 300 Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self" Black Boy." Owner, C. H. Lane ....... 300 Smooth Golden Agouti Cavy "Ch. King of the Yukon." Owners, Messrs Wright and Ford . . . 302 Smooth Golden Agouti Cavy, "Sister Laura." Owner, C. H. Lane ....... 302 Smooth Grey Agouti Cavy "Greyfriar." Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . . . 302 Smooth Tortoiseshell Cavy "Ch. Surefoot." Owner, J. Thompson . ,# . . . 302 xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy "Ch. Lady Sarah." Owner, J. H. Lilley ..... 304 Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy "Ch. Elegance." Owner, J. S. James . . , '. . . 304 Smooth Tortoiseshell Cavy "Sir Lucius." Owner, C. H. Lane ....'.. 304 Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy " Ch. Galtee More." Owners, Messrs Bousfield Bros. . . . 304 Smooth, Any Other Colour " Lord Piebald." Owner, C. H. Lane ....... 306 Cavy, Any Other Colour "Lord Blaze." Owner, C. H. Lane . . '' . . . . 306 Smooth Dutch-marked Cavy "Ch. Klondyke." Owner, T. Blackburn ...... 308 Smooth Dutch-marked Cavy "Ch. Monarch." Owner, J. H. Lilley . . . . . .308 RABBITS Rabbits, Cats, and Cavies CHAPTER I/- /, .: INTRODUCTORY I PROPOSE to deal with the above in the order given, and to say something of each of the several varieties usually adapted for exhibition at the shows now so frequently providing classes for them, in these and other countries. I do not think there is the slightest doubt that at the present time there is more attention paid to these small pets than at any previous period in the history of the world, and that great numbers of persons, if not, as in some cases is probably done, earning their livelihood by breeding specimens for sale, are at anyrate making thereby a substantial addition to their incomes. Rabbits have made rapid strides in popular favour of late years, and many varieties now appear in the show pens, not only differing in size and shape, but also in colour and markings. Of each of these I propose to give some particulars 3 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES which may afford some of the novices amongst my readers practical information as to what they should seek after and avoid in their dealings with other fanciers. The variety known as the Lops, although probably still looked upon as pillars of the rabbit fancy, are, I think, not so extensively kept, or at anyrate, not so often met with, in classes for them only, at many of the shows as was formerly the case. \ / Theire/may be several reasons for this, one being that they are .supposed to require warmer quarters than any othrjr varieties!, fef the rabbit tribe. And this is probably why it is found that bakers and eating-house keepers are some of the most successful with this variety, where the length and width of the ears form such important items in the production of high-class specimens. One of the most popular varieties of late years, both in these countries and in America, where it has been " boomed " to an unusual extent, is the Belgian hare. This is not only of pleasing appearance, greatly resembling in colour and shape, while nearly approaching in size, our native wild hare, but also has the additional recommendation of making an excellent dish for the table ; and for the several purposes of showing and eating, there are probably more Belgian hare rabbits being bred at the present time than of any other of the family, except the wild rabbits so common in this country, and which have proved such a trouble to some of our Colonies. The family of the Silvers forms a very interesting INTRODUCTORY 5 group, mainly divided into greys, fawns or creams, and browns, with subdivisions into light, medium and dark, the shades of which sometimes so closely approach each other as to cause exhibitors some difficulty to determine in which class to make their entries, and give judges great difficulty in making their awards. Another very popular variety is the Dutch, which is the smallest of the rabbit tribe. They have one advantage over most others, in showing at a very early age, by their faint markings, whether they are worth keeping or not. They are also useful in another way, as they prove the best of foster mothers, and of service when a doe has a larger litter than she can safely rear, as it is not an unusual circumstance when eight or ten youngsters appear at one birth for them to be divided between the mother and a little Dutch foster. Flemish Giants, as the name implies, are very large rabbits, and at shows where as sometimes happens prizes are offered for the heaviest rabbits, these are nearly certain to take the awards. In some parts of this country these are very popular, and largely kept, although not so much in the South and West of England as in the Midlands and the North ; but they make substantial items as table fare. Himalayan rabbits, presumably from their name, of Eastern origin, are not a large variety, and I fancy, not gaining in favour, as I have certainly seen less of them the last ten years or so than formerly. In their case, markings are all important, the nose, ears, fore and hind feet being as nearly black as possible, 6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAV1ES while the rest of the body is pure white, and it is found very difficult to preserve these conditions in perfection. The same rabbit at times seeming to lose colour in those parts where its density is so essential to success in the show pens. I think this must have disheartened some of its fanciers, and caused a marked diminution in their numbers, as of late I have met with few schedules pro- viding classes for this variety, which is now mostly seen, as far as my experience goes, in variety classes. Another variety whose popularity is, I think, not being maintained, is the Polish, a lively pretty little pure white rabbit, about the size of a large Dutch. Some years since these were extensively kept, and classes given them at many of the shows, but now I seldom see them anywhere, except occasionally in variety or selling classes. I do not know any reason for its waning popularity, except that others have come more into general favour, and on the principle of the survival of the fittest, the Polish have been thrust into the back- ground. One that has for many years retained its hold on the favour of the public, whether fanciers or not, is the Angora, perhaps the most beautiful of all the rabbit family, and which certainly requires the most care and trouble to produce and keep in show form. As most of my readers will know, this has the longest hair of any variety mostly pure white and fleecy so that a good specimen looks like a mass of soft, silky hair ; but only those who have kept them know how much attention INTRODUCTORY 7 is required to keep their coats in order, free from any knots or matting, and the colour untainted in the slightest respect. I think they are still highly popular, as I have lately had large classes before me of high quality and type. There is one variety that has come into great popu- larity of late years, and seems, in vulgar parlance, to have come to stay, and which is really a revival of an old favourite with a new name. What we used to know when I was a boy as the Spotted Butterfly has blossomed into the English rabbit ; not that I find any fault with the title, for I think it really represents what it is, and, after the wild rabbit and the lop, it is probably the oldest variety of the family with a strictly British origin. I remember the first rabbits I owned were of this kind, but for a number of years they were rarely seen at shows, and then chiefly in variety classes ; since then, however, they have grown in numbers and quality, and first-rate specimens have been often sold at highly satis- factory prices. They have a large number of admirers at the present day, and classes provided for them at very many of the shows. Even as lately as the year 1902 I have had very respectable entries of them, and of sufficient quality to require great care in sorting out the best. I may say, for the benefit of those not knowing this variety, that it is of medium size, white, with pre- scribed black markings, comprising a mark much like a butterfly on the nose, hence its old name, a trace down the 8 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES back and chains of spots from sides of neck, connecting with markings on sides and back markings, forming a sort of saddle, and there are other requirements which I shall deal with more in detail when treating of this variety in particular. From old associations I have always taken an interest in these, and have had not a few winners amongst my stock, when I went in extensively for exhibiting rabbits some years since. The variety known as the Patagonian seems to have been given a fancy name, as I have never heard that it had any connection with the country of that name, most of those which have found their way here having been imported from the Continent of Europe. As far as my experience goes, it has never enjoyed much favour with our fanciers, and I do not remember seeing a class given to it at any shows. And if anything can cause a variety of any sort at exhibitions to lose popularity, it is for it to be constantly shown in " Any Other Variety classes," as it then becomes almost a lottery as to what will take the fancy of the judge. Doubtless the right course to take in such a case is to give the prizes to the best specimens of their several varieties, but as most judges have partiality for, and are better acquainted with, some varieties than others, it is only natural they should give the preference to those specimens, than to others they may not know so well ; in such cases the Patagonian usually comes off badly. It is a large rabbit, dark iron-grey in colour, and is INTRODUCTORY 9 often confounded with the Flemish Giant, to which it has some points of resemblance. There is little doubt they have been bred together, not, I think, to the advantage of either, but this is a matter of opinion. Probably, if a few spirited breeders took up the variety with vigour, attention might be drawn to it, and classes provided at some of the shows, but unless this is done it will remain, in the words of the old song, "a sort we sometimes hear about, but very seldom see." Another variety in the same category is the Siberian, which, in my opinion, is even less often met with, at least at shows, than the Patagonian. In spite of its name and supposed connection with Russia, the general idea amongst fanciers here seems to be that it is a home production, and the result of a cross between the Angora and the Himalayan varieties. And this its appearance does much to justify, as it possesses the long coat of the former, with the markings of the latter. But whether a cross or not, it is found to breed true to type and colour, and to be rather a prolific breeder. It is usually tame, gentle in disposition, and hardy in its constitution. They are often very beautiful animals, suitable for young ladies and others caring to keep them as pets rather than for exhibition, as, like the Patagonians, it is almost impossible to find schedules with classes for either of them. I have been told that this variety is in great favour on the Continent, particularly in France, where great numbers of them are kept, perhaps more for the value of their io RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES coats and for eating than for exhibition, as I am not aware that rabbits are shown on the Continent to anything like the extent that prevails with us, although of late years they have warmly taken up with dogs, poultry, pigeons and some kinds of cage birds. Another variety, which is perhaps the least often seen at exhibitions in this country, is that known as the Japanese, which is thought to have been practically unknown here prior to 1893, when a brief notice of it was given in one of our fanciers' papers. Although much larger in size, it has somewhat the shape of the Dutch variety, and some of those which have been received in this country from France, where it has found favour with some breeders, have evidently been crossed with Dutch, but not to the advantage of the breed. In point of shape, size, and general utility for table purposes, the variety offers scope for development of usefulness ; although as a competitor at shows it has yet been little seen, but if taken up by zealous and energetic breeders there is no reason to doubt it would attract notice, like many other novelties of less merit have already done. There appears to be nothing delicate about the variety, which has been bred in open-air hutches on the Continent of Europe, but, no doubt, those reared indoors would be finer and softer in coat, and these are qualities esteemed by its votaries. As this is one of the few rabbits I have not personally kept, I am not able to give the results of my own experi- INTRODUCTORY 1 1 ence of it, but will furnish some more details respect- ing it when I treat of this variety in particular. When I have mentioned two other varieties, which have much in common, I believe I shall have touched on all those now recognised as " fancy rabbits " in the present day, and will pass on to the next section of the subjects to be dealt with in these pages. The two last of the rabbit family requiring any notice are the Black and Tan and the Blue and Tan, the names of which convey some idea of their appearance. Of course, in theory, the former should resemble as closely as possible the terrier known under that name, but, as an old dog fancier, I may say that in practice very few come at all near that standard. And this is not so much in respect to the black parts, as to the tan, which is rarely seen bright or clear enough to deserve the title of tan at all, and is more often a pale greyish brown. At comparatively few shows in the South or West of England where, I am bound to say, the rabbit fanciers are neither as numerous or as keen as in some other parts of the country are classes provided for either of these varieties. The consequence is they are usually found in the any variety or selling classes, but, if anything like fair speci- mens, often " get into the money," as all judges who have any general knowledge of the rabbit fancy know that they are hard to breed of type and quality. The Blue and Tan, in all important respects, is on the same lines as the Black and Tan, except that 12 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES where the latter is black the other is a sort of dark slate blue. These are decidedly pretty rabbits, rather of small medium size, quite a fancy rather than a useful sort to keep, and breeders of them must be prepared to draw more blanks than prizes in their breeding operations, because many of them, as I have said, fail in their tan markings, I think it was in the year 1871 that my respected friend, Mr Harrison Weir, who all his life has been interested in animals, used his influence and valuable help in inaugurating the series of exhibitions of Cats at the Crystal Palace, which have, I believe (I have attended nearly all of them, and taken numbers of prizes there), been continued every year since without a break. For a great number of years he and his late brother, Mr John Jenner Weir, F.Z.S., were the only judges appointed at these shows, and they also officiated at the cat shows held year after year at the Royal Aquarium, Brighton. Although many others have been held from time to time in different parts of the kingdom, I think these have maintained their position at the head of affairs in the Cat Fancy, and that exhibitors have always valued success at those places more than at any other exhibition. Since the foundation of the National Cat Club, followed by the Cat Club and the British Cat Club, of course cats have attained a more important position than they formerly held, and not only are they raised in popular favour, but have greatly increased in value, so that specimens of sufficient quality to win prizes in their INTRODUCTORY 13 classes readily find purchasers at remunerative prices, and I know of many persons, of both sexes, who keep well- filled catteries to supply the demand created by the shows. In the early days, I should say long-haired cats were decidedly in the minority, but for some years past I expect for exhibition purposes more of the long-haired have been bred than of the short-haired. I have usually kept a good many of both sorts, and have taken some hundreds of prizes with them, but I think I have had the best specimens, and taken the highest honours, in the short-haired division. As my readers will mostly be aware, there are not quite so many colour subdivisions in the Long Hairs as in the Short Hairs, and each have their supporters, although some fanciers, like myself, keep both varieties. In Long Hairs, after the main colours Black, White, Blue and Smoke there are the Tabbies, Chin- chillas, Creams and Tortoiseshells ; any others than those named generally come into the category of Any Other Variety. But in the Short Hairs, at large shows there are often classes for Blacks, Whites, Blues, Smokes, Brown, Silver, Red and Spotted, Tabbies, Tortoiseshells, Tortoiseshells and White, Black and White, White and Black, Tabby and White, Abyssinian, Manx, Siamese, and Any Other Variety. Of all of these I mean to say a few words, as some of my readers may not have given much attention to what cat fanciers regard as important matters of difference i 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES between the several varieties, and which make or mar their success at the shows. I have not the slightest doubt there are hundreds, if not thousands, of cats running about the country quite good enough to win prizes at shows, and to sell for sub- stantial figures if their owners knew their value. This I have proved on more than one occasion by picking up specimens at different times in most unlikely places, with which I have taken prizes at some of our best shows. To give three instances from my own experience. I remember being in a boot shop some years since when a little brown tabby female Short-Hair jumped on the counter, and made friends with me. The proprietor of the shop, seeing I was interested in cats, told me she had lately had kittens, and that, if I pleased, he would reserve one for me when old enough to leave its mother. I thanked him, and said I would call for it in a month's time. When I went there for it, he said he had an arrival in his own family, and his wife wished to get rid of cat and kitten, so if I would accept it, he would be happy to give me both, which I took with pleasure. Shortly afterwards I was in the same shop again, when the man said he had been tempted to buy a fine cat from a sailor, and, if I liked, I could have it for a sovereign. This was one of the best black Persians I had ever seen, and I was not long deciding to accept his offer, and never regretted my purchase. As it was in the autumn, some INTRODUCTORY 15 weeks before the Crystal Palace Cat Show, I entered the little brown tabby Short-Hair, and the black Persian, the former taking third prize in a strong class of her own colour, and the latter first prize in the Black class. They both took numbers of prizes all over the country afterwards, and were much admired wherever they went. Another case was, when I was on my way to a railway station I noticed a young short-haired white cat, of which I liked the appearance, and took the first opportunity of calling at the cottage where it belonged, to inquire if they would sell it. I had some difficulty in getting them to name a price, as they seemed to think it a strange thing anyone should be willing to pay anything for a cat, but at last they said they would be delighted to take half-a-crown for it, which of course I readily paid, and this cat became another Crystal Palace winner, as well as at many other places. I mention these cases merely to illustrate the fact that there are plenty of good cats about, if they were only looked after. One of my most celebrated champions was bred by a cottager in the village where I lived, and sold by him not to me for the modest sum of five shillings. Un- fortunately he did not come into my possession until his value had gone up considerably, owing to the honours he had taken. He was perhaps one of the best short-haired whites with turquoise blue eyes, ever exhibited, and who during his show career took scores of prizes at the Crystal Palace, Brighton, Bath, Clifton, and all the leading shows. 1 6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES But in this case I must not complain, as he was after- wards sold to someone who took a fancy to him at one of the shows, for three times the price J paid for him. To any of my readers who may propose to enter the Cat Fancy, I would advise their beginning with Short- Hairs, and get to understand cats and their ways before going into Long-Hairs, as the latter require much more care and attention in keeping them in show form. In Long-Hairs, naturally, the quantity and quality of the coats count for much in their appearance and chances of success at shows ; and to keep them in trim, free from matting knots or felting, necessitates grooming ; indeed, specimens intended for exhibition purposes must have limited liberty to engage in feline amenities with their fellows, or they are likely to suffer, from a show point of view. Those concerts which sometimes disturb the rest of light sleepers are not generally engaged in by cats in the higher walks of feline society, but are mostly confined to the Ishmaelites of the cat tribe. There are doubtless at the present day hundreds of cats, which, from the time of their birth, are never off the premises of their owners, and there are many firms who are constantly at work building cat houses and catteries, with runs to them, for the preservation and multiplication of the numerous valuable specimens owned up and down the country. One piece of valuable advice I may give to intending cat fanciers, and that is, on no account at any time allow your cats to be out at night ; they will soon get accustomed INTRODUCTORY 17 to this, and if used to the practice will come in when called, even when allowed partial liberty by day. Probably in the range of hobbies of any note taken up by fanciers there has been nothing of late years to compare with the advances made by Cavies. The humble and almost despised Guinea Pigs of the childhood of most of the older fanciers are now seldom mentioned, but under the name of Cavies they have entered on a new era of existence. And whereas in the olden days the value of the best specimens that could be procured was reckoned by pence and not many of them now they change hands, when shape, size and colour are satisfactory to the experts in these little creatures, at more than as many pounds sterling as the former transactions in pence. To those of my readers unacquainted with the subject, I may explain that cavies may be divided into three sections : Those with long hair, which are known as Peruvians ; those with rough short hair, known as Abyssinians ; and those with short smooth hair, known as Bolivian, English, or merely as Smooth cavies. The first two varieties named above were practically unknown at the time when I kept guinea pigs as a boy, and the last named were not considered of any value from an exhibitor's point of view, chiefly, I think, because shows were few and far between where even rabbits were provided with classes, and it had not entered into the heads of the boldest promoters of any kind of exhibition to cater for such unconsidered trifles as guinea pigs ! Nowadays classes are often given for Rough and 1 8 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Smooth cavies, but such division I consider is wrong, and most unfavourable to the Abyssinian variety, as by this classification they have to be entered in the former or " rough class," and often meet in competition specimens of the Peruvian variety, usually with disastrous effect to their chances, unless, as is not always the case, the judge has been a fancier and breeder of all three varieties, when he can appreciate the good qualities of each. As I have bred and kept many hundreds of cavies, and taken scores of prizes with all the varieties, I can speak with some experience of them, and whenever I come across a really good Abyssinian shown in a rough class, I always try to get him into the first three, unless there are three <c topping " Peruvians to oust him, and this, I contend, is the duty of any judge under such circumstances. I hope in the course of these pages, to go more into detail about all the varieties named, so that in these introductory remarks I will only lightly touch upon them. The long-haired, or Peruvians, after size and shape are considered, depend mainly on the quantity and quality of their coats, and some of them are really very beautiful little creatures, even from an outsider's point of view, whilst the length and shading of their coverings are very remarkable, and worthy of attention. The rough-haired, or Abyssinians, have coats which seem to lie the wrong way that is, they turn every way but lying smooth and are covered with little rosettes of hair, each somewhat the size and shape of a dandelion flower. These are continued all over the bodies, sides INTRODUCTORY 19 and head, the bristling hairs on which give them a fierce and ludicrous appearance, quite at variance with their natures which are usually very mild and gentle, except when quarrelling amongst themselves, when they twist and turn themselves about in a most amusing manner, and assume the most bellicose attitudes and gestures, making all the time a sort of chattering purr, and can make an opponents fur fly, if they are allowed to make use of their sharp little teeth upon him. I should have said, by-the-bye, it is not always safe to keep Peruvians intended for show together, as they have an objectionable habit of nibbling each other's hair, and, by so doing, greatly disfigure perhaps a valuable specimen, so that it cannot be shown for some time. The Bolivians, or, as they are most generally called, Smooth or simply English Cavies, depend mainly on size, shape, and colour, but the coat should not be too long, or soft in texture. There are probably more of the last named than of the two other varieties together, partly because there is so much more choice of colours, and also that they are easier to produce and keep in form than the others. When I first kept guinea pigs, these were the sort in vogue. At that time they were very seldom seen, ex- cept of two, or more, colours mixed, but now they can be had of self colours such as all Black, Red, Brown, Cream, White, Agouti (a sort of reddish brown with black hairs mixed in, much like the little rodent known as the agouti) Dutch-marked (in the way of the rabbit of that name), Tortoiseshell ; and all the colours named, with the addition 20 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES of White. At some shows, there are classes provided for nearly all the colours I have mentioned, so it can be realised to what an extent the Cavy Fancy has grown, and all within the last twenty years. I well remember when the first pair of Red Cavies was brought out ; in a mild way, it produced quite a sensation. I am not sure of the man's name I think it was Hewson who bred them but heard he sold them with ease for thirty pounds. And it was much the same when some pure Blacks appeared, but since that time thousands of both Reds and Blacks have come forward, and prices have fallen accordingly. Then there was a great run on Agoutis, but they, too, have multiplied, and only very perfect specimens of either of those named command large money. Really good Tortoiseshells, and well-marked Tortoise- shell and Whites, have always maintained their position, and perhaps sell as well as most varieties. Also correctly-marked Dutch, being difficult to pro- duce, and few and far between, have a good market value, but only at the largest shows are classes provided for these out-of-the-way varieties. They have consequently to be shown, for the most part, in the Any Other Variety classes, where, however, they have a good chance of coming to the front if the judge (who often has to take the Cats and Rabbits as well) happens to be a genuine Cavy fancier, and not devoted to either Cats or Rabbits in particular. I think I have said enough of the several subjects of this book to serve as a sort of preliminary canter, and will now proceed to deal with each in their order, be- ginning with Rabbits, as first on my list. To face page 20. CHAPTER II THE LOP WHATEVER differences of opinion there are and they are many and great about a variety of matters amongst Rabbit fanciers, I think they are pretty well agreed on two matters, namely, that the Lop is the oldest variety of fancy Rabbit known in this country and that it is of British origin. At least, I have not heard either of these points disputed, so will take it that they are allowed by all. In the early days of my Rabbit keeping, I think Lops were held in much more estimation than they are now, and this may be owing to the many varieties which have been brought forward, requiring less expense to keep, less trouble to bring to perfection, and with more chances of being shown early in their career and often. At one time, if you heard of a high price being paid for a rabbit you might almost take it for granted the animal in question was a Lop, but of late years I expect the best sales have been amongst the Belgian Hares and Old English, both of which have made rapid strides in public favour and consequently increased greatly in value. There is something dignified, substantial, and what we 21 22 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES fancy as National, about a well -shaped Lop with its picturesque ears and solid, substantial appearance, which makes it different from any other variety, and its votaries insist upon its position as being that of King of the Rabbit tribe. This being a variety in which size of body and strength of constitution are important elements ; to insure success in breeding operations, it is important that both parents should be at least of fair quality themselves in the points desired to be reproduced, of sound health, and if possible of different strains, otherwise the offspring are unlikely to turn out well, or be of much value for breed- ing purposes afterwards. It is recommended that sound does with ears of twenty-one inches should be mated with a buck of not less than twenty-three or twenty-four inch ears, as being likely to have litters worth keeping. Perhaps the majority of Lops now seen are not of self colours, but more or less marked with white ; if, however, it is desired to produce specimens of self colours, much can be done in that way by mating, choosing both parents as nearly of one whole colour as procurable, and then re-mating some of the offspring in the same way. I think there is no doubt that many Rabbitries in which Lops have been the most important items have been kept up to a high temperature, as being thought inducive to the growth of ear, and this artificial tem- perature has caused the deaths of hundreds, either when removed to the premises of purchasers or exposed to the THE LOP 23 still greater vicissitudes of the show pens. I am not an advocate for cold housing of any kind of fancy Rabbit, nor have I kept my own in any but stone, brick, or well- built wooden houses which could be shut up at night or in unfavourable weather. On the other hand, I think as much harm may be done by " coddling," especially with such as are even occasionally exhibited, when we know they are often left about in parcel offices, stations and other places, going and returning to their homes, and many of the shows leave much to be desired in the care taken of valuable stock entrusted to them. Although there is such disparity in size between the two varieties, which, except both being rabbits, have little else in common, I think Dutch does are the favourites as foster mothers, when Lop fanciers require some of a litter to be taken in that way. There is some- thing eminently maternal, and businesslike, about the little Dutch, which seems to make the work congenial to them. Many breeders, when the youngsters are between two and three months old, take them in hand with a view to moulding their ears into a graceful carriage, and think that by so doing it helps the ears both in lengthening and widening ; particularly if the operation, which should be for a very short time at first, is performed in a warm room on each occasion. In the old books, we used to read of the half lop, where one ear only fell at the side of the head, and the oar lop, where both ears stood out almost at right angles on each side ; but at the present day only those with the 24 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES whole, or perfect lop of both ears, would have much attention from the judges, or even be thought good enough for the breeding pen. No doubt, there would be a chance of remedying, or even removing, the defects of carriage before mentioned, by artificial means, such as caps, weights, etc., but unless the strain is a valued one, of which specimens are desired to be perpetuated, the game might prove, as the saying goes, " not worth the candle." I have seen sometimes another miscarriage of the ears mentioned, which was called " horn lop," when the ears stuck out in front, after the manner of horns ; in my opinion this, although fortunately by no means common, is the ugliest and most undesirable of the three kinds of faulty carriage, and I should think the most difficult to correct. As I wish to say something of a great many varieties I have not the space to give the opinions of the leading breeders of all of them, or I could produce any amount of evidence that, to obtain success in breeding, it is not of vital necessity that the parents should have extraordinary ears, either in length or width. But, of course, when the stock is intended to be sold, much better prices can be obtained for the progeny of well-known winners ; in the same way, there is more demand and better fees will be obtained for the services of a sire who has taken good prizes, particularly if his stock has proved of good quality. But, for my own part, I would expect just as good results from the brother or father of the winner, and in LOP-EARED RABBIT " CH. MAYFIELD SURPRISE." Owners, Messrs Chadwick and Tuckett. LOP-EARED RABBIT " CH. CORONATION." Owner, W. C. E. Dibble. To face page 24. THE LOP 25 some respects they are even better for the purpose, as not being in so much request, and often standing at lower fees. This I have proved in breeding operations, not only with Rabbits, but many other kinds of stock. I would advise all beginners, whatever kind of live stock they take up, to get well-bred animals, even if they pay a little more for them at first, as they will be the cheapest in the end, and if from any cause, they have to be disposed of, well-bred stock are always more easily sold than those half, or three-quarters, bred. I may say that those who have had most to do with Lops do not advise they should be kept in the same house with other varieties, but if it is not convenient to have two separate houses, part of it may be partitioned off ; the reason of this is, that Lops undoubtedly do better in a house where the temperature, although well-ventilated, is never cold. But, with many of the other varieties, it would be more or less injurious to them to be " mewed up," being of a more hardy nature, and active in their habits. I think there is no doubt that the first Societies or Clubs, as they are now called, for Rabbits, were for Lops only, and at one time mainly confined to the London dis- trict, where I think the majority of the Lop fanciers used to reside. Some of these were founded more than sixty years ago, which shows how long this particular variety has remained in favour. I have read in some of the old books on Rabbits, that at the earliest shows a rabbit with ears measuring twenty-one inches was a certain winner, if of fair quality 26 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES in other respects, but we know how greatly things have altered in that way. We sometimes hear of twenty-eight, and even twenty- nine, inches of ear, but we do not often see them, yet I have even in 1902 more than once judged classes, containing youngsters well under five months old, whose ears gave an easy measurement exceeding twenty-six inches in length by six inches in width, and possibly another half inch would have been stretched each way, but I am not in favour of straining them beyond reasonable limits. This goes to prove that although show secretaries complain with good reason, the Lop Classes fill badly, and therefore few, and sometimes none, are given at even good shows, still there are some enthusiastic Lop fanciers left capable of bringing out good stock, when the classes and prizes offered, and the judge appointed, are considered satisfactory for their entries to be made. You can hardly lay down any positive rule on the subject, but roughly speaking I like the width to be about a quarter of the length of the ears ; of course, specimens vary much in this respect, sometimes one with great length will fail in width, and it is when the two combine somewhat in the proportions stated that per- fection is approached. For my own part, I always make a point of taking the measurement of all in the class unless some have short thick ears with no chance of getting into the first four or five and then go through the best four to select the three prizes and reserve. THE LOP 27 Colour is a great deal a matter of taste ; as we say of a horse, it may be said of a Lop, a really good animal is seldom of a bad colour. Perhaps fawns, either self or with white markings, which however should not predominate, are much in favour ; but 1 have seen many good Blacks, Smuts, Tortoiseshells, and Black and Whites, which have been beautiful animals. Shape and Condition are of course most important. The body should appear lower at the shoulders and arch nicely over the hind quarters, with straight fore and hind legs, flesh firm but not unduly loaded with fat, large, round, rather protruding, than inset, eyes, and a general expression of alertness and health altogether. With respect to the feeding of Lops, it is important it should be varied in its elements, but of a nourishing character. Many breeders advocate the use of goats' milk if it can be obtained, and the youngsters taught to drink it even before they are weaned from their mother, but if cow's milk be used, it is thought better to boil it or mix a little lukewarm water with it. As regards feeding of the adults, I think sweet meadow hay, a little clover hay-siftings mixed with middl- ings, crumbling but not wet, is a good early morning meal ; in the middle of the day the meal should be mainly of green food, as we must bear in mind that the natural food of all the Rabbit tribe is almost entirely vegetable in its raw state. I prefer broccoli, cauliflower or savoy to any other of the cabbage tribe's leaves, but I also like milk and sow thistle, plantains and dandelions. 28 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Of course, all of them should be fresh, but never given in a wet state. When none of them can be obtained, I use carrots, white for choice, and even slices of mangolds and swedes. Green clover, and chicory, are both excellent, and all rabbits are fond of them ; the latter has come more into use of late years, and is easily grown by any who have the ground to spare for its culture. Some breeders use a great deal of oats with their stock ; if this is done, they should be the heaviest and best white oats that can be obtained. All owners of horses will tell you how greatly oats vary in quality, the inferior sorts seeming to consist mostly of husks, and these are dear at any price. When oats are much used, the stock will be all the better with a little water to drink, once or twice a day, as they seem to require it. It is better to give them as much, at a meal, as you find they consume, so that there is an empty pan when feeding-time comes round. Regularity in the time of feeding is important, the stock soon get to know when they ought to be fed and are on the look-out for the feeder. The last meal in the day may be about six or seven in the evening, and consist of much the same as the mid-day feed, except that nursing does may have a few grey peas, which have had twenty-four hours' previous soaking in cold water and afterwards strained. I would caution any novices amongst my readers not to handle their stock more than is absolutely necessary, THE LOP 29 at any time. Not to interfere with a newly-born litter for at least a few days after birth, except to remove any that may be dead, or deformed. Not to take up young, or adults, by the ears, but by the skin of the back. And, generally, to remember that rabbits are timid, nervous animals, requiring gentleness and care in their treatment, and that sudden noises, or rough usage, cause them much annoyance and discomfort which must be injurious to their health and condition. I think perhaps I have now said enough for my purpose about Lops, and will give the standard of points for judging them, as fixed by an old friend of mine, a breeder of many years* experi- ence, and with which I am so much in agreement, that I do not think I can improve upon them : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE Points of the Exhibition Lop Rabbit Length of ear . . . . .20 Points Width of ear . . . . .15,, Shape of body, and straightness of limbs .10 Eyes, as. to size, shape, and colour . 5 Size 5 Colour ....... 5 Carriage and general appearance . 5 Total 65 Points CHAPTER III THE BELGIAN HARE As far as I am aware, no variety of the Rabbit family has been so persistently " boomed," of late years, as the Belgian Hare, and the sensational sales at high figures, many of which have been noticed in the papers, have attracted notice beyond the usual fanciers' circles. There seems to be a general concensus of opinion, that the variety was first brought to any degree of per- fection in Belgium, and that country is rightly credited as its place of origin, but it is doubtful if, at the present time, there are not more high-class specimens to be found in this country and America, than anywhere else. It is stated that until eleven years since, Belgian Hares were practically unknown in America, and were first introduced into the New England States by some importations from Great Britain, but gradually spread westward. They were most fully appreciated upon reaching Los Angeles, California, which district claims to have the largest Rabbitries in the world, mainly devoted to the production of Belgian Hares. Great expense and care have been incurred, by many 3 THE BELGIAN HARE 31 enthusiastic fanciers in that district, to obtain the best specimens obtainable. The climate seems to suit them admirably, and, from some statistics I have seen, the results appear almost incredible. In 1898, a few pamphlets and newspaper articles appeared, and some advertisements announced the arrival of some Belgian Hares at Los Angeles, and within two years afterwards, it was stated, there were no less than six hundred Rabbitries there, large and small, mostly carrying from fifty to seventy - five head of stock ; many exceeding one hundred, some with two hundred, and a few with more than a thousand each! It was further stated that, without exaggeration, there were in 1900, the latest date of which I have obtained particulars, over 60,000 Belgian Hares in South California alone, and the number constantly on the increase ! Up to that time the development had been chiefly from the fanciers' standpoint, but the merits of the variety, in a utilitarian respect, were receiving more attention, with reason to expect substantial commercial returns. " The American Association of Belgian Hare Breeders " is an influential incorporated body of fanciers, which has done much for the rapid growth of the fancy. It held an Exposition, Mart and Feast, in Hagard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, on 8th, 9th and loth February 1900. It was perhaps the only, certainly the largest, Exposition ever seen anywhere confined to one variety of Rabbit. I understand there were seventy classes at the show for Belgian Hares, with prizes varying from two and a 32 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES half to a hundred dollars in value, besides a great array of specials of all sorts of things, offered by friends interested in the breed. The rules at this Exposition present so many novel features, as compared with what our fanciers are accus- tomed to, that I am tempted to reproduce them here, to show what is being done " on the other side of the water." RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AMERICAN BREEDERS OF BELGIAN HARES' FIRST EXPOSITION, MART, AND FEAST, to be given at Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, 8(h, tyh and loth February 1900. The Company wishes all Exhibitors to understand, that this Exposition is a business affair, and will be con- ducted on business principles. To this end, an Exhibitor may use any amount of his allotted space that he wishes as an office, for the transaction of any business that may be carried on by him. A diagram of the floor space of the Pavilion, the Exposition building, may be seen at the office of the Corporation, Room 104, Currier Block, Los Angeles, California, where floor space for exhibits and booths may be engaged. Mr P. E. Crabtree, of Denver, Colorado, Official Judge of the " National Belgian Hare Club, of America," will act as Judge of all specimens, judging the Belgian Hares, BELGIAN HARE "CH. FASHODA." Owners, Bonanza Rabbitry, Los Angeles. BELGIAN HARE "CH. DASH." Owners, Meadowbrook B. H. Co., Los Angeles. To face page 33. THE BELGIAN HARE 33 both standard bred and heavy weights, entered, by scoring, and all other classes of competitors, by comparison. The judging will be done in public, and under the management of a Committee of prominent citizens of Southern California, who will be required to direct the presentation of the specimens in such a manner as will preclude any possibility of the Judge knowing whose animal is before him. Numbers will be used to designate the exhibits, and these will not be placed until the award has been made. The management is emphatically determined to obviate every possibility of dissension between the Exhibitors and the Judge, and all awards will be made upon pure merit. The commencement of the judging will take place at nine o'clock, upon the opening day of the Exposition, February 8, and will be completed at the earliest moment possible. All Premiums will be paid on the closing day of the Exposition, February 10. All specimens competing for prizes must be in their places before nine o'clock on the morning of the 8th of February. All animals admitted to the Exposition must be in good health. No animals suffering from chronic ailments will be allowed to compete, and any animal that becomes sick after being entered must be removed at once to secluded quarters. 34 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The supervision and examination of the health of the hares will be in charge of a Committee, under the direc- tion of Judge Crabtree and the Management. Each Exhibitor will be required, on making entry of Hares, to make Affidavit before a Notary Public as to the correctness of his entries. The Entrance Fee will be ten per cent, of the amount of the purse, in each Class, and this amount shall be paid at date of entry. Exhibitors may rent and occupy space for the purpose of exhibiting stock that is for sale, in addition to their stock entered in competition, and will be allowed to make sales, and deliver Hares, except of those entered in competition, and refill the vacant places with other Hares, at any time, during the Exposition. Exhibitors will be required to furnish their own cages for specimens, and these cages must be of uniform width and height ; the cages must be two to two and a half feet wide, and twenty inches high, if two tiers of cages are used ; but if only one tier is used it may be forty inches in height. The length of the cage may be made to suit the space used by the Exhibitor. Tables to place the cages upon will be furnished by the Management, free of charge. The construction, and arrangement, of the Office por- tions of the booths will be at the pleasure of the Ex- hibitor, and be complete by eight o'clock in the morning of the 8th February. Not more than two tiers high of cages will be allowed. THE BELGIAN HARE 35 Exhibitors will be required to furnish their own food, and to feed and water their own stock, and keep pens clean ; the debris being carried away by the janitor. Sawdust, or Cut Straw, and Dry Earth, will be furnished by the Management, free. At least five competitors must be entered in each Class, to fill out said Class, except where otherwise stated. For Entry Blanks, enclose stamp or call upon the Secretary, or General Manager. The score of an exhibit will determine the Winner, as in individual specimens. The Exhibitor must provide lock, and retain key, to his cage, or cages, of Hares. A Breeder is understood to be one who either breeds a Doe, owned by him at the time of mating ; or purchases a Doe, and orders her bred to a certain Buck ; or pur- chases a Doe, already bred, providing he is impressed of this fact before purchasing, and is also impressed as to what Buck she is bred to, and receives a Certificate of Breeding with the Doe. An Auction Sale of Hares will take place, each day, during the Exposition, at 1 1 o'clock a.m., and 2 o'clock p.m. Specimens may be listed, with the Entry Clerk, on the day previous to the Sale, and at a fee of ten per cent, of the price realised from the Sale. Exhibitors will be allowed to remove valuable Hares from the Show-room, after each night's exhibition, and return them on the following morning, not later than eight o'clock. Exhibitors may begin the arrangement of their booths 36 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES as early as Wednesday morning, February 7, and every- thing connected with the exhibit belonging to Exhibitors must be removed, from space occupied, not later than six o'clock in the morning of February 12. Exhibitors must not so arrange their business, and signs, as to obstruct the view of other booths, either in front or rear. Any reasonable arrangement will be permitted. Entries of Hares will not be accepted later than 5th of February. Entries may be made by telegraph or by letter. All due diligence and care will be exercised by the Management, to protect Exhibitors, and their specimens, in every practical manner. Further than this the Management will not assume responsibility, in any sense. A sufficient corps of assistants will be employed by the Management, both day and night, to render the best possible protection to Exhibitors. Any ties occurring in Classes will be adjusted by dividing the premium equally between the number of Hares showing the same score in that Class, and a Certificate will be issued by the Company to the owner of each specimen, setting forth, in each case, the conditions of the award. Exhibitors entering as many as three specimens for competition, or occupying purchased space at a cost exceed- ing Six Dollars, will be* presented with a Season Ticket, admitting them to the Pavilion at all times during the Exposition. THE BELGIAN HARE 37 Medals and Cups will be delivered to the winning competitors within sixty days of the close of the Exhibition, or earlier, if possible to get them made. As these " Rules and Regulations" are different, and in some respects more stringent, than those we are used to in this country, such of my readers as may happen to be Exhibitors will read them with interest. Although many of them appear rather arbitrary, still if the Exhibitors, whose entries are required to make the show, do not object to them, no one else has any right to complain. The very fact that a successful Exposition was held, on such terms, goes to prove what a firm hold the Rabbit Fancy has obtained "over there." The Association of American Breeders of Belgian Hares makes no secrets of its objects, which are to advance the best interests of the Belgian in every way. To secure the best strains of blood in the world, crossing them with their home-bred stock, and thus obtain not only individuals of the highest excellence, but of best possible types. They express their intention to protect the public, so that each purchaser of Belgian Hares shall get just what he wants, and is willing to pay for ; to produce hares that shall be worth long prices, and have great merit as beauti- ful specimens. They also keep in view the commercial side of the industry, and realise that ultimately thousands of hares will be bred and sold for the food supply. They mean to use their influence towards fairness 38 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES and honesty in dealing, so that, whether a buyer wants stock for show purposes, or cheap stuff for table use, he shall receive just and fair treatment. For this purpose, they will aid, assist, and advise all breeders whom they find worthy of confidence. They consider the climate of their country is well suited for the objects of their fancy, and although they have been, at the outset, at considerable expense and risk, in importing so many high-priced specimens from Great Britain, a heavy percentage of which have been lost, or suffered from their long journeys by sea and land, they are of opinion that the careful crossing of new blood with their native strains, assisted by their mild, open climate, will produce as good and hardy specimens of the variety as can be found anywhere. It is their hope, and conviction, that their country may become as celebrated for its Belgian Hares as it has been for its Race Horses, and that they may be able to send over here specimens to compete for International Prizes at our best shows. They state that they have every resource at command for breeding Belgian Hares on a wholesale scale, as a com- mercial commodity, and have reason to believe such may be done with all prospects of success. The Association has drawn up a carefully- worded scale of points and description, which is divided into two sections, one for exhibition, and another for table purposes, so I think I had better set both out, as it is more than possible some of my readers may dispose of some of their stock to American buyers, and by consulting the Standards of THE BELGIAN HARE 39 Excellence referred to they can see how they approach, or are at variance with, what in that country is looked upon as correct. AMERICAN STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN THE BELGIAN HARE Disqualifications. (i) Lopped or fallen ear or ears ; (2) white front feet or white bar or bars on same ; (3) de- cidedly wry feet ; (4) wry tail. A specimen should have the benefit of any doubt. Points of Excellence Colour. Rich rufus red, not dark smudgy col our, carried well down sides and hind quarters, and as little white under jaws as possible . 20 Points Ticking. Rather wavy appearance and plentiful . . '.-'.. . . 15 ,, Shape. Body thin, well tucked up flank, and well ribbed up ; back slightly arched, loins well rounded, not choppy ; head rather lengthy, muscular chest, tail straight, not screwed, and altogether of a racy appear- ance 20 Ears. About five inches, thin, well laced on tips, and as far down outside edges as possible, good colour inside and outside, and well set on . . . . . . .10,, Eyes. Hazel colour, large, round, bright and bold 10 40 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Legs and feet. Forefeet and legs, long, straight, slender, well coloured and free from white bars ; hind feet as well coloured as possible . . . . . . .10 Points Size. About eight pounds . . . 5 Condition. Not fat, but flesh firm like a race horse, and good quality of fur . 5 ,, Without dewlap . . . . 5 Total 100 Points BELGIAN HARE " CH. PRIORY PRINCE." Owner, E. H. Guy, Reigate. BELGIAN HARE "LORD LURGAN." Owners, Lord Lurgan Rabbitry, Los Angeles. To face page 41. CHAPTER IV STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE HEAVY WEIGHT BELGIAN HARE Disqualifications. ( i ) Lopped or fallen ears ; (2) white front feet, or white bar or bars on same ; (3) decidedly wry front feet ; (4) wry tail ; (5) mature specimens weighing less than ten pounds. A specimen should have the benefit of any doubt. Description Colour. Ticking should be moderately plentiful and quite wavy, ranging in importance as to quantity in the order in which the sections are here named : viz., hips, back, upper sides ; it should not extend to lower sides, over shoulders, nor on breast and front legs. Special sections, a deep cream colour under jaws, a bright cream colour under belly, and white under tail. Lacing, dense black, extensive in length, and confined closely to edge of ear. Colour proper, rich rufus red, not smudgy, and free from dense blue under colour. Size. The animal should be long in vertebrae, between couplings, long in limb, have ears five and a half inches, and possess large eyes. Weight. Eleven pounds. 4 2 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Shape. The head should be long and moderately coarse, the ears not too thick, the eyes round and bold, breast full wide, evenly carried dewlap ; front legs and feet coarse, heavy boned, straight and firm in bone and joint ; body round and massive, a continuous arch carried from back to tail, with no tendency to squareness on rump. Condition. The flesh should be firm, the fur in good healthy condition, the animal moderately close coated and tight skinned, thus giving it an active alert appearance. Colour Ticking quantity . Ticking quality . Back . Sides . Hind quarters Jaws . Lacing Ears . Belly . Eyes . Shoulders . Front legs and feet Hind legs and feet Condition Flesh Fur Size 5 Points Length of vertebrae 3 Points 5 Length of fore legs 4 Length of hind legs 4 Length of ears 2 Size of eye . 2 Weight of specimen 4 Shape Head . . 4 Breast . . 4 Front legs and feet 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 Ears Eyes Body Rump Quality Fur . Skin Total 100 Points Official weight at maturity, eleven pounds ; official THE BELGIAN HARE 4 3 age at maturity, eleven months ; official cut for lacking weight at maturity, half a point to the quarter pound, or fraction thereof, and in immature specimens, half as heavy a cut, calculating them to weigh a pound for every month of age. SCALE FOR RATING FAT HARES Dressed Capons Best portion of carcass, ham and loins . .20 Points Quality of flesh, size of bone considered . 20 Colour of flesh, and fat . . . . 20 Degree of fatness . . . . .10,, Weight . . . . . . . 20 ,, Manner of dressing and preparing for shipment i o , , Total 100 Points Up to now Americans have undoubtedly proved the best buyers of valuable stock that traders in this country have ever met with, so I have ventured to give detailed particulars of their views about this variety, as I have never seen them set out in any work on Rabbits hitherto published here, and hope they may be of service to some of my fellow fanciers. The Belgian Hare has been taken up much more warmly of late years in this country, more especially in the South and West. It has always had a fair amount of support in the North, where they are keen fanciers of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, as well as Pigeons and some varieties of Poultry. 44 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES At one time there was a good deal of discussion and controversy carried on, as to whether the Belgian Hare was the production of a cross between the Hare and some kind of Rabbit, but all the evidence of value I have examined leads me to disbelieve it. We know how closely in colouring and form they approach the Hare, but their ways and habits are more in accordance with a Rabbit ancestry, and their young are different to leverets, which are, to all intents and purposes, born clothed ; whereas all rabbits are almost bare of any covering at all. I merely mention the matter, because it is sometimes referred to ; for my own part, I do not think there is much in it, although I am aware many persons consider the flesh of Belgian Hares superior to that of any other of the Rabbit tribe, and more approaching the flavour of the Hare. In case it may suit the convenience of some of my readers to try the experiment, I may say that Belgian Hares are looked upon as a hardy race, where they can be sufficiently protected from climatic vicissitudes. They have been found admirably suited for life in woods and warrens, when does of eight months old or more have been placed out, with bucks of not under six months, of course, the number of the former considerably in excess of the latter. They must all be looked after for some time after they are located, both in the way of securing them a sufficiency of food and water, and guarding against their being demolished by their terrestial and aerial enemies, of which they have so many, and from some of which they possess no means of escape. BELGIAN HARE "SIR STYLES." Owners, Messrs Brown and Westbrook, Los Angeles. BELGIAN HARE "LADY DI." Owner, C. II. Lane. To face page THE BELGIAN HARE 45 All rabbits have the reputation of being timid, but this variety is thought exceptionally so, therefore, noise, or roughness, should be most carefully avoided in all deal- ings with them, especially with breeding does, or serious results may ensue. Although a dewlap does not amount to a positive dis- qualification, with most judges it has considerable weight against a specimen, which should be borne in mind by any purchasers for breeding, or show. Straight, and rather fine, lengthy, fore and hind legs, of as warm a shade of golden-reddish tan as possible, are points to be sought after. Length of body with hare-like tickings, on back and sides in particular, and a shape arching over the rump, with a longish rather fine head, bold bright eyes, medium length ears, with dense black lacing on upper edges, give a racy look to the animal, which, although the colouring is plain and unostentatious in tint, is altogether pleasing and more easy to appreciate. by ocular demonstration than by any written description. We are told that imitation is the sincerest flattery, and we should therefore feel flattered that, the Association of American Breeders of Belgian Hares have practically adopted the standard of our own breeders, for the perfec- tion of this variety. In some few particulars our judges attach more value to one point and less to another ; but, as to the general appearance of what the animal should be, there is very little difference between the two. One matter I should mention is, that the more room 46 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES this variety has, in reason, and the more it is sheltered from the heat of the sun, the more likely is the stock to be bright, active, and lengthy in limbs, all desirable to attain. If hutches are used, they are better if at least five feet in length, by two feet high, and wide ; if convenient to give even more room, all the better, and, in fine dull weather, a run outside will do them a lot of good, and you will see them play some rare antics, as in many cases they are as light hearted as kittens. I do not know that I need say anything special about food, as the feeding of this variety is much the same as for others of the family ; of course, bearing in mind to increase it in quantity, and quality, when the does are suckling young. Many breeders contend that, with the possibilities of breeding valuable prize specimens, and the almost certainty of producing useful stock for table purposes, more profit can be made from Belgian Hare does than from cows ; if the amount of capital invested in each is considered, and the cost of the labour required to care for them. And they also say, that although u something for nothing," or "money without work/' is hardly to be expected from this, any more than any other industry, there is no animal that will give a quicker or better return. I will here give a standard of the points to be sought for in this variety, as set out by a man I consider second to none in his knowledge of the breed and the high quality of the specimens he has produced. I have slightly THE BELGIAN HARE 47 altered some of his figures, but only rateably, so as to bring up the total to a hundred, rather than a broken number. STANDARD OF POINTS FOR JUDGING EXHIBITION BELGIAN HARES 1. Colour . . . . . .16 Points 2. Ticking . . . . . 4 ,, 3. Eyes roundness, 3 ; size, 3 ; brightness, 1 ; regularity, I . . . 8 4. Ears shortness, 3 ; shape and position, 2 ; texture and edging, 3 . . .8 5. Head length, 5 ; width, 3 ; shape, 2 . 10 ,, 6. Feet and legs straightness, 9 ; free from white, 6; length, 3 . . . .18 ,, 7. Neck shortness, 4 ; stoutness, 2 ; chest, 2 ; shoulders, 2 10 ,, 8. Condition . . . . 15 9. General formation of carcass . . 6 ,, 10. Without dewlap . . 5 Total 100 Points CHAPTER V THE BLACK AND TAN RABBIT THIS must be looked upon as one of the latest candidates for favour of all the Rabbit tribe, as there is no record of any appearing until within the last twenty years. As I have not heard of any importations of the variety it seems to be generally admitted they are home productions, the result of some cross breeding, but there is considerable doubt as to what were the parents of the earliest specimens. From the first the black has been better in its purity and denseness than the tan, which has usually failed in brightness and evenness of tint. Up to the present time, breeders have found this their most important obstacle to success, as well as the keeping the black from being marked, or speckled, with tan hairs. For some time there was a diversity of opinion as to the size of specimens for show purposes, some going for those from five to seven pounds and more, and others preferring those not exceeding five pounds in weight. I think the smaller size is now most in favour, and that rabbits above five pounds in weight must be un- BLACK AND TAN " IDEAL." Owner, Rev. W. Mathias. BLUE AND TAN " CH. PRESIDENT LINCOLN Owners, Messrs Ovenden and Fawcett. To face page 48. THE BLACK AND TAN RABBIT 49 usually good in colour and other respects, to have much chance against smaller specimens of fair quality. Breeders of black and tans seem to find the male sex predominates over the female in litters of this variety. Consequently there are often a great number of young bucks about five months old for sale at moderate prices, as, at that age, a fair estimate can be formed whether they will be good enough to keep. Purchasers should endeavour to see the parents of any stock offered to them, and choose the offspring of the best-coloured specimens. For breeding take a buck from one strain and a doe from another, if possible both good in colouring, but if not possible to do this, get a buck from a well-tanned strain and a doe from a strain remarkable for density of black and excellence in shape and type. I would rather breed from a rather large-sized doe, with a small typical buck, than the reverse, and should expect better results. The blue and tans although at some large shows at the present day classes are provided for them cannot be treated as a distinct variety, as they are often met with in litters from black and tan parents. They are very taking specimens, and I think more often purer in their body colour, that is, less sprinkled with light or tanned hairs than the black and tans ; and, for this reason, a fair blue and tan, with decent tanned markings, will often be put before a black and tan in the show pens. Neither variety are very early in development, and consequently it is not wise to part with any under four D 50 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES or five months old, as it is almost impossible before then to judge which will turn out to be the most valuable to keep. The litter should not be taken from the mother until at least two months old, and they should not be bred during the cold season of the year ; between February and July is the best time for them. They are usually susceptible to cold, and rather liable to develop snuffles if not well cared for. Two great points to be aimed at in breeding this variety (I am treating black and blue and tans as one and the same for all practical purposes), are to keep down size, while preserving colour and type. If I were breeding to obtain black and tans, I would act as before stated ; but if trying for blue and tans, I would sooner use a black and tan buck of rich colouring, with blue and tan doe, than use two blue and tans, as I think by doing so I should be likely to get blue and tans of richer and purer colour ; but even in this way there would probably be some black and tans in the litter. This, as I have said, being a variety late in coming into form, it is not wise to show them in young classes, unless confined to black or blue and tans, as they would be heavily handicapped by meeting young Lops, Dutch, Himalayans, and others, which give much earlier promise of their points of excellence. Both black and blue and tans are decidedly pretty animals, if correct in shape and colour, but may be looked upon as eminently Fancy Rabbits, rather than kept for utility. THE BLACK AND TAN RABBIT 51 In this, as in all fancy stock, if a breeder desires to be able to sell specimens, he must exhibit and win prizes, or he will not be able to get remunerative prices ; but it is better to breed from does after they have won a few good prizes, if possible mating them also to prize-winning bucks, than to attempt to show and breed from the same does. By this the does will not have the strain of the excitement and fatigue attending exhibition life, and be more likely to keep in form. I do not know of anything specially to be said about their feeding, except that it should be sound and nourishing, with plenty of green food during the summer months, but never given at all wet, or with even the dew on it. They are fairly hardy in constitution as a rule, but not a variety I consider suited to outdoor hutches, and all draughts or cold air should be avoided. They are active in their habits, and it will be all the better, if convenient, to give them plenty of room for exercise ; it is better to separate the sexes, and keep them away from each other before attaining six months, and not to use either sex for breeding until seven or eight months old, especially does. I think I have said enough in a general way about this variety, and will now mention what are the main points to be aimed at for exhibition stock, and give a standard for an ideal specimen. The colour of the body should be pure glossy black, or darkish slate blue, as the case may be, on back, top of head, face and ears (which should be short and small) ; there should be a triangular-shaped mark, like the letter 52 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES "V," of rich golden tan colour, at back of neck; the belly should be pure white with a soft shading of tan, where the black of body colour joins it ; the colouring of fore feet should be black or blue and tan mixed ; the colour of chest as bright tan as procurable, and a small circle or ring of tan round each eye. The ears, black outside with tanned insides ; and the nostrils of rich tanned colour. Black or blue should predominate in the colour of the sides of hind feet, but the upper parts should be of rich tan, and the same shade under the thighs. The eyes should be moderately full, dark and expressive. The weight should not exceed five pounds for a matured specimen, and even less is desirable. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING BLACK AND BLUE AND TAN RABBITS Head (smallness and neatness) ... 5 Points Ears (size and colour, outside and inside) .10 Eyes (with markings round them) . 5 Shape of body (with colour of chest and top of shoulders) . . : , - - -, v . . 25 ,, Fore legs and feet (with shape, size and markings) . , , : ,. V'i . .10,, Hind legs and feet, and thighs, with markings 15 ,, Condition . . . - ,. . . . 20 Size, not exceeding five pounds . . ... 10 Total 100 Points CHAPTER VI THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT ALTHOUGH this variety is named after a district in South America, I have never heard of any specimens being imported from that part of the world, but they have been extensively bred on the Continent of Europe, more especially France. From the fact that they have been little in demand for exhibition, and almost entirely bred for table use, there has not been much trouble bestowed on keeping the strains pure, and they have been crossed with both Belgian Hares and Flemish Giants, from time to time. In colouring it much resembles the wild rabbit, but has more of iron grey in its tints, and often appears freckled or mottled in hue. The belly is generally almost white in shade. The carriage of the ears is one peculiarity of the variety. While stout and strong in substance, and wider than most others, they do not seem as stiff, and frequently have a bent and broken appearance, making them hang over at tips, as though overpowered by their length and weight. They are large, massive rabbits, and it is not at 53 54 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES all unusual for specimens fattened for the table to make up to seventeen pounds and upwards. It is desirable to give breeding does large hutches, from five to six feet in length, with about one third partitioned off for sleeping box, the aperture into which should be large enough to admit the rabbit without touching her large semi-erect ears. They are rather lumbering clumsy animals, and not likely to trouble about lowering their heads when going in or out of a doorway. They are usually good tempered and docile, kind and attentive mothers, but if cramped for room, sometimes cause injury to their young by stepping or lying upon them. They are found to breed very true to colour when properly mated ; the sandy colour sometimes seen is not desirable, and is thought to be the result of a former cross with the Belgian Hare. Shades of grey only are preferred, except on the belly and under parts, where white and pale yellow is allowable, but the general appearance of the rabbit is grey, rather deeper and richer than in its wild cousin. Of course a variety of shades will be found, even in members of the same litter, but the more uniform they are in this respect the better. As a rule the does do not have such large litters as in some other varieties, perhaps from five to seven on an average. In feeding and general management, except as mentioned about size of hutches, what I have said respecting Belgian Hares will apply to Patagonians, THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT 55 which although such large animals are not found to be proportionately large eaters, and are so hardy in constitution, that when provided with some protection against wet or very cold weather, have been found to do well in the open. But if this is done, a suitable season in the late spring or early summer should be chosen, and the young stock intended to be turned out acclimatised for a while in outside hutches. The place for the change should be as warm and sheltered as possible, protected with wire netting let deep into the ground, and supported with stakes at intervals to guard against the entry of un- desirable visitors of all kinds. The early part of the year, after February, is thought the best time to commence breeding operations, and if the stock is mainly meant for table purposes, keep a number of youngsters together in a shed, or room, where plenty of suitable food, such as sweet hay, crushed oats, milk and sow thistles, plantains, dandelions, etc., are provided, avoiding such as are too aperient in nature. Almost any time between three and six months old they may be put up for fattening, when those selected should be moved into separate hutches. Oats and barley are good staples for their food, but a little meal may occasionally be given. If they have been used to a little oil cake it will have a good effect in increasing weight, but, of course, the taste for it must be acquired. Almost every house has crusts and ends of bread which are not valued, and Patagonians are very fond of these, and this addition to the diet of those being fattened 56 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES has been found to produce beneficial effects in their condition. I think the great point to be considered is to give as much variety in food as possible, provided it is of a nourishing character, and such as they will eat with an appetite. I like to see any kind of animal or bird of mine take their food readily, and as if they enjoyed it ; knowing there is not often much the matter when that is the case. As in some of the other large breeds used for the table, gelding is sometimes adopted when great size is desired ; the operation, which should be performed by a practised hand, may take place when they are put up for fattening. I should have said that boiled potatoes, mixed with a little barley, or oatmeal, and given lukewarm, are useful additions to the tariff, when fattening ; and they are partial to a little milk occasionally, particularly with some sugar mixed with it. Straw will be found better than hay, or other material, for such as are confined in hutches, and if well supplied with hay they will not be likely to eat their beds. One of the main points to be sought in this variety, after size, is to get as much uniformity in colour, with large, strong, lengthy ears ; the eyes appear set rather wide apart, and the head large and very wide. In shape Patagonians run rather wide from the neck to the loins, with heavy hind quarters and large hips, the bones of which are very noticeable. THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT 57 There is a dignified, comfortable appearance about a Patagonian, which is very pleasant to see. As a rule, it is not timid, or averse from being made much of, and it is not often found quarrelsome or disagreeable with its companions. The following scale of points, suggested by one who has had much experience of the variety, may be of service to my readers : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING PATA- GONIAN RABBITS Head (size, shape, colour) . Ears (colour, size, shape) . -* Eyes (largeness, fulness, shape) . Body (shape) . .[ ..', , Colour (evenness in shade) . Condition and general appearance Size, exceeding ten pounds . 5 Points 10 10 10 2 5 10 30 Total 100 Points CHAPTER VII THE JAPANESE RABBIT As far as I remember, this is the latest variety we have seen in this country, and it is not by any means common now. I have not heard of any being seen in Europe prior to 1893, and they were looked upon as great curiosities, which is partly accounted for by their peculiar appear- ance. I believe it to be rightly named, and that the first specimens seen in Europe were really imported from Japan, which interesting kingdom still breeds the variety in considerable numbers, but for utilitarian purposes only. I have not heard of any exhibitions of live stock there, although we know that the Japanese are more progressive and enterprising than any other of the Eastern nations, and have adopted many of the customs and institutions of the West ; and it would probably be found that the Japanese who read, speak and write European languages are, at least, in the proportion of one hundred to one of the Europeans who can do the like in Japanese ! 58 TYPICAL JAPANESE RABBIT. TYPICAL PATAGONIAN RABBIT. To face page 58. THE JAPANESE RABBIT 59 This variety is credited, with being gentle and docile in temperament, good breeders, excellent mothers and moderate eaters, but not dainty in their diet. They have proved themselves sufficiently hardy to do well in outside hutches, of course protected against wet or cold weather, and not difficult to breed and rear. Being of active, lively habits, they are best kept in roomy hutches, as they otherwise have a tendency to develop dewlaps, which are not desirable in the breed. There is much of the Dutch Rabbit in the shape of this variety, but there the likeness ends, as mature specimens are usually much larger and heavier animals than the Dutch seen at our shows. This is such a very recent arrival in this country that little is known about it, with certainty, as there are few persons with any practical experience in regard to it, nor am I aware that any attempt has been made to fix a standard by which specimens should be judged. Unfortunately, some of the earliest importations were not kept as pure as they might have been, but crossed with other varieties, which has increased the difficulties of intending fanciers. If, however, some energetic breeders will take the matter in hand, it will be interesting to see a new variety brought forward which seems to have many points in its favour. For the information of such of my readers who have not seen any specimens, I give a brief description of its appearance. The head is large, and the ears strong, thick, with 60 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES black lacings at upper edges ; legs rather short, thick, straight, and muscular ; eyes dark and not very pro- minent ; coat rather open in character, but soft and fine in texture ; the colour is rather uncommon, all the belly and underneath parts being fawn, while the back is a rich orange, with belts or stripes (usually two) of black round the body, commencing behind the shoulders, and down each side, joining the fawn on belly ; there is a black smutty mark on the nose, and above it a white spot, which is the only white allowable, the other colour beings fawn, orange, and black, distributed as mentioned. It will be gathered, from the foregoing slight sketch, that this variety is of quaint and striking appearance. I have said that very little is yet known about it in a general way, and it remains to be seen if it will be taken up, either for show or utility purposes ; for both of which it offers advantages, being said to be hardy in constitution, quite out of the common in its markings and aspect, and of sufficient size to make it useful for the table. Being a large variety, averaging when matured some ten or twelve pounds, of course they should be given large roomy hutches, where they would take plenty of exercise, and I should think they would be suited with much the same treatment as suggested for the Pata- gonians, and make up into handsome specimens. I append a reproduction of the best portrait I have been able to obtain, of a typical representa- tive of the variety, which will give some idea of its appearance. THE JAPANESE RABBIT 61 STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING JAPANESE RABBITS Head, large and substantial . Ears, strong, thick, and with black lacing Eyes, as to colour and prominence ... Body, legs and feet . . . . Condition and general appearance . , ; Size not less than ten pounds for adults Colour and markings . . , . g . - 10 Points 10 10 J 5 10 20 25 Total 100 Points CHAPTER VIII THE POLISH RABBIT THIS variety, as far as my experience goes, is neither so extensively kept or shown, as it was some years since, and yet it has many good qualities. The animals are neat and pretty in themselves, may be bred to a weight making them useful for table commodities, and their fur, from its purity and colour, can be turned to good account, when produced in sufficient quantities for the furriers. I have been given to understand they are largely bred, on the Continent of Europe, for the latter object. As to its place of origin, it has been doubted by many whether it really was a native of Poland, but it is not material to go into the question ; it is certain the variety has been bred more or less extensively in Europe for the last fifty years, and has been during all that period known as Polish. No doubt, its resemblance to what was known as the common white rabbit, probably derived from albino specimens of the wild bunnies, has been against it, but there are several marked distinctions which may be noticed between them. 62 THE POLISH RABBIT 63 The Polish is more elegant in shape, not so long in body or legs, shorter in neck, purer and more even in colour, and what some describe as more snaky in out- line, and, although not heavy looking, weighs more than its appearance suggests. The eye of the Polish is a lighter shade of pink than seen in any of the other varieties with such colour ; the fur is short and of a chalky white, without shade or tint, which contrasts with almost any other white rabbit in this respect, and gives it an appearance of its own, but somewhat difficult to describe on paper. I should not call it one of the hardy sort, and it does better in indoor hutches, being susceptible to cold and wind. As it is active in habit, it should have plenty of hutch room ; I have found them rather shy, and not caring about much notice or handling, but docile and easily managed. It is a prolific breeder, with litters averaging five or six in each ; the does make good and attentive mothers. They are placed by many persons second only to the Dutch as foster mothers; some are kept in Rabbitries for this purpose alone, and found very useful. The young when born are of a delicate pink tint, and for some days, until the white begins to appear, very little difference can be seen in them. The mothers are very jealous of any interference with their young, and are best left alone, as much as possible, at this time ; they are so assiduous in their maternal duties, that they should be well kept up with nourishing food when they are suck- ling, or their health may be endangered. 64 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES At five or six weeks old some, at least, of the young may be taken away for weaning, leaving a few of the most promising a week or two longer with the doe. When removed, a number of the youngsters may be run together in a room or shed, where they can have plenty of space for growth and exercise until they are about four months old. Then the bucks should be separated from the does, and hutched separately, but the does may con- tinue to run together, unless found to quarrel, as is not often the case with them. The spring of the year is the best time to begin breeding operations, and does of eight or nine months are thought better than those younger, mated with bucks of not less than six or seven months. This variety is not one in which crossing has been found beneficial, although experiments have been made with several sorts. It is best to keep them pure, of course, with introduction of fresh blood occasionally to avoid inbreeding. As an article of food the flesh of the Polish is esteemed as being very palatable, and, as mentioned, the fur has a market value, when produced in quantities acceptable to the trade. I think it may be of interest to my readers if I quote the views of my old friend, Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., upon this variety. He has been an extensive breeder of Polish, and had a long experience with them, and has suggested a very elaborate standard by which they shall be judged. I consider his opinion on the matter is deserv- ing of attention and consideration, as he has often had large classes before him as judge, particularly POLISH RABBIT. A big winner. Owner, Geo. Dickinson. POLISH RABBIT "LORD RICHARD." Owner, C. II. Lane. To face page 64. THE POLISH RABBIT 65 in the North and Midlands, where he so often officiates. "This is one of the most common of domesticated rabbits, its principal characteristic being the purity of the snowy whiteness of its coat. It looks as though it was delicate in constitution, yet the contrary is the case. As a rule, it is very hardy, requiring little or no attention, beyond perfect cleanliness, sufficient room and a due regard to food. " Why designated Polish I must confess myself at a loss to understand, for though no doubt many specimens have been imported, and perhaps some from Poland and Russia, yet I could never ascertain that they are more plentiful there than elsewhere. "But I will not quarrel with the name, as I suppose, like everything else, it must have some appellation, and why not Polish as well as any other ; even if, as in the case of the Hamburgh Fowl, it be scarcely known in the locality from which it takes its name? " Upwards of thirty years ago I had them in large quantities, the does frequently producing as many as eleven at a birth, very few being lost in rearing, and seldom, or ever, any deviation or sport from the parental colour. "As a matter of course, its fur must be of snowy whiteness, very short, fine and thick, and close at the bottom, with no approach to wiry coarseness inter- mixed. " As in all cases where the fur and flesh are the only value, I go in for size in preference to the 66 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES smaller specimens ; and if other points be kept to, I should in all cases prefer the large ones for the show pen. " Many are not more than three pounds in weight, and these as a rule at the present day are the best in other points, so that if they were bred equally good, and with size in addition, they must be of more value. " I have seen them quite up to ten pounds, but seldom one of more than eight pounds that was fit to win, so that I should say about eight pounds as the standard weight, allowing fifteen points for it. " If this be attained, while I would insist upon neatness, fineness of bone, etc., as indispensable for a winner, it would go a very long way in placing a rabbit at any show. 4 'In shape they should be rather long, short on the legs, fine in bone ; ears short, neat and pointing forwards, per- fectly straight, and rather broad and open towards the top, and showing the pinkness of the flesh through the fur. " Head of moderate size, and rather inclined to be small than large ; neck deep and hind quarters rather high. " The eyes should be very large, bright, of a beautiful pale pink, and prominent. The eye and the purity of colour are leading features. ' ' The disqualifications are, cloudiness of coat, spots on coat, eyes other than pink, crooked legs, and lop or half lop ears. THE POLISH RABBIT 6 7 " STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE "Points of the Exhibition Polish Rabbit Colour, white . . . . . .10 Points Coat, whiteness . . . . . .10,, Coat, fineness . . . . . j ,, Coat, closeness . . . . . 5 Size, when eight pounds . . . -15 Head, moderate . . . . . 5 Ears, small, neat and open to front . .10 ,, Eyes, large, bright, and pale pink . .10 Eyes, prominence 5 Legs and feet, small and neat . . .10,, Carriage and general appearance . . 5 Condition and cleanliness 10 "Total i oo Points" CHAPTER IX THE SIBERIAN RABBIT I SHOULD not call this at all a common variety, although specimens have been seen for a good many years, but it has never " caught on " in this country as it has on the Continent, 'especially in France, where it has many admirers, amongst the lovers of rabbits there. It certainly has a striking and rather distinguished appearance about it, and with quite a foreign look, which is in its favour with some people. Some authorities doubt whether Siberia was really its place of origin, but it has always been a prime favourite with the fanciers of the Continent of Europe generally, and it is quite possible it has been correctly named. Wherever it came from, in all probability it was pro- duced by a cross between a Himalayan and an Angora, most likely a buck of the former mated with a doe of the latter variety. It is one of what I should call the essentially pet rabbits, being handsome and showy, docile and good- tempered, rather lethargic and comfortable-looking in habit, and as a rule not averse to being carried, fondled and groomed by its owners. These characteristics make it suitable for those who desire to have a pretty pet animal to feed and care for, but have no desire to exhibit it. I do not remember to have seen classes for them at any 68 THE SIBERIAN RABBIT 69 of the shows, all I have met with have been either in the possession of non-exhibitors, or if at the shows entered either in the Any Other Variety, Gift, or Selling Classes, in none of which they stand much chance of obtaining distinction. The nearer they combine the best characteristics of the two varieties, which seem to be fused into one, the more perfect the specimen is considered. Contrary to what has been found with some cross breeds, they are found to breed very true to colour and type ; but they are longer in maturing their coats in point of length and texture than is the case with Angoras ; of course this is subject to variation in individual cases. As in the case of all long-haired varieties, frequent attention with brushing and combing is necessary to keep the hair in form and to avoid knots or matting, and their hutches for the same reason must be kept scrupulously clean and as dry as possible. Straw is best for bedding, as the ends of hay are apt to get into the coats and give an unsightly appearance, besides giving endless trouble to remove. They are sufficiently hardy to do fairly well in outside hutches, if protected in wet, cold or stormy weather, but the quality and quantity of the coat is likely to be better in those kept in a house or shed, especially in the colder parts of the year. This variety does not run to great weight, eight pounds may be looked upon as the limit, and many more will be found of four, five and six pounds. As a general rule, those nearest perfection in their points are between five and six pounds in weight. 70 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Of course, there is no reason why surplus stock should not be used for table purposes, but, like the Angoras, I think they are very seldom bred, at least in this country, with that object in view, but almost entirely as pets, and generally by ladies and young people. If kept with the idea of occasionally exhibiting, it would be better to keep some does for that purpose only, as those used for breeding pluck their coats so much to provide warm nests for the young, that they take a long time to recover their good looks. This does not apply to the bucks, which if frequently groomed, will keep in form, except during the moulting season. They are credited with possessing mild and docile dispositions, and are said to be seldom, if ever, known to show hostile or cannibalistic tendencies towards their young. The does are fairly prolific, and if permitted, will rear two or three litters in the year, generally producing from six to nine at a birth ; but 1 think two litters are better than three, and give better chances to mother and offspring. In order to obtain specimens as near perfection as possible, some attention must be given to mating, trying to counterbalance the faults in the doe by the good qualities of the buck, or the reverse. Coat and colour are the main points to be aimed at, getting as much of the former as you can in reason, of a pure white and silky texture, and the markings on the nose, ears, feet and tail as dark as possible, if not actually black ; so that in one variety are combined the difficulties experienced by the breeders and fanciers of Angoras and Himalayans. The ears should be small, and carried upright, having THE SIBERIAN RABBIT 71 soft fine hair on the outer sides, but not insides. The eyes are large and full, with little colour in them, but such as they have giving the impression of a pale pink, not so red as in the Himalayan, nor so decided a tint as in the Angora. The hair on head should be plentiful, especially on the upper part, also round the neck and on chest, back and sides, which add to its picturesque and quaint appearance. The legs should be moderately long and thick, and the body somewhat chumpy in shape, but, like all animals with heavy coats, they look much heavier than they really are, as very heavy Siberians are seldom met with, as far as my experience goes. The following will give an idea of the relative value of the several points : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SIBERIAN RABBITS Head ..... Ears, size and shape .... Eyes, shape, size and colour Uniformity of markings on extremities Legs and feet, length and size. Quality of wool ..... Length of wool ..... Condition ...... Size, not exceeding eight pounds . S 5 5 20 15 15 10 IO Points Total 100 Points CHAPTER X THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT THIS variety is correctly named in both respects, as I think it is generally admitted to have been first produced in Flanders, and to be still largely bred in Belgium and the northern districts of France ; and it is generally the largest and heaviest of all the Rabbit family. Probably as a food producer it has no equal, as not only is the flesh of excellent flavour, but they put on flesh very rapidly, so that breeders who keep up their feeding operations with vigour are often able to kill youngsters of three months old, up to six pounds in weight, which must be "good business," as our commercial friends say. While size is very important with the Flemish, colour, which is always harder to obtain, should not be lost sight of. Iron grey should be the predominant shade every- where, except on the belly and under parts, which should be white. It is desirable to avoid any with sandy colour upon them, which are thought to show a Belgian Hare cross at some time or other. As they mature, tickings appear in coat, on back and sides, which are admired, and have a good effect. In many varieties dewlaps are drawbacks, and have to 72 .,-:,..: TYPICAL SIBERIAN RABBIT. FLEMISH GIANT " CH. LADY BEATRICE." Owner, A. Merry, jun. Tojacepage 72. THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT 73 be guarded against in purchasing or breeding, but in this they are desirable, more especially in the does ; but they should be full and uniform in shape, forming a cushion for the chin to rest on, and give a complacent, comfortable appearance to the animals when at rest. The head should be large and roomy, rather than wedge-like in shape. The ears six to seven inches long, fairly thick, and carried erect. The body large and long, very wide and massive across the hind quarters, which should be very capacious. Legs and feet should have attention, as it is important they should be straight as well as strong, and too much forcing of young stock has a tendency to throw out the fore legs particularly, which is much against any intended for exhibition. Any white on face, nose, ears or feet is most objec- tionable from a fancier's point of view, but of course none of these objections will apply to those selected for table use. The eyes should be large, bright in expression and round in shape. The does are very prolific, and not seldom have litters of seven and nine. It is well, if the object is to breed specimens for show, not to leave more than three or four on the does, putting the others in the care of a foster mother, of course keeping with the doe those most pro- mising in shape and evenness of colour. At all times, whether young or old, it is best not to lift specimens by the ears, they are often spoiled in shape 74 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES or carriage by doing so ; one hand should be placed under the hind quarters, and the skin of the back grasped firmly with the other. Indeed, this applies to most kinds of rabbits, but more to those exceeding five pounds in weight. It is not unusual to see Flemish Giants of twelve and fourteen pounds, and we hear of specimens much heavier, but they are not very often seen at the shows. Though I have no doubt that gelded bucks fed with judgment, and coming of a large strain, might be brought up a pound or two heavier, for all practical purposes, ten or twelve pounds is a good useful weight either for show, if good enough in its points, or for the table if that is the breeder's object. Being such large animals, naturally they require roomy hutches. For brood does, these are recommended to be about five to six feet long, with one end parted off for the litter by a three or four inch high board stretching across the hutch, merely to avoid the nest being disturbed, or the young ones crawling, or falling out ; if the height of the hutch is from fifteen to eighteen inches, it will be all the better, and avoid the tops of the ears being injured, as the doe moves to and fro. Bucks' hutches should be provided with plenty of room, but they need not be as long as for does, although in other respects they should be as large. Large frames require ample nourishment, and to obtain and preserve weight they must be fed with no niggard scale of diet. Some of the most successful breeders make a practice THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT 75 of giving three meals a day, making good sweet hay one of the standpoints ; ground corn mixed, with the leaf of clover hay and a little pollard made into a crumbling mash, and given with the chill off for the first meal ; another about mid-day consisting of roots, or other green stuff, the former in winter when the latter are not easily procured ; and at night as many oats as they will eat, not play with, also a few grey peas previously soaked and strained, and a little green stuff with another handful of hay. Some give bread and milk squeezed fairly dry to youngsters, once a day before they are weaned and until they are six or seven weeks old, and a few crushed oats, also with satisfactory results. I am not an advocate for the rabbit and cattle foods, and boiled linseed, which are largely used by some fanciers, nor even for linseed cake, although I do not doubt they are all fattening agents. Generally these foods are used on those specimens reserved for the table, but for my own eating I would infinitely prefer an animal fattened on what we consider its natural food, than to partake of a monster animal which had been forced upon what is really artificial feeding, and I am tolerably certain the flesh of the former would .taste better than the latter. At least, that is my experience with other kinds of live stock, independent of rabbits altogether. The following suggestions of the value of the several points, in specimens for exhibition, may be a guide to some of my readers desirous of taking up this variety : y6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN JUDGING THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT Head, roundness and chubbiness . . . 5 Points Ears, upright and straight . . . 5 ,, Legs, straight and unmarked . . 15 Eyes, round, full and bright . . 5 ,, Body, massive and capacious . . 1 5 Colour, evenness and freedom from red shades 25 Condition ....... 5 Size, and weight, exceeding ten pounds . 25 ,, Total 100 Points FLEMISH GIANT" VICTORIA.' Owner, S. R. Turk. HIMALAYAN. Challenge Cup Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, F. Avard. To face page 77. CHAPTER XI THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT SOME writers on this variety express a doubt whether it is really entitled to the name it bears, but I think it is not material, as there seems a general agreement that, even up to the present time, these animals are found in parts of Russia, China and Northern India, and have borne the name of Himayalan for a great number of years, though they have sometimes been called Chinese, Egyptian Smuts, and even Antwerp Rabbits ; but I have never heard any reason for the last named as a place of origin. Suffice it to say, they are now a distinct variety here, and looked upon as decidedly hardy in constitution, and breed very true to type, perhaps as much as any, and more than most, others. They are not large animals, more being under six pounds in weight, when matured, than over that figure. Nearly always, at least with us, they are kept for show, more than for table purposes. The coat is white all over, except at the extremities, the nose, ears, feet and tail being as dark as they can be obtained, the nearer black is approached in this respect 77 78 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES the better, and the tint of them all should be nearly the same. This is where breeders find the difficulty, as while the nose, ears, tail, and sometimes the fore feet, may be all right, a specimen will fail in the colour of its hind feet. Some breeders suggest a double flooring to the hutches, so as to keep them as dry as possible, and I think the idea is good, and likely to have the desired effect. I have found that by using plenty of pine sawdust, keeping great cleanliness in the hutches, and giving straw for bedding, the colour is tolerably well preserved. I have won many prizes with stock, which I obtained of Mr Champion Carter of Weston-super-Mare, who used to be a very successful breeder of Himalayans kept in this way. There has been a good deal of controversy for and against keeping them in dark hutches, to preserve the dark colour. I do not advocate their being in a sunny situation, but advise their hutches having their backs towards the light in the Rabbitry, and this not only as being of advantage to their extremities, but also on account of their eyes, which, being rather full and more red in colour than any other variety, are sure to be sensitive to strong light. The does make good and affectionate mothers, but should not be allowed to breed early, say seven or eight months old at least, and not have more than two litters in the year. The bucks will be all the better if not used at the stud until nine months old, and intruding should at all THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT 79 times be avoided, or the offspring will suffer, both in constitution and colouring. In disposition they are usually quiet, docile and easily tamed, if kindly treated ; the does are best left alone as much as possible when suckling a litter, as at such times they are very jealous of any interference. Litters may be found to vary from five to eight in number ; it is not wise to permit a doe to rear more than four or five at the utmost. They soon come in season again, but, as I have said, two litters a year are better than more. Until the young, which should be left with the doe for seven or eight weeks, are three months old, it is difficult to decide with any certainty which will be the most valuable to keep, and at four and five months some may be good enough to show in young classes, but, as a rule, they take longer to make up. Unless they show signs of being quarrelsome, the does may run together for some months, but the bucks should be taken away before reaching six months, and then not put in hutches containing more than one specimen. They are better kept in a house, or shed, than in outside hutches, but do not require artificial heat ; indeed, I have found them better without it, so long as they do not suffer from actual cold, draughts or wet. I think, perhaps, I have said enough in a general way of this variety, and think I cannot do better than quote the opinion of Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., about Himalayans, as he has had a much longer experience of them than myself. " This is one of the most popular and interesting of 8o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES our Fancy Varieties of Rabbit, and finding a home, at some time or other, in nearly all Rabbitries ; it is at once pleasing to the connoisseur and striking to the novice. " No variety is more prolific, few are as hardy, and none breed more true to colour and marking, and so true to this point are they, that I have no hesitation in saying, that of all the animals and birds I have cultivated, these take the first position in that respect. In colour they are pure white, except the ears, nose, feet and tail, which are a dark brown, and, contrasted with the white, this appears to be black in a good specimen. " In size they vary from three to seven pounds, when full grown, but I have never seen a good one over six pounds, and very few of that size, while I have seen numbers of winners of the smaller size ; in fact, I have no doubt but that quality of colour and marking, with fine- ness of coat, usually go with the medium and smaller specimens, and I certainly lean to the smaller sizes for the show pen, while I look upon a full-grown buck, in nice condition, as being of a good average size when at five pounds' weight. " Extraordinary size is only obtainable by crossing with other varieties, at the cost of colour, which when once lost can scarcely ever be regained. " When they first leave the nest, they appear to be quite white, but on close inspection the points above referred to will be found to be of a leaden hue, and these change gradually up to about four or five months, when the animal may be considered to have assumed its adult dress. THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT 81 " In shape, they should be compact, and snug looking when at repose, showing a graceful appearance of elonga- tion when in action. " I prefer them without dewlap but I would not deduct more than two points on that account. " Many kinds of nostrums are prescribed for the attainment and preservation of colour on the points, but I have little belief in or sympathy with any of them, being quite sure from experience that a recourse to natural means, with a view to their general health, will attain the desired object, besides saving a great amount of trouble and expense. " Light should not be excluded from the feeding hutch, but on the sun's side the glass should be frosted to protect them from the rays of the mid-day sun, which are always detrimental to colour. <c I have always found that by providing a movable hutch for feeding in, with open back, placing it against a sandbank or hill of dry earth or shingle, allowing them to burrow for themselves, and removing all loose rubbish as it accumulated, they kept their colour much better than by any other means. " But if such bank be not available, it is very easy to provide one by piling a quantity of roots (of trees) and gnarled branches in a corner of a room or shed, filling the interstices with soil and sand, or by filling a large sugar- tub in the same manner, providing holes at the bottom for their admission. " With such provision the rabbits will spend most of their time in the burrows, only coming out at the regular 82 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES meal times, and the coat and colour will be preserved fit for exhibition much longer than by any other means. "When so treated, cleanliness in the hutch, and a moderate use of green food, avoiding cabbage of every variety, will keep them free from skin diseases, the only drawback of the breed being attacks of this character. "STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT Size, about five pounds .... Shape, style and general sprightliness . Head, moderate size and neat Eyes, large, bright, and a beautiful pink Ears, small, rather pointed, quite erect, pointing slightly forwards . Coat, short, fine and very close . Colour, markings of nose .... Colour, , , of ears .... Colour, ,, of fore feet Colour, of hind feet when equal to fore feet in colour .... Colour, markings of tail .... General condition, health and cleanliness " Total 100 Points " Deductions should be made for large ears, paleness of colour on points, cloudiness of coat, dewlap, etc. " And the disqualifications are, lop, or half lop, ears, crooked legs, and blotches of white onnose,ears, feet, or tail." 5 J Joints 5 55 5 5} 5 J ) 5 55 10 55 10 55 10 5) IO 55 15 55 IO 55 IO 55 HIMALAYAN " LARRY CARTER." Winner of many Prizes, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. DUTCH, BLACK " CH. BONUS;" Noted Prize Winner. Owner, J. Malley. To face page 83. CHAPTER XII THE DUTCH RABBIT ALTHOUGH of late years the Belgian Hare and the English varities have been more " boomed," the Dutch have always maintained considerable popularity, and, I think, deservedly. Not only are they very pretty animals, and can be pro- cured of many different colours, each with their supporters, but they are perhaps unequalled as mothers and nurses, being largely used in the latter capacity even by fanciers who keep none of the variety for exhibition. Then they are one of the smallest of all kinds, and do not take up much room, and very docile and pleasant to deal with, it certainly being the exception to meet with bad-tempered specimens ; but I have known one or two, who were very warm members indeed, and would " go for " the first hand which approached them in the show pen. And last, but by no means least, I do not remember any variety which so soon discloses the apparent value of the youngsters in a litter, as a fair judgment on this subject may be formed within three days of their birth, and the " wasters " removed, to the relief of the mother (and subsequently of the corn and hay bill) ; and at eight 83 84 RABBITS, CATS, AND C A VIES or nine weeks old it is by no means an uncommon occurrence for well-marked youngsters to commence a a successful show career ; and downright good youngsters will fetch very remunerative prices at an age, when most other varities are not out of the nursery. All these reasons combined tend to keep up the fame of the variety, and perhaps, especially amongst beginners, Dutch are as much kept in this country as any other of the fancy varieties. For, be it observed, they are essentially fancy rabbits ; as a rule, the adults do not scale over five or six pounds, frequently less, so that they are seldom bred for table use, though, no doubt, some which are mismarked at birth, or develop defects after- wards, or run too big for the show pens, are killed for the table, and I have known it asserted that they are uncommonly good eating too. Of course, the colour is much a matter of taste ; I like any of the colours, if the specimens are correctly marked. I may lean a little to black, which shows up well, if deep and pure, against the white ; although I know many fanciers rank yellow as next in value to black, I do not like it as well, as so many yellows fail in colour of undercut, though a really good specimen is very taking ; but I may mention, in passing, that the young of this colour are longer in showing their shades, and young fanciers desirous of bringing out a topping yellow should not get rid of those apparently almost plain white until nearly a week old, when some idea of their merits may be gained. THE DUTCH RABBIT 85 I am not averse to a deep slate blue, of which I have owned and seen many beautiful specimens at different times, and it is not wise to mate two of this colour together, but better results are obtained when one of the parents, I prefer the buck for choice, is a black. When I can get a steel grey, pretty even in colour, without any shadings to speak of, I like it very much ; it may be my fancy, but I have the idea these are apt to run rather heavier than the other colours, and look rather cobbier in shape. I think the tortoiseshells are the least common of all the colours, and are often the result of mating a black buck with a yellow doe, but it is found that if there are also yellow in the litter, they will be of richer and deeper colours than if the parents had been two yellows. In the same way the blacks in a litter, resulting from the union of a blue buck with a black doe, will be found to be a better and deeper hue, than from two black parents, and not so often with the white hairs in the black, which are such a trouble to get rid of. I suppose there have been more disqualifications of Dutch for trimming, etc., than all the other varieties together, and as the markings and the size and shape are the main points in them, a very thin line often separates the first four in a good class. The appended illustrations of high-class specimens taken from life, will convey more idea of what Dutch should be like than any amount of writing by me, so that I will merely give a brief description of the 86 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES points to be aimed at, and a standard for judging the variety, suggested by a successful breeder and exhibitor of the variety. I may just say, that the body colour, whatever it is, whether black, blue, yellow, grey or tortoiseshell , should be as pure and decided as possible, not faded, or washy-looking, as in that case it ill contrasts with the white, which should also be as snowy as possible. Although it is sometimes done, probably with a view to keeping down size, I am not an advocate for using either sex at the stud until six months old or more, as it stands to reason the progeny will be of better constitution, if the parents, at least, approach maturity. The does frequently have litters of seven and eight, and even more, but it is wise to remove all but the best four or five, at utmost, or the game little mother may suffer from the strain put upon her The head is larger than it looks, from its peculiar markings, with small erect ears ; eyes full, and rather prominent, matching in colour ; both the ears and eyes come into the colour of the cheek marks, oval in shape, which come nearly to the edge of the lower jaw each side, divided up the face by the blaze, which should be as even as possible, narrowing towards the top and run into the white at the back of the neck, which should be clear of body colour ; the collar, between the cheek markings and back markings (technically called the saddle), as well as the whole of the chest, face, fore feet and blaze, should be pure white. DUTCH, TORTOISE " CH. SENSATION." Owners, Messrs Mason and South. DUTCH, BLUE " LITTLE BOY BLUE." Winner numerous Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 87. THE DUTCH RABBIT 87 The rest of the body, under as well as over, except the hind feet which should have stops, or tips, of white, not exceeding two inches, and better a little less, in depth and the two feet evenly marked, should be as even and decided in colour as can be ; and where many specimens fail is, in the under part of the body, known as the undercut, being too pale and washy in colour. I should have said that Dutch are looked upon as hardy compared with almost any of the fancy varieties, and are usually good feeders, requiring no special arrange- ments for their feeding, and being small, will be happy in hutches of the ordinary size, and even those outside, if well protected ; but I am not in favour of these for any kind of rabbit, if they can be avoided. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE SHOW DUTCH RABBIT Head r v'' v [4fe W -V v' , 5 Points Ears (small and very neat) , : '-. , -... l . 5 Eyes (matching in shade) . ;; V V . 5 ,, Blaze, evenness, shape and extent . v . 25 ,, Collar, or undercut y . ; : . < .- 20 ,, Hind feet, length and evenness of stops ,.!,'. 15 Colour, density and purity . :. - :>. .,"-10 ,, Condition . .;.; : * ;; ;?-.?q . ; ',."' 5 ,, Size, not exceeding six pounds ',. : , ~. 10 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XIII THE ANGORA RABBIT I HAVE a strong idea that if such a thing were possible as to take a poll of the visitors, not fanciers, who attend our exhibitions in the year, it would be found that a large majority of them are in favour of Angoras, before any other variety of Rabbit, and they certainly obtain the most admiration from the non-exhibiting public. I have always had a sneaking kindness for them, and during the whole of my exhibiting career have, I think, kept a few specimens. I daresay some of my readers have heard the old saying of an Angora fancier, a That a good specimen could hardly be groomed too much, and that a bad one never wanted it." There is a good deal of truth in it, as the soft and almost downy character of the hair, or wool, of a high- class specimen is just the sort that will knot, mat, and gather all kinds of unconsidered trifles into it unless well looked after, and knowing this, when I have a class of the variety before me, or meet some of them in Any Other Variety, Gift or Selling Classes, I take particular care they shall receive their utmost notice if up to the mark, as I know, from my own experience, they must have given 88 THE ANGORA RABBIT 89 their owner a little more trouble than probably any other variety, to put them down in form, and also because, as I said in my preliminary sketch of the different varieties to be treated, I am glad to see there are still some keen fanciers of this beautiful variety. Occasionally, we see them shown of grey, fawn, slate, black, and mixed colours, but for my own part I greatly prefer them pure white, and none of the others, to my mind, come near them as typical representatives, nor is the coat of any other colour than white of quite such high quality at least, that is my idea. I think there is no doubt this was originally an im- ported variety, and although they have always been, and are now, favourites in many of the countries on the Continent of Europe, that they came, if not, as many suppose, from Persia, from some Eastern country. There is a peculiar expression about an Angora, which you do not see in any other rabbit. The head should be of moderate size, well covered about the upper part, forehead, and between the ears, with soft feathery hair or wool, often long enough to hang down over the eyes, which are a light shade of pink in the white specimens, but much darker in shade in those not white, or pale fawn, in coat. The ears should be short, rather than large, carried erect, without any tendency to lop or droop, clean inside but feathered outside, not thick or coarse, but semi- transparent, showing a pinky colour against the light. The fur, or wool, can hardly be too abundant, all over the body and chest, and should be as fine and 90 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES feathery as possible, free from any knots, matting or discolouration. The legs and feet are fine rather than muscular, and long rather than stumpy. The shape of the body is moderately long and nicely arched over the rump towards the tail, which seems almost hidden by the fur or wool. The mouth is small for the size of the animal, and the chin somewhat receding in character. Like all animals with heavy coats, they are very deceptive in weight ; it will very seldom be found that a high-class specimen, as regards its coat, shape and type, will exceed eight pounds, perhaps from six to seven pounds is more often their weight. Those larger than this are usually the result of some cross breeding to obtain size, often with the sacrifice of quality in the coats. It is by no means a delicate variety, although I should not advise intending exhibitors to keep them in outside hutches, unless well protected from wet and cold, but I consider them fairly hardy in constitution, and not requiring artificial heat in a general way. Combing the coats, and brushing them once or twice a week at least, with a brush with long and softish bristles, should be made a practice of, and the trouble will be repaid by the condition of the animals. I have found them gentle and docile, and they soon get used to the toilet preparations, and make no objection to them if kindly and carefully performed. The does are fairly prolific, and their litters average ANGORA "CH. QUALITY." Owner, E. J. Sands. To face page 90. ANGORA " CH. ELEGANCE." Owner, Miss W. Kimmins. THE ANGORA RABBIT 91 about six or seven in number, though cases are met with occasionally of nine or ten. I do not think it wise to mate the does until at least nine or ten months old, and prefer not to use the bucks at the stud until nearly a year old. The does generally are very attentive, affectionate mothers, but rather jealous of any interference with the litters, which should be handled or disturbed as little as possible in the early days after their birth, except of course to remove any dead, deformed, or sickly youngsters, which are better got rid of at once. The young may be left with their mother till eight or nine weeks old, and although nothing special may be re- quired in the way of feeding, of course she must be well kept up on nourishing food while she is suckling. The hutches must, at all times, be kept scrupulously clean ; I prefer longish straw for bedding to any other material, being less likely to get into the coats, although hay may be given (preferred in a little rack, at the side or corner of the outer part of the hutch) for feeding. No one but those who have kept them can appreciate the nuisance of getting sawdust, pe^t-fibre, or hay seeds into the coats, or the trouble given to get rid of them, and any of these are very prejudicial to their chances in the show pens. All exhibitors of the variety will, at some time or another, have been annoyed at their pets being penned beneath poultry, or pigeons, and finding the animals, on which much care and time have been expended in prepar- ing them for exhibition, quite spoiled in appearance by 92 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES the chaff, seeds, etc., which have fallen upon them through the cracks in the boards above. I consider the committee of any show, providing classes for Rabbits (Cats, or Cavies), should either arrange to have no live stock placed over their pens (except cage birds, which are usually harmless in that way), or else have lengths of paper, or linen, under the upper boards. I may perhaps add that sow thistles, dandelions, plantains and chicory are all found good varieties of green food for does when suckling, as being both milk- producing and flesh-forming ; of course, in conjunction with hay, oats, meal, and the usual run of Rabbit food. I think I need not add more about this well-known variety, and will give a suggested standard for judging exhibition specimens : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING ANGORA RABBITS Head, moderate size, well covered with hair 10 Points Ears, not long or thick in substance . .10 Eyes, delicate pale pink in colour . 5 Legs and feet, moderate in length, firm in bone . . . . . . 15 ,, Quantity and quality of coat . . . 30 Size, not to exceed eight pounds . . 1 5 General appearance and condition . 15 ,, Total 100 Points CHAPTER XIV THE ENGLISH RABBIT FROM the fact that when I was a schoolboy I used to ex- pend some of my strictly-limited allowance, or, as I then used to call it, weekly pay, in the purchase of rabbits of this variety, I expect it was the commonest then in vogue with the bird-shop keepers, and therefore considered by the rising generation as the kind which rendered the best value for their money. As I said in my introductory remarks, it was origin- ally called the " Spotted Butterfly," and as the character- istic marks, or spots, have been continued ever since, and a butterfly-shaped mark on the upper part of the nose is still insisted on, there was no special reason for altering its title, except that everything " English" has been in fashion for some years past, and this is, I believe, really an English breed, and so the name fitted well. Probably, from my early associations, I have always had a kindly feeling towards this variety, and am pleased to see the rapid strides it has made in popular favour, and there are so many apparently trifling matters which have to combine in one specimen before it can step into the 93 94 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES front rank, if the competition is fairly keen, that the real <c flyers " are few and far between. It is what I should call a sizeable, rather than a large rabbit, not too long, or flat in the body and sides, with shortish, erect, black ears, and feet and legs of medium length ; the main part of the body colour is pure white, with markings, which are almost invariably, at least I do not remember seeing any others, either black, blue, tortoiseshell or grey, but in my experience the blacks out- number the others very considerably, and, I think, are the prettiest animals ; but this of course is a matter of opinion. Besides the butterfly spot on the nose, there are cheek markings and a spot at the side of each eye, but not touching the rim of the eye. Then, there is a line of markings down the back, called the trace ; and lines of spots from each side of the neck, joining with the saddle marks on back and sides, and called the chain ; then there are spots on the belly (which is all white otherwise), which are generally insisted on being seven in number. All the white should be as pure as possible, and the contrasting colour, whether black, blue, tortoiseshell or grey, pure in itself and unmixed with white. From the foregoing remarks it will be easy to see that " Derby Winners '' cannot be bred in every litter of English, as there are so many little matters in which they may be found wanting. One great fault with many specimens is that they are too heavy in their markings, and often too big, coarse and chumpy themselves. ENGLISH " CH. MATCHLESS." Owners, Messrs Cunliffe and Son. To face page 94. ENGLISH " CH. MAJESTIC." Owner, Albert Tottle. THE ENGLISH RABBIT 95 Another is, they have a butterfly spot wanting one wing, or the body of the butterfly is too low down, or too high up. Another cause of failure is, in the face markings, the spots at side of each eye being often found to run with each other, and form a mass, instead of being distinct and detached. Others fail in the trace on back, either being wanting in places, or absent altogether ; both faults. Perhaps one of the most frequent faults is in the chain, which should, as nearly as possible, correspond in the markings each side of the neck and shoulders, but is often found good on one side, and faint and pale on the other, or often faulty on both sides ; others are wrong in coat, by being too long and fine, when it should be short and rather hard in texture. Some are too heavily marked on the sides of the thighs and rump, which give a blotchy look, and are much disliked by most judges. And lastly, some have either no belly spots at all, or not the regulation number ; but, I think, few English Rabbits would be thrown out on this account alone, if fairly good in the several other desired points. I consider them as a rule to be decidedly hardy and of good constitution, or they would probably not have survived to the present day, as I can answer for it, the majority of young fanciers in my boyhood had none of the luxurious Rabbitries we now see in all directions over the country ; and the Spotted Butterflies were as a rule the variety kept, and almost invariably in outside hutches ; 96 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES but, I am bound to say that when I took up exhibiting rabbits, my English, as well as all the others, were always kept inside a house, or shed, and I am sure they were all the better for it. I have always found them good doers, not requiring any special feeding, and lively and cheerful in their temperament ; I have little doubt, although I have not tried them since I was able to do so, that they would suit for turning down, in a sheltered and protected place, to be used for the table only, in which case I should allow one buck with five or six does, of course, first hardening them for a while in outside hutches, and making the start the end of April, or beginning of May, and with bucks of six or seven months and does of eight or nine months old. The does are fairly prolific, having litters of from five to seven at a time, sometimes more, and are generally kind and attentive mothers, but I think it wise not to allow them to have more than two litters a year, even if they are not shown ; and does kept for show are better not bred from while the exhibition strain and excitement is on. With respect to weight, in my opinion eight pounds should be the outside limit, and if I could have them correct in their points I would prefer them from six to seven pounds. Although originally kept for utility and pets, this variety has now become a popular fancy article, and is not wanted for quantity, but the concentration of quality. At many shows I have seen and read of the competition being as keen in the English as in any variety of Rabbit exhibited. ENGLISH" LYRIC." Winner of many Prizes, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. SILVER GREY, DARK "CH. MODEL." Owner, T. A. Luck, St Leonards. To face page 97. THE ENGLISH RABBIT 97 I may say that they are generally looked upon as good Selling Class, Any Other Variety, and Gift Class Rabbits, and anything like a decent specimen is pretty sure to " get into the money," and very often win, when entered in either of the above ; of course, I mean at shows where they have not provided classes for the English. As I am giving as illustrations to this sketch portraits of some of the best specimens ever seen of the variety, perhaps I have said enough of this old-fashioned favourite for the purposes of these sketches, and will append a scale for judging it : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING ENGLISH RABBITS Head, not too coarse and thick . V V Ears, erect and without white spots Eyes, rather full and expressive . " * - J p Nose markings, forming butterfly ''?,- "I v Face markings, and spots by eyes ';* ; V Body, shape, not too chumpy ; coat, short and hard . . ,' ;V V v v . Saddle and trace markings and belly spots v Chain, distinctness and connectedness r : J . Condition and general appearance . ";' Size, not exceeding eight pounds . >3& ^ v 5 Points 10 5 10 10 10 , 1 5 V '' 20 ' "; '; 10 ^ ; ^ ; 5 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XV THE SILVER GREY RABBIT WE now come to a very interesting group in the Silvers, of which I think the above named is the most popular, and I believe my admiration for some I saw at a show many years since, and which I think were sent by my friend, Rev. D. G. Truss, who has long been known in the fancy as a successful breeder, exhibitor and occasional judge, was the means of bringing me back as an exhibitor. I need not tell most of my readers that this variety is produced in three shades light, medium, and dark and it is entirely a matter of taste which is taken up. For my own part, I greatly prefer the medium, but can appreciate the qualities of the others. I should think the light shade is the easiest to obtain, but to my mind they never have the brightness and quality look of the others. The greatest difficulty is to obtain perfect evenness of shading "from stem to stern/' and a specimen possessing this quality, well shaped, with small, neat, erect ears, will not be far out of the first three in a general way. There is some difference of opinion amongst breeders and judges about size, some saying they should be from five to seven, others from eight to twelve, pounds in THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 99 weight. My own preference is for something between the two limits, say not exceeding nine or ten pounds, and I have handled a good many of the variety, both as owner and judge, and believe the best I have ever seen were under ten pounds. I have the impression the largest specimens I have met with have been amongst the light shades, and the smallest amongst the dark, but this may be only my fancy. I consider, neatness of shape is very important in this variety, and greatly adds to its attractive appearance. Shortness of coat should also be insisted on, otherwise it loses in sharpness and brightness of colouring, and, of course, evenness is all-important, so that those in any stage of moulting should be kept at home until that operation is completed, as they will have little chance in competition with others. Small, rather fine, well carried ears, rather full bold eyes of dark colour, and alert, intelligent expression are valuable points to secure, and add much to the taking character of the specimen. When first this variety came prominently forward into the exhibition world, they used to be shown together simply as Silver Greys, all shades in one class ; indeed, I have sometimes seen classes simply for " Silvers," when Greys, Creams and Browns had to compete together. It was then almost as bad as a Variety Class, and it depended much on the individual taste of the judge which variety he went for. But now, when there are a sufficient number of keen and skilful fanciers devoting their attention to each, there ioo RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES are usually, at the larger shows, classes provided for the several sections. It is my opinion, but I am by no means certain on the point, that more Silver Greys are kept at the present time than either Creams or Browns, and that of the Greys the medium shade is the most popular ; but this is only my own view, and perhaps partly caused from having more of the latter come before me of late years. The variety is not claimed amongst our home pro- ductions, and such a distant clime as Siam is generally looked upon as its place of origin, but ever since its introduction it has enjoyed considerable popularity in this country and the Continent of Europe, although we do not find any reference to it in any works upon Rabbits until within the last forty years. I believe it is generally admitted not only to be useful for table purposes, but that there is a well-assured market for its skins, when they are produced in quantities to suit the furriers, and, although I have not personal experience of their being turned out to live in a semi-wild state, have been informed that this has been done, to a large extent, both in this country and the Continent, and with marked success. My experience of Silver Greys is, that they are very hardy in constitution, better kept in roomy hutches in houses or sheds, but without artificial heat, and require nothing special in the way of food. The does usually have from five to eight or nine, but I consider the former number quite enough to leave on the doe, however many are born, and put the others THE SILVER GREY RABBIT, i , under a foster mother if sufficiently promising to keep them all. They are rather shy at littering time, and are best left alone as much as possible, as they are very inclined to resent interference with their young, although as a rule careful, affectionate mothers. It will be found better in the end not to breed from the does until they are eleven or twelve months old, and I should not advise putting the bucks at stud under ten months, and if a little older it will be all the better. It is not a very early maturing variety. When born they are a dull slate colour, which soon changes to almost black, and they are seldom fit to show under six to eight months, when they begin to get into form ; but it is not often any of them can be shown in Young Classes, unless restricted to their own variety, as they would have no chance against Lops, Dutch, or some others, of the same age. My friend, Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., who has had a life- long experience as a fancier and judge, has written so eulogistically of Silver Greys, in which I concur almost entirely, except in the matter of the weight of the speci- mens for show purposes, that I am tempted to give some extracts from his views about them : " My leaning towards this class of Rabbit, over all others, will no doubt lay me open to criticism when I may be charged with a weakness for them ; but whether this may be looked upon as a weakness, or only a due appreciation of its grand properties, I leave others to determine, but I will content myself by saying, that were one each of all the fancy breeds placed before me, in com- 102 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES petitition for a Champion Prize, or Cup, all of which were about perfect of their kinds, I should have no hesita- tion whatever in deciding upon the Silver Grey as the recipient of that honour. " This will not be looked upon so pleasantly by the breeders of other varieties, but I think I am justified in the position I take, considering the difficulty in producing a first-rate specimen, and its great value when produced, either alive or dead, and by value I do not refer to its exhibition worth alone, as that is of a varying and fleeting character, but of the great value of the fur for trimming and clothing purposes. "There is no variety more hardy or that requires so little attention, as they thrive under almost any circum- stances ; but they are not so prolific as some others, for instance the Dutch, the Polish, or the Himalayans, and do not produce so many at a birth ; but this is so in all the varieties of large rabbits, as the Lops, Belgian Hares and Patagonians. In size they should be large, in fact I would go so far as to say, the larger the better, for it is very seldom that a really good specimen is seen of a small size, and by judicious crossing and being careful, in all cases, to secure crosses of blood as far removed as possible from each other, great size is easily attained, and if this point be strictly carried out, it is not needful that both sides should be large ones, as it is often the case that one large animal and one of a medium, or even small size, if perfectly healthy, will produce the finest specimens. " No one will dispute the fact that if the fur and flesh be the objects sought after, the largest are the most valuable. SILVER GREY, MEDIUM "CH. DARLING ETHEL." Owners, Messrs Oddy and Son. To face page 102. SILVER GREY, LIGHT "LORD GREY." Owner, C. H. Lane. THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 103 "In shape they should be plump, high on the hind quarters, loin well filled, neck low, head rather large and keeping in good proportion with the body, broad to the front and on no account tapering or snipey, and the dew- lap of the doe cannot be too large, broad, or too much to the front, nothing in my opinion looking so comfortable as a well-developed specimen at repose, with its head well cushioned on a good large dewlap. " Some judges, I know, object to this point, but why I could never ascertain, for, to say the least, a rabbit with a large dewlap has more fur than one without it, besides the elegant appearance it gives the animal. " The eye, should be large, dark and protruding, and bold in appearance ; ears small rather than large, neat and well pricked ; legs and feet, though neat and compact, strong in bone and perfectly shaped. " Although there are many handsome specimens in their natural warrens, yet when first introduced into this country most were very dark in colour, though very even through- out ; but with great care and good selection in breeding, even with the help of warmth, which they require to bring them to perfection, have produced some of the most beautiful and perfect of their kind, which have taken the lead at many of our exhibitions. " As at present bred, there are two kinds, or shades, of colour, viz., the dark or heavily ticked, and the light or thinly ticked ones ; the latter being preferred by some judges, while to my taste the former are the more perfect, these being much more difficult to produce than; the light ones. io 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES " The light shade is often termed ' mealy' on account of the sameness or flatness of appearance ; while the dark shade always presents a more lively or sparkling surface, which is produced by ticking, a point I will shortly endeavour to explain. "There is a third shade which should be avoided altogether, except for crossing or the production of the Silver Fawn I refer to the light shade, with an ochrey or creamy tinge, which gives the fur a sickly or faded appearance. " In the first-named shade we find the skin of a pale flesh colour, the thick, fine, short undercoat, or pily fur, or what is generally termed the ground colour, of a dark slate, and over this comes the silvering and ticking, which is composed of longer and stronger hairs, thickly interspersed with the undercoat, passing through to the surface, and determining the shade of colour, part of these hairs being pure glistening white, and the rest of a rich shining black, these being dispersed in the proportion of about five white hairs to one black one, the white forming the silvering and the black the ticking. <c These are generally a little darker on the head and ears, for on account of the darker shades of the ground colour, and the shortness of the fur on those parts, it is next to impossible to get the colour even with that of the body, and consequently some allowance should be made in judging them ; while, on the contrary, the light shade can be got more even in appearance, the ground colour being much lighter than in the darker shades. " In the light shade we find the skin very similar to that of the dark shade, but perhaps a little more pinky, THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 105 the under or pily coat paler and less decided in tint, the silvering and ticking being composed of about ten white hairs to one black one. " But in giving these figures, I am open to correction, as it would be a difficult process to determine to a certainty ; and yet this is the conclusion to which I have come, after very careful examination of several high-class specimens of both the colours. " For the show pen, I must admit that evenness is a very desirable point, and where one of the darker variety is found perfectly even I should allow fifteen points, while in the lighter colour I would allow only ten points. " In judging a class of, say, twenty Silver Greys, my method is as follows : I first go over them while in the pens, selecting about a dozen that present some quality ; next I examine them for silvering and evenness, selecting about eight, and giving the remaining four a ' Commended ' each ; then I take the others out and examine them thoroughly, c Highly Commending ' about three and the remaining five I have placed on a table, under a strong light, when the veriest novice can select the three winners, and the two .left out are entitled to a ' Very Highly Commended ' each. "Well-ticked rabbits may be easily produced by keeping up a cross of darker shade, or salt and pepper coloured ones, with the clear light shades, this being the whole secret of success ; but great care should be taken to exclude all approach to the pinky or ochrey shade, which would destroy all chance of attaining the coveted frosted, glistening surface. 106 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES " When just born the young are of a slatey blue colour, and at about a month old they appear to be quite black, but on close examination they will be found to be broken all through the fur with white hairs, and at the first moult this changes to the real silvering or light colour, when it may be determined as to which are the best ; but they are never at their best till after the second moult, and generally not till they are about twelve months old, the does usually assuming their grandeur soon after the first litter. " While in a brood the does are generally the best, so that when a buck is found equal to a doe in all points, some allowance should be made in its favour. "STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING DARK SILVER GREY RABBITS Head, of fair size without tapering . . 5 Points Eyes, large, dark and protruding . . 5 Ears, small, with erect carriage ... 5 Shape, plump, with a good loin ... 5 Coat, thick, close and fine . . .5 Ground colour, dark slate . . . .10 Silvering, sharp and clear . . . .10 Ticking, distinct and bright . . . 15 Evenness, as uniform as possible . . 15 Dewlap, large and broad . . . .10 Condition ....... 5 Size, from eight to twelve pounds . .10 "Total 100 Points THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 107 " In the lighter shades the difference in points should be silvering fifteen, and evenness ten, which brings it up to the same total of a hundred points, where classes are provided for them apart from the dark shade. " Disqualifications. (i) A tawny white shade of coat ; (2) white on nose, ears, feet or tail ; (3) any blotches, or foreign colour on any part of body ; (4) crooked limbs, lop or half lop ears, or light or broken eyes, the latter amounting to little more than a defect, and if only slight may deduct a few points only on that account, allow- ing them to compete." CHAPTER XVI THE SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT THIS variety, which is also often called Silver Fawn, is another which seems to be generally believed to have a foreign origin and does not appear to have been seen in this country until within the last thirty years, but they were known on the Continent of Europe for some time previously, and the skins have been objects of value for various purposes. They resemble their cousins, the Silver Greys, from whom indeed many persons allege they are an offshoot, in being very hardy in constitution and prolific as breeders, but three or four are recommended as enough to leave upon the doe, placing the remainder under a foster mother. There is a tendency, in this variety, for the shades of colour on the heads to be stronger than on the rest of the animal, but this may be overcome in time, by careful mating with those least marked in that way. Of course, evenness is a greatly-desired quality, and the more uniform the colour of a specimen is, joined with shortness of coat, richness of tint of undercoat, neat, short, erect ears, and brown eyes, bright clear and expressive, the more nearly will it approach the desired standard. I think they may be said to have two divisions of shade those richest in under colour being termed 108 THE SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT 109 Silver Fawns, and the others Silver Creams ; the silvering^ in both is important, and should be sharp rather than mealy in character ; the actual colour is difficult to describe in writing, but can be easily appreciated by comparison of specimens of each. There is some differ- ence of opinion, amongst breeders and judges, as to the , ideal weight of this variety, but I think the majority agree they should not exceed seven pounds for the show pen ; of course, those bred for the table, or for their skins, may be as large as possible, as in those cases quantity will be desired rather than quality, and for the same reason dewlaps will not be any drawbacks ; but for my own part, I am so disposed to favour neatness of shape and outline in all the three divisions of " Silvers," that I prefer the absence of dewlaps in them all, as > although it may add much to the comfortable-looking appearance of specimens when at rest, I think it is at the sacrifice of smartness ; and, other points being equal, I should put a specimen with pronounced dewlap below one without it. My idea of the variety may be given shortly as follows : Head well shaped, without being very long ; ears small, not exceeding four inches in .a matured specimen ; feet, moderate size ; legs not too long and without markings ; body nicely rounded and rather cobby in shape ; coat rather short and crisp, with rich under colour when turned back, and elastic to spring back into place ; fore and hind feet, chest and tail, all of a rich silvery fawn. The main difference between Creams and no RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Fawns is in the shading of their coats, the silvering of the former being more in evidence than in the latter, but it will be found that Silver Creams and Silver Fawns will often appear in the same litter, and from parents of either of those colours. I may be mistaken, but it is my impression there are not so many Silver Creams or Fawns seen at our shows as used to be exhibited some ten or twelve years since, perhaps the decided run of popular favour on the Belgian Hare and Old English Rabbits may have something to do with it, if I am correct in my view. My old friend, Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., who is perhaps one of the most experienced breeders of most varieties of Rabbits, now living, wrote some years since his opinions about Silver Creams as follows : "The Silver Cream, or, to be more explicit in its designation, the Silver Fawn Rabbit, is the remote part of the Silver Grey, and, though but recently introduced to the show pen, bids fair to attain a high position, and even to rival the Silver Grey in popularity and usefulness. " Many crosses have been introduced of late, with an eye to the production of this variety, and with a view to improving the evenness and richness of ground colour ; but as yet little has been done in that direction, for although at a glance most of such crosses have a super- ficial appearance sufficient to deceive a beginner, yet, on careful examination, these have proved of little value, the ground colour being generally white, or very pale fawn, the belly and feet pure white, many showing the shape of head, ear and gait of the Belgian Hare ; and THE SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT in while quite even in colour, and free from smuttiness on head, ears and nose, at least one half of the fur has been of no more value than that of the common white rabbit, while the ticking and silvering, which are indispensable in a good specimen, have been almost ' nil ' and it is my opinion that if those produced solely from the Silver Greys were carefully selected, and bred together, a race would result that would be quite sure to reproduce true to colour, and in time the shady part might be bred out ; and, so far, I look upon it as a mistake to try to manufacture them, while such good materials are at hand, ready made. " If, however, every other good and useful property is to be forfeited for the so-called evenness, then, of course, the new product will be taken by the careless as bearing the palm, while in truth the old style, or those produced originally from the Silver Grey, are far more even in colour, being sound on the under surface as well as on the back, while the new ones are mostly white, the only disadvantage of the former being the little cloudiness on head and ears, while their furs are much more valuable than those of the new variety, for little more than half the fur of the latter is of any value. " The dark shade on the head is caused by a few black hairs, or ticking, which comes from the Silver Grey, and which, I have no doubt, might with a little care be bred out." My main object has been to instruct, or to try and place the beginner in the way of selecting for himself, and to this end I will give some rules by which I should proceed in my selection of the proper rabbits from which to breed. In shape, size, style and carriage they should be 1 12 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES similar to the Silver Grey. The ground colour should be silver fawn, this applying to the under part as well, although they will always be somewhat pale there. This should be well intermixed with a longer and stronger kind of hair, which, working through the ground colour, forms the effect on the surface known as silvering and ticking, and these are always found in a good specimen in about the proportions, speaking roundly, of six white to one deep fawn and red one. As a rule, the does are much better than the bucks. As a guide, I would lay down the points as follows : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT Head ....... 5 Points Ears - ., 5 Eyes . 5 Coat 5 Ground colour, rich fawn . . . . 20 ,, Silvering . . . -,.". . '.. . 15 Ticking . . . . . . 15 ,, Evenness, taking the belly as well as other parts 10 Dewlap . . . . . '. 10 ,, Size and shape . . , . > ; . .10,, Condition . . . i, . . 5 ,, Total 100 Points The disqualifications are spots on any part of the animal, crooked limbs, and lop, or half lop, ears, etc. SILVER FAWN "CH. ORANGE QUEEN.' Owners, Messrs Barkham and Stones. SILVER FAWN " CH. LINCOLN HERO." Owner, T. A. Luck. To face page 112. CHAPTER XVII THE SILVER BROWN RABBIT THIS is certainly comparatively a newcomer into the fancy, as there are plenty of men now living who remember its first appearance and it is claimed to be the result of a cross between a Belgiam Hare^ Rabbit and a Silver Grey ; nevertheless it has long been sufficiently established to breed true to type and colour, and has many admirers. I do not think it has, or ever had, the same amount of popularity enjoyed by Silver Greys, Creams and Fawns, but it has a good deal of beauty of its own. In cobbiness and neatness of shape it takes more after the Silver Greys, which it also resembles in its lively manner of action, and the evenness and uniformity of ticking ; the ears, which should not be wide or much open towards the upper part, are small, being preferred not exceeding four inches in length, and should | be free from the lacing at the edges which is so desired in the Belgian Hare. The eyes, which are dark and protruding and free from any whiteness, or even paleness, in the tint of the hair surrounding them, should be expressive and intelligent- looking. H 113 n 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The legs are fairly long, but not strong in bone, as all coarseness is to be avoided, and they should be without any markings, just the same tint as rest of body, and both fore and hind legs without white over or under. The chest must be as rich in tint as the body colour, many failing in this respect by being pale or nearly white in this part, with much prejudice to the general effect. The tail should be of even colour, not white or pale, but a greyish blue, showing the ticking or silvering well defined. In size I prefer them rather smaller than the Greys or Creams, for exhibition specimens, as in this variety the larger animals seem to lack neatness and develop a coarse appearance, which I do not like at all. In my opinion, those correct in other respects should not exceed eight pounds, and I have seen many of the best between six and eight pounds in weight. Of course, those who breed for the table, or for the skins of their animals, can get them up to a much greater size, but I am writing with the object of giving some useful hints to those who are mainly concerned with stock for exhibition, as there are plenty of books dealing with the utility side of the question. As I have said of some other varieties, so I say of this, it will be found best not to keep on breeding from two specimens of the Silver Brown, even though they may both be good in themselves, as the occasional use of a Silver Fawn, rich in under colour, with one of the Browns, will be found to better preserve the desired THE SILVER BROWN RABBIT 115 shade, and it will also assist in removing traces of the original Belgian Hare ancestry, which often make them- selves apparent in the ear lacing, thought so detrimental in Silver Browns. Although the does of this variety are fairly prolific, and make good mothers in a general way, they do not often have large litters at a time, the number rarely exceeding eight, and more often four or five, but it is not wise to leave more than four upon the doe, placing the others, if they seem good enough in promise, under the care of a Dutch or Polish, to rear. I need not give any directions about feeding, etc., as this variety requires nothing special, and what I have said of several others will equally apply in this case. I have seen it stated, on the authority of a very well- known breeder, that the skins of Silver Browns are thought so much of by the furriers, that as much as from ninety to one hundred shillings per dozen have been paid for them. All I can say of the matter is, that if even half that amount can be obtained, I think it would prove very remunerative to those who have the necessary accommodation and time to bestow on the undertaking, to breed this variety entirely with that object in view. Mr J. H. Roberts, whose long experience as a fancier and judge entitles his opinion to considerable weight, writes as follows of Silver Browns : c< The colour of the coat is made up of three shades, the brown of which should be most prominent, beauti- fully interspersed with white and black hairs, called tick- ing. Over this should appear a kind of frostiness, n6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES delightfully sparkling to the eye. The ground colour next to the skin should be of a dark slaty appearance, the darker the better, as in Silver Greys ; then comes a lovely rich brown with tints of purple, this is a shade almost indescribable, terminating on top with an even mixture of the three distinct colours, viz., brown, black and white hairs. The amount of colour on the surface constitutes to a greater or lesser degree the demarcation of the different shades required to make up a dark, medium, or light shade. "The points to be avoided are : (i) Unevenness in shade of colour throughout, from the nose to the end of the tail ; (2) having what is termed a cloudy head, that is, the head and ears being much darker in colour than the body ; (3) ears long and tulip-shaped, with fringe, or what is known as beading, round the top, this should especially be bred out and be beadless ; (4) barred or brown front feet, or hind feet white or partially so ; (5) white speck on the nose, or light chest ; and (6) fur or coat long and open, with pale ground colour. All these are defects which are to be found, not only in this variety, but also in others of the Silver tribe. The appearance should be cobby altogether, in size rather longer than a Dutch, weight about seven or eight pounds, having neat, short ears, showing as much front as possible, without the inner ear being visible. I consider the eyes important in selling the rabbit to advantage ; these should be of a sparkling rich dark hazel colour, rather large and prominent. Fur short and thick, to feel soft and silky when SILVER BROWN "CH. FIRST FAVOURITE." Owners, Messrs Tee and Son. To face page 116. SILVER BROWN " LITTLE GOLDMINE Owners, Messrs Tee and Son. THE SILVER BROWN RABBIT 117 touched, and if rubbed back the wrong way to fall back quickly into position again, thus indicating that the animal is enjoying the best of health. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE POINTS OF THE EXHIBITION SILVER BROWN RABBIT Head, fairly round, and not too long . . 5 Ears short and without lacing . . .10 Eyes, sharp, large and prominent ... 5 Shape and general appearance . . .10 Coat, short, fine and silky . . . .10 Under colour deep and rich . . .20 Evenness of ticking and silvering. . . 25 Condition, no fat or coarseness . . .10 Size, not exceeding eight pounds ... 5 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XVIII CONCLUDING REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS NEITHER Rabbits nor Cavies lend themselves very much to affording materials for anecdotes, but the following short article, which appeared in the Leisure Hour for September last, may be interesting to some of my readers : U THE RABBIT IN AUSTRALIA " It is some 4000 years since the wise man drew atten- tion to the energy and enterprise of the " conies," which, though a feeble folk, had their dwelling in the rocks. " In Australia the coney, which we may freely translate as the rabbit, has well sustained his reputation. " It is only about thirty years since the first pairs were liberated in the State of Victoria, and yet already they have spread to every State in the continent. " At first, the wire fences, which were erected between Victoria and South Australia, were expected to check his western march, while the Murray River was confidently regarded as a bar to his progress north. " But he climbed over or burrowed under the former 118 REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 119 and swam the latter, until at last the attempt to confine his sphere of operations has been practically abandoned. " Queensland alone, with a desperate system of wire netting fences, still keeps up the hopeless battle. But it was taken for granted that the arid, waterless desert between South Australia and West Australia would prove an insuperable barrier, and save one State, at least, from the pest. "However, this hope was just as ill founded as the others. A year or two ago it was announced that rabbits had been seen on the gold-fields. u Since then the irrepressible bunny has increased and spread, until, last week, the people of Esperance, a port on the south coast some distance east of Albany, and the centre of a fair area of good grazing country, asked the Government to take steps to protect them from the invader. They want a netting fence built to the east of their district, or else, they say, a big tract of grazing country will be ruined. The energy and fecundity of the rabbit in this new country is amazing. Climate, soil and surroundings all seem to suit him, and, like the old pioneers, he has made up his mind to stay." The following paragraph, which I saw last autumn in the Bristol Evening News, shows that rabbits are some- times a trouble to rural districts in England : " PLAGUE OF RABBITS IN THE WEST " Farmers attending Tiverton Market, in Devonshire,, yesterday brought gloomy stories of damage done to 120 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES standing wheat crops by rabbits, at Cove, about three miles out. " The damage is of so extensive a nature, that the corn in many of the fields cannot be cut by machinery. " Rabbits have also played havoc with the oat crops. " From many other parishes in North and North- East Devon similar damage is reported. " Rabbits have multiplied to such an extent as to become a plague . The trouble has been growing for some two or three years, and strenuous efforts have been made to keep the rabbits down. " About twelve months ago a number of farmers met to consider what steps should be taken to prevent the increase. One gentleman advocated the use of poison, a suggestion which did not find favour then. " It is thought now that more stringent measures will have to be taken than merely using guns. It is estimated that each rabbit costs the farmer two shillings a year. When sent to the local markets they realise no more than sixpence a-piece. The total damage done by the rabbits represents, in many cases, enough to pay the farmers' rents." The late Rev. J. C. Atkinson, the well-known naturalist, relates the following incident, which may be interesting to some of my readers : " There seems to be but little question that the male partridge, as is known to be the case with the male of other species of birds, occasionally takes his turn in the labours of incubation. " As the time of hatching approaches, or is fully come, REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 121 he may be seen sedulously assisting his mate in the anxious cares of the moment, covering part of the eggs, or scarcely-hatched chicks, as he sits side by side with her ; and often, in the earlier stages, he seems to be ' on duty ' at no great distance from the sitting hen. One instance came to my knowledge, many years since, in which the cock bird was evidently not only near the nest, but ready to exhibit its prowess in the protection of his mate and her charge. " A wild rabbit used occasionally to come out to feed somewhat too near the sacred precincts, and as often as he did so, the partridge was sure to pounce on him, and after a short engagement, in which wing and bill were both freely used, in spite of the great disparity between the size and strength of the combatants, the pluck and determination of the game little bird invariably prevailed, and the discomfited rabbit was always compelled to with- draw to a more respectful distance." From Bingleys Animal Biography , written just a hundred years ago, the following is quoted, which, in the face of what is taking place in our Colonies, is rather interesting : "The fecundity of this animal is truly astonishing. It breeds seven times in the year, and generally produces seven or eight young ones at a time. " Supposing this to happen regularly for about four years, the progeny from a single pair will amount to more than a million ! " Their numerous enemies prevent any increase likely to prove injurious to mankind, for, besides their affording 122 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES food to us, they are devoured also by animals of prey of almost every description, which make dreadful havoc among them. "Yet, notwithstanding this, in the time of the Romans they once proved such a nuisance in the Balearic Isles, that the inhabitants were obliged to implore the assistance of a military force from Augustus to exterminate them." The following account appears in Andersorfs Recreations of Agriculture, of the regular production of a singular variety of the rabbit with only one ear : " A gentleman of my acquaintance chanced to find a rabbit among his breed that had only one ear. He watched the progeny of that creature, and among them he found one of the opposite sex that had only one ear also ; he paired these two rabbits together, and has now a breed of rabbits one eared, which propagate as fast and as constantly produce their like as the two-eared rabbit y from which they were originally descended." From the following account, given by a gentleman who amused himself with raising rabbits, it will appear that they have some idea of subordination : " I began with only one male and one female, the former white, the latter grey, and of their produce, which was very numerous, the greater part were grey, a good number of them white, and of a mixed colour, and some few black. "These animals seem to have a great respect for paternal authority, at least I judge so from the great deference which all my rabbits showed for their first ancestor, whom I can always easily distinguish by his REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 123 whiteness, and who is, indeed, the only male of that colour I have preserved. u It was to no purpose that the family augmented, those which in their turn became fathers were still subordinate to him. "Whenever they fought, whether on account of their females or concerning their food, their great progenitor would run to the place of dispute, with all speed, as soon as he heard the noise. No sooner did they perceive him than everything was presently reduced to order, and if he surprised any one of them actually assaulting another, he used to separate him from the rest, and punish him on the spot. " Another proof .of his dominion is, that they were accustomed to be summoned by a whistle ; whenever I gave the signal, how distant soever they might be, this old one immediately put himself at their head ; and though he came first, yet he made them all file off and enter before him, nor would he go in till the last." So many useful books have appeared giving all manner of directions about hutches and houses for rabbit-keeping, and some of them containing, also, the best methods of coping with their ailments, with remedies for their cure, that I think I need not go into these matters, as these pages are mainly written to give intending fanciers, in as concise terms and condensed form as possible, some useful hints as to what are the points to be sought for in breeding or purchasing the nearest approach to per- fection in the several varieties which are to be seen at the shows, which are now being held so extensively in these i2 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES and other countries, providing recreation, and in many cases, where judgment and attention is bestowed upon them, substantial remuneration to thousands of fanciers, of both sexes, and in all ranks of life. The following description, by the late Rev. J. G. Wood, F.Z.S., whose works on Natural History have afforded pleasure to thousands of readers, including the writer, who also enjoyed his lectures on the same subject, will give my readers a capital notion of a rabbit warren : " To see rabbits at their best, it is necessary to be concealed in their immediate vicinity, and watch them in the early morning or in the fall of the evening. No one can form any true conception of the Rabbit nature until he has observed the little creatures in their native home, and when he has done so he will seize the earliest opportunity of renewing his acquaintance with the droll little creatures. "To describe the manifold antics of a rabbit warren would occupy a considerable space. The little animals are such quaint, ridiculous beings, and are so full of such comical little coquetries, and such absurd airs of assumed dignity, that they sorely try the gravity of the concealed observer, and sometimes cause him to burst into irre- pressible laughter, to their profound dismay. At one time they are gravely pattering about the entrances to their subterranean homes, occasionally sitting upright and gazing in every direction, as if fearful of a surprise, and all behaving with the profoundest gravity, next moment someone gets angry and stamps his feet upon the ground REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 125 as a preliminary observation, before engaging in a regular fight. Suddenly a whole party rush at full speed, scampering over the ground, as if they meant to run for a mile at least, but unexpectedly stop short at an inviting tuft of herbage, and nibble it as composedly as if they had not run a yard. "Then a sudden panic will flash through the whole party, and, with a rush and a scurry, every rabbit hops into its burrow and vanishes from sight like magic. The spot that was so full of life a moment before is now deserted, as if it had been uninhabited for ages, but in a few minutes one little nose is seen cautiously poked out of a burrow, the head and ears follow, and, in a very short time, the frightened rabbits have come into the light of day, and have recommenced their interrupted pastime." Where natural warrens do not exist, artificial ones are sometimes constructed, but this, of course, can only be done in situations where the soil is favourable. In Glamorganshire, there is said to be an enclosed warren of 1600 or 1700 acres, within a wall. It is stocked with various kinds of rabbits, and produces a very good income, as much as ,1600 a year. One foreign customer is said to have paid as much as ^800 per annum for skins of one particular variety (probably Silver Greys or Browns), for the German fairs, whence they travel into Russia and the East. In another county it is stated that, on a farm of 2600 acres, a portion only of which was warren, the skins and flesh of the rabbits paid the rent, besides the 126 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES expense of these warreners. There were seven of these officials, with dogs and implements in abundance. Besides wages they were allowed all the rabbits they could eat, and bread, bacon, vegetables, beer, etc., from the farm-house to be consumed in their huts on the warren, where they cooked, in hermit-like solitude, for themselves. During the killing season they worked in the night, finishing off at about two in the morning. This took place every night except Sundays. The catch was immediately " hulked," or disembowelled, coupled and then sent off to London in regular vans. During the day false burrows are dug in the portion of the warren to be worked in the evening, which was afterwards partially encircled with a net. When the rabbits came out to feed they were driven by dogs and beaters into the enclosure. Taking refuge by droves in the false burrows, they were easily caught by the men, those that escaped them being intercepted by the net. One bright moonlight night, when we witnessed the chase, 200 couple were taken. The dogs not being allowed to touch them, very few rabbits indeed were mangled or torn ; stretching their necks was the mode of death. I am very pleased to see the enclosed in a recent issue of the Adelaide Advertiser , but it has always greatly sur- prised me that such progressive and intelligent people as our Australian cousins have long proved themselves to be, should have wasted so much time and money in the endeavour to extirpate rabbits in their continent, when, by making proper arrangements for the distribution of REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 127 what is a popular article of food, and with a practically increasing demand for the skins of the little animals, it has always seemed to me, instead of wringing their hands and calling down curses on what they called the " terrible scourge of rabbits," they should at once have turned to account what is proving, and will prove, a source of con- siderable monetary advantage : " At one time rabbits, when there was practically no demand for their skins or carcases, cost the Australian squatters hundreds of thousands of pounds annually to destroy. " But at present men in the Commonwealth engaged in trapping them, also hares, kangaroos, wallabies, foxes, opossums and native bears, earn over half a million sterling. "Twenty millions of Australian rabbit skins were sold in London last year, representing an actual money value of i 1,000 in cash. " Besides which, 600 bales containing 1,600,000 skins were sent to France, while over two and a half million rabbits, frozen, with their skins on, were shipped to England from Victoria alone. <c Thus in 1901 the trappers' account for some 4,000,000 of rabbits sent to Europe, besides a large Colonial consumption, represented a money value of nearly a quarter of a million sterling." To face page 128. CATS w hJ . c K u o CHAPTER XIX THE LONG-HAIRED WHITE CAT I DO not propose in these sketches to go into the question of the origin of the Cat, as so many books have appeared going into details of this kind, but rather to say a few words of the several varieties seen at our shows, with short descriptions of each, and plain directions as to the qualities to be sought for. To my mind, the White is one of the most beautiful of the Long Hairs, and when pure in tint, in full coat, and with the pale blue eyes which should be a sine qua non in this variety, is an ornament fit for the palace of a emperor. Unfortunately, cats of this colour have a great tendency to be more or less hard of hearing, many I have met with of my own and belonging to others being totally deaf ; and this is awkward in many ways, particu- larly if not kept in a cattery, and is such a drawback that I would advise any intending purchaser to make sure of the hearing capabilities of any they may be offered. Of course these require to be kept scrupulously clean, and must not be allowed liberty to roam at random and 132 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES will require constant attention to their coats, even to the extent of careful washing, drying before a fire, and combing when sent to a show, and the box, which, when properly ventilated round the upper edges just under the cover all round it, I greatly prefer to baskets, even when lined. It should have brown holland or calico tacked round the sides to guard against any possibility of soiling the coats, and the bedding for them, as indeed for all cats, should either be paper shavings, such as may be got from bookbinders and many stationers, or what is known as reed straw. The head should be somewhat broad, round and fairly large, short in face, eyes wide apart, cheeks, fore- head and round mouth well furnished with hair. Ears small and well carried, fully supplied with soft fine hair outside, and tufts of hair inside, with points to tips. Eyes bright and large, nearly round in shape, and as much the shade known as turquoise as possible, and matching each other, odd eyes being a defect often seen. Amber eyes are not a disqualification, but count against a specimen. Chest and shoulders should have a profusion of long hair forming a mane and frill, greatly adding to their beauty and style. I do not remember seeing any Russian Long-haired Cats of this colour, but it is frequently met with in Angoras and Persians, the character of the coats of the former is more woolly than the latter, which are softer, finer and more silky to the feel, but each of them should CKEAM "CH. RONALDKIRK MIDSHIPMITE." Well-known Prize Winner. Owner, Miss Beal. To face page 133. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 133 have an abundant coat all over the body, particularly at the sides and thighs. The feet and legs should be well clothed with hair, even to the feet and between the toes, and be fairly strong in bone. The tail, which is an important feature in all long- haired cats, should not be long in itself, but covered with very long hair, rather thicker in apparent size than in Angoras, carried gracefully with a curve, but never curled over the back at any time. The size of males is almost always greater than females, for the former fourteen pounds is a large weight, and may be generally taken as a limit, and females of twelve pounds are quite up to the average of the best specimens usually seen. Condition, which includes general appearance and shape, is very important, and is a good deal the result of the attention paid to an animal by the amount of grooming, etc., it has received. To render it in as perfect form as possible, the whole of the head, chest, back, sides, legs, feet and tail being gone over with a brush with long bristles, and all knots or foreign matter, such as straw, hay, etc., removed from the hair the last thing before being sent off. Colour should be as pure white as obtainable, some prefer a little squeeze of the blue bag in the water before washing, to give a blue white tinge like we see in milk, others like a more creamy white, but, at anyrate, it should have no tints of any kind in it, but, literally, be as pure as newly-fallen snow. 134 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED WHITE CATS Head, roundness and breadth, with short face 10 Points Ears, not large, with tufts and tips . . 5 Eyes, size, shape and colour . . .10 ,, Chest and shoulders well clothed . . .10 ,, Legs and feet, not long, fair bone, and well covered to the toes . . . . 5 Coat, on body and sides, very abundant . 20 ,, Hind quarters and brush, very full . .10 Condition and general appearance . 15 ,, Colour, without tint or shading . . .10,, Size, up to about fourteen pounds as a limit . 5 ,, Total 100 Points THE LONG-HAIRED BLACK CAT In the early days of cat shows, which, as I have said, date back about thirty years, I think it is undoubted that cats of this colour were much more popular than they have been for some years past. I can call to mind many splendid animals being shown by Messrs Warner, A. A. Clarke, and others, which were an object lesson to any fanciers, but there has been, and is, such a decided run on the lighter shades of colour, especially the Reds, Blues, Silvers, Creams and Chinchillas, that the Blacks have been somewhat neglected. One of the first long-haired cats I ever owned was a BLACK "KING LEAR." 1st, Crystal Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 135. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 135 Black, and I have always been a great admirer of good specimens of the colour, which often attain large dimen- sions, and may be described as handsome, as opposed to prettiness in some others. The head should be in shape and character much the same as in the White, with a dark instead of flesh-coloured nose, and the cheeks well clothed with longish hair. The ears almost hidden in the hair round them, lined and tipped with soft hair as in last named. The eyes very large, round and full, and the shade of orange associated with the yolk of an egg ; this I look upon as a very important point, in which a great many otherwise good cats fail. The shoulders and chest should be well covered with long straight hair, forming mane and frill. The legs and feet not long enough to make the animal look leggy, or lanky, and fairly strong in bone in large specimens. The coat should be dense in character and profuse in quantity. The brush and hind quarters both with abundance of long hair on them, the former carried gracefully below the line of the back. Condition, should be well rounded in shape of body, without being loaded with fat, and general appearance of dignity and grandeur. In size, as far as my experience goes, and 1 have had a good many of this colour, of both sexes, the males are usually much larger than the females. I think the best of the former should be up to thirteen or fourteen pounds, in good 136 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES condition, and that ten pounds, or perhaps eleven, would be about the average weight of the best females generally seen. As to colour, it is most important this should be intense pure black, as that of a raven, without a speck of white anywhere, or what is also often seen, a rusty tinge on any part of the animal. Many people speak of a black cat, disregarding the fact it may have a tiny spot of white somewhere, most frequently on the chest, under the chin, on one of the feet, or even on the tip of the tail, any or all of these are, in my opinion, serious defects, and should not be passed over without penalising the specimen, if it appears in the show pen, as a black cat should be black and nothing else. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED BLACK CATS Head, large and massive with short broad face 10 Points Ears, well tipped and tufted with hair . . 5 Eyes, very large, full, and deep orange . .10 ,, Shoulders and chest well maned and frilled . 10 Legs and feet, strong and well boned . 5 Coat, long, straight, abundant and silky . 20 ,, Condition, larged bodied, without fat . .10 Colour, intense, and pure blue black . 15 ,, Size of males to fourteen pounds ; of females to ten pounds . . . . . 5 ,, Brush and hind quarters covered with long hair 10 Total 100 Points ffi o . u 8 THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 137 THE LONG-HAIRED BLUE CAT Until the comparatively recent advent of the Creams and Chinchillas, I think there is no doubt cats of this colour have been the most popular of any, and I am not sure, even now, if there are not more of them to be found than of any other variety of long-haired cat. Many of them are exceedingly beautiful, and they lend themselves to such a variety in shades, from the deepest slate blue to the palest lavender, that fanciers can usually find something to suit their taste. Show committees, from the Crystal Palace down- wards, have done much to foster the growth of the favour which has been bestowed on the Blues ; as many attractive special prizes have been offered for the best male, best female, best single or pair of kittens, and probably more valuable prizes have been won by Blues than by all other kinds of long-haired cats together, and for a long time, if not still, there were many breeders and fanciers who kept no other variety. Where the cats are not divided by sex, I think a large class of Blues is one of the most difficult to judge, as you will often find four or five quite distinct shades of the colour, and, if they are fairly in coat, the running is sometimes very even. In this variety, I think, more than in most, the females are sometimes better than the males, and I have often seen one of the latter gain the coveted prize, as " Best in the Show," but in these days it requires a good and almost perfect specimen to do that at one of the larger shows. 138 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The head should be large and massive, face short, nose dark, sides of face and neck well covered with hair . Ears well carried, small, covered with soft hair on out- sides, with tufts of hair inside and at tips. Eye nearly round in shape, large in size and ex- pressive, a sort of yellowy orange in colour. Chest and shoulders, broad and well covered with long straight hair in abundance. Coat, dense and long all over the body, nearly reach- ing the ground at the sides, quite straight and soft in texture. Legs and feet of sufficient strength without any coarseness, and free from any bars, spots, or markings. The tail and hind quarters with plenty of long straight hair on them, the former very full and profuse. The size of males may average to twelve pounds, and of females, nearly approaching that weight, perhaps eleven pounds. Colour should be some shade of blue, which, as I said before, gives a wide range for taste, but whatever it is, should be pure, without tint or any mark or bar, some failing here and showing a Tabby cross at some time or other. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED BLUE CATS Head, size, shape, and type . 3r$ . . 10 Points Ears, small and well carried . * * . y. : i 5 Eyes, expressive, large and full . v , ,v 10 BLUE U CH. HOLMWOOD SKITTLES." Noted Prize Winner. Owner, Miss Jay. BLUE "CH. MABEL OF LOZELLS." Owner, C. W. Witt. To face page 138. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 139 Feet and legs, short rather than leggy . . 5 Points Coat, long and deep on body and sides . .20 Shoulders and chest, well frilled and maned . 10 Thighs and tail, heavily coated . . .10,, Condition and general appearance . 1 5 Colour, pure self blue as free from shade or markings as possible . . . .10,, Size, males about twelve pounds, females eleven pounds . . . . 5 Total 100 Points THE LONG-HAIRED CREAM CAT There may be, in fact I have no doubt there are, many who will say this is not long enough established to be constituted a distinct variety, but, as there are many devoting themselves to producing specimens, and these have appeared again and again at various ages, showing that they are being bred true to type, and possess much delicacy and beauty of colouring, I think the Creams are entitled to consider they have proved their right to be as much a distinct variety as several other members of the long-haired cat family. The head should be of moderate size, broad across the forehead, short in face, and nicely feathered on the sides of neck and face. The ears small and unobtrusive, but, of course, with the typical tufts inside, and points to tips, as desired in the other colours. 1 40 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The eyes round, but not too prominent, soft and liquid in expression and match ing in colour,harmonising with the coat and a golden yellow in colour. The shoulders and chest, with mane and frill, well, but not excessively developed, as I fancy animals of their colour do not usually carry so much coat as others or may appear not to do so from their neutral tint. Legs and feet, fine in bone, and rather short than long. Hind quarters and brush covered with long straight hair, which has the appearance of being more woolly in texture and less silky than in most of the other colours, and the brush not so voluminous in size. The coat should be long and straight, with dense undercoat of soft, close hair, more profuse on the back and sides. Condition should be fairly plump, without being big, or any tendency to coarseness, rather inclining to length of body and flatness at sides. Colour, a sort of pale drab or cream all over, with perhaps, a little warmer tint on the ears, shoulders, upper part of back and brush, but not so as to break the harmony of the whole. Size, about ten pounds for males, and a little less for females, this, in my view, being a variety which is not improved by attaining great weight. I am not aware that any scale has been published of the points to be desired for show specimens, so that I give my ideas upon it, with some diffidence, for the guidance of the novices amongst my readers. WHITE NEUTER "LAUREL SHAH." 1st, Crystal Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 140. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 141 STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED CREAM CATS Head, rather small than large Ears, decidedly small and unobtrusive . Eyes, expressive, rather than bold or prominent Legs and feet, not long, and fine in bone Shoulders and chest, with only fair mane and frill ....'..'. Brush, and hind quarters, neither very full . Coat, and undercoat, of moderate length Condition, plump, but with no fat or coarse- ness ....... Colour, pale drab to be the prominent shade . Size for males, about ten pounds ; females, eight to nine pounds ..... 10 Points 5 5 5 10 10 20 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XX THE LONG-HAIRED CHINCHILLA CAT No doubt, the ideal for cats of this colour is the beautiful little animal known as the Chinchilla, a rodent closely allied to the Rabbit tribe, and a native of South America, whose fur has been for many years an article of commerce ; I think almost entirely used for trimmings to female attire, in these and other countries, and probably many of my readers have often seen the graceful little animals in zoological collections, or museums, and so will not require to be told that its fur may be said to be composed of very soft hair, of shades of a delicate grey, interspersed with some black hairs, which give it the effect of a slight ticking on the surface, with lighter shades under- neath. I need not say that cats of this colour, correctly coloured, are very beautiful creatures, perhaps equal to, if not superior than, any others, and they have of late years been much in vogue with exhibitors. The head is not large, though typical in shape. The ears also are small, and almost merged in hair of neck and head. 142 CHINCHILLA "CH. AMEER." Great Prize Winner. Owner, Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison. To face page 142. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 143 The eyes are large for the size of head, and emerald green in colour, round, but not protruding. The feet and legs are fairly long, but not strong in bone. The frill is more developed than the mane on chest and shoulders. The hind quarters and brush are well covered with soft long hair, but not usually of great dimensions. The coat is uniformly thick and abundant all over the back and sides. Condition is important, but quality is the main feature. The colour is made of greys, light and dark, with delicate black tints on surface. The size is about an average of nine pounds ; it is not desirable for specimens to be too large, as this variety, as before remarked, is one that pre-eminently lends itself to the display of quality rather than quantity, and every effort should be made by breeders and I have every reason to believe this is being done to guard against any approach to coarseness and mere size, at the sacrifice of the high position and estimation to which the Chinchilla-coloured long-haired cats have attained in comparatively a short time, and for which exhibitors are mainly indebted to the efforts of a few enthusiastic breeders. As I said of the Creams, so I may say of these, I am not aware of any scale for judging them having been hitherto published, and, owing to the fierce discussion which has long been raging as to the I 4 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES merits and demerits of the various types and shades, favoured by one and the other, I am even more diffident in this case about giving my views as to the STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED CHINCHILLA CATS Head, fairly broad but not large . Ears, small and well placed .... Eyes, round, full and expressive . Legs and feet, light and elegant in shape Chest and shoulders, broad and well clothed . Brush and thighs, covered with long fine hair Coat, soft, delicate in texture, and voluminous Condition, firm, not fat or heavy Colour, pale French grey with dark shadings Size of males to nine pounds ; females to about eight pounds ..... 10 Points 5 10 5 10 IO 15 IO 20 Total 100 Points THE LONG-HAIRED BROWN TABBY This variety, a prime favourite of mine, and of which I have had several very good specimens at different times, attains, I think, the greatest size of any of the Long Hairs and when in full coat, and correct in its markings, is a very handsome animal. The head should be round shaped, broad and massive, well covered with hair at the sides and neck. I should have said, by-t he-bye, that nearly, if not CHINCHILLA "CH. FULMER ZAIDA." One of the best ever exhibited. Owner, Lady Decies. To face page 144. CHINCHILLA " CH. FULMER LORD SOUTHAMPTON.'' Owner, Lady Decies. To face page 145. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 145 quite, all the Russian Long-haired Cats I have seen have been of this colour, but they have been less distinctly marked, their coats more woolly in texture, and their tails shorter and thicker than the best Persian specimens, and have not pleased me so much, and I should not advise any of my readers to cross Persians with one of the Russians, for even if they attained increased size, I think it would be more than counterbalanced by coarseness and want of clearness in markings. The ears should be small for the size of the head, and quite surrounded with abundance of hair on the upper parts of the head, and furnished with fine hair inside, and at the points. The eyes large, round, prominent and orange yellow in colour, with very dignified expression, conveying a deep sense of self-importance. The legs and feet large and powerful, but not long enough to give idea of legginess. The chest and shoulders should be wide and deep, mane and frill well developed on each. The brush should be very profuse and full, and the hind quarters well covered with long hair. The coat should be dense and very abundant all over the body, which should be very large and massive, without being loaded with fat. Condition is always important, and should comprise hard muscular firmness of flesh with well-groomed coat and graceful outlines of form. Colour. The ground should be deep rich brown striped with black. These markings start from a broadish stripe K 146 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES of black, more or less defined, along the line of the back bone, which is present to some extent in all the cats with Tabby markings ; the tail is covered with bars, or rings of black, and a line of finer stripes of same colour runs from the forehead, through the ears, and down the neck, where it merges in the bodycoat. One or even two bands of black across the chest are a great ornament and finish. The face is ornamented with flourishes and stripes of black going swirling round the cheeks, which are very effective and peculiar to the Cat tribe, from the tiger downwards ; indeed, a well-marked Tabby has much in common in this respect with his big relation. Size is difficult to define, as I think a Brown Tabby may be as large as you can get him without actual fat or coarseness. I have had them of fourteen and fifteen pounds, and have often seen them much heavier, even approaching twenty pounds, and yet preserving the grace and activity which is part and parcel of the feline race, as we know what wonderful accounts are often given by travellers of the achievements of many of their much larger cousins in foreign climes. Therefore I will leave the limit of size open, merely saying I think specimens intended for show purposes should be at least ten pounds if females, or twelve pounds if males. I might add that, for those who desire a cat for the house, as a companion and ornament to the domestic hearth, I do not think they can improve upon a Brown Tabby, which is one of the most homely and com- fortable looking of the feline race, usually of a happy, contented disposition, and very intelligent and sociable. This colour, in long and short hairs, has always been THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 147 a great favourite with artists, and though it is by no means invariable to find painters of animals so successful with cats as with other subjects, in the majority of cases I have seen, when a cat forms part of a picture, a Brown Tabby has been the sort chosen. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED BROWN TABBY CATS Head, roundness, breadth, with short face . 10 Points Ears, small for size of head, tufted and tipped 5 Eyes, large, round, prominent and orange yellow . . . . . .10,, Shoulders and chest, wide and deep, well marked . . . . . .10,, Legs and feet, well boned and powerful . 5 ,, Brush, very bushy ; hind quarters well covered . . . . . .10,, Coat very profuse all over body, with under- coat . . . . . . . 20 Condition, hard, muscular and well groomed 10 Colour, rich brown ground, with deep black markings . . . . . . 15 Size, as large as possible, not less than twelve pounds for males, or ten pounds for females 5 Total 100 Points THE LONG-HAIRED SILVER TABBY CAT This, to my mind, is a very beautiful variety, but 148 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES another which has suffered from the " booming v of the Blues, Creams and Chinchillas, although there is little doubt it has had a good deal to do with the creation of the last-named colour, and many of the Blues and Creams show traces of a Tabby having been in the family genealogical tree at some time or other. As a rule Silver Tabbies are not very large, the heads, particularly of the females, being small, but they are usually what are called " pretty cats," and have a youthful, juvenile appearance long after they have passed out of kittenhood. Their ears are small, and well hidden in soft silky hair round the upper part of the head and neck. The eyes, which should be soft and expressive and bright yellow in colour, are moderately large, and round shaped. The chest deep and shoulders fairly wide. As in others of this family, it is a great point to have at least one, I prefer two, stripes or bars of black across the chest from side to side, which gives much character to its appear- ance, and more frill than mane. The hind quarters should have plenty of long soft hair upon them, and the brush should be well covered in the same way, but usually not so full as in the other Tabbies. The legs and feet are fairly long, but fine in bone, as there should be nothing coarse about a Silver Tabby. The coat should be abundant and straight all over the body, which is longer and more lithe in appearance than some of the others. TORTOISESHELL " LAUREL LULU." Winner many Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 149. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 149 Condition should be considered so as to have muscle and activity without too much flesh or approach to coarseness, which would be quite out of place. Colour, except that the ground should be a delicate tint of pale grey, is the same in its markings as given for the Brown Tabby. The more pure and clear the grey, and the more intense the black markings, the better the specimen will be if good in other particulars. In size I think ten pounds is a fair average weight for males, and eight or nine pounds for females, but I should not object to a little more in either sex if the specimen did not lose in quality ; but what I said of the Creams I may repeat of the Silver Tabbies, that the best I have seen have not been very large cats. I have the impression that of late years a club has been formed for this variety alone, and if this be so there will be more encouragement for breeders to bring out high- class specimens, and prevent their being neglected in the rush of other varieties for popular favour. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED SILVER TABBIES Head, small, round and well shaped . .-. 10 Points Ears, small, unobtrusive, tufted and tipped . 5 ,, Eyes, round, fairly large and expressive . 10 Chest and shoulders, moderately maned and frilled 10 ,, Legs and feet, fairly long, but fine in bone . 5 >% 150 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Brush and hind quarters clothed with long soft hair . "' -It. i -;f,t -v * ' . 10 Points Coat and undercoat, deep and fairly abundant 20 Condition, muscular, without fat or coarseness 10 ,, Colour, markings same as for Brown Tabbies on a ground of pure light grey . V 15 ,, Size, males, ten pounds ; females, eight or nine pounds * * ' .';,. . life 5 Total 100 Points THE LONG-HAIRED RED OR ORANGE TABBY CAT I think this variety from its colour and appearance is the most like a miniature lion of all the family of domestic cats, and is often a very handsome animal. The males especially attain considerable size, and have much style about them. I do not think they are as a rule so friendly with strangers at anyrate as the other Tabbies, and are rather disposed to be masterful in their disposition towards their comrades. Sometimes they are seen almost entirely without any Tabby markings, and I think some breeders are trying to produce a strain of this kind, which they term "orange," but I am not sure this has yet been quite accomplished so that they could be relied on to breed true to type, though I think they would be very attractive. The head should be very large, round, and furnished with much soft hair at the sides and neck. The ears fairly large, often a deeper tint of red than BeU RED TABBY " CH. PUCK. ;1 Winner numerous Prizes. Owner, Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison. ORANGE TABBY "CH. GOLDEN BUTTERFLY." Owner, Mrs Dean. To face page 150. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 151 the surroundings, with large tufts inside, and well tipped with soft feathery hair. The eyes should be very large, round, gold colour tinted with green, and very leonine in expression. The chest and shoulders broad and deep, well covered with long, straight, soft hair, forming abundant mane and frill. The legs and feet fairly long, strong in bone, and covered to the toes with soft fine hair. The brush should be very full and bushy, and the hind quarters clothed with long straight hair, nearly reaching to the knees. The coat should be deep and profuse all over the body, which should be large and muscular in its pro- portions. The condition should be hard and firm, without mere fat, and the appearance graceful and stately, with a good deal of grandeur about it. The colour may be defined to be a pale yellow, with stripes and markings disposed as that described for the Brown Tabby, but of a rich red orange hue. Of course, in those mentioned as " orange cats," the markings are absent, and the prevailing tint is the red orange only, but these are certainly not so often seen as the Red Tabbies, from which they no doubt originate. In size the Red or Orange Tabbies frequently are seen as large as any of the long-haired varieties, and specimens scaling fourteen and fifteen pounds are by no means uncommon I mean the males, as the females are not usually so large. 152 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG- HAIRED RED OR ORANGE TABBY CATS Head, large, round, massive . . .10 Points Ears, fairly large, well tufted and tipped with hair .... 5 Eyes, very large, round, gold with green tint 10 Chest and shoulders, wide and deep, well frilled and maned . . . . . .10,, Legs and feet, strong in bone and muscular . 5 Hind quarters well clothed, brush large and full 10 Coat, long and deep all over, with thick under coat ....... 20 Condition, not fat, but hard and muscular .10 Colour, clear and distinct Tabby markings of rich red on a pale yellowish ground . 15 ,, Size of males to fifteen pounds ; of females to eleven or twelve pounds . . 5 ,, Total 100 Points DARK SMOKE " CH. BACKWELL JOGRAM." Winner numerous Pmes. Owner, Mrs H. V, James. To face page 153. CHAPTER XXI THE LONG-HAIRED SMOKE CAT THIS variety, which personally I admire very much and have had many of them at one time or the other, may be subdivided again into Dark and Light, as there are some which almost look black until their coats are examined, and others that look a greyish blue, but belong to neither of those shades. I suppose it is admitted all round that although they now breed pretty true to type, even if Dark and Light be found in one litter, it is one of the manufactured varieties, and that this is probably the reason I have never yet seen in any book about cats a definition of what constitutes a " Smoke," either Short or Long-haired Cat, or any standard for their judging. But, as some of my fellow rabbit fanciers may say I have not hesitated to give my ideas of some varieties of their pets which have not appeared before in any book on rabbits, so I will endeavour to convey to my readers amongst cat fanciers my ideas as to what Smokes should be. Head, large, round with plenty of hair on the '53 154 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES cheeks, face short and moderately broad, neck well covered. Ears, rather large, tufted inside but with nothing pro- minent in the way of tipping, and the colour of the dark parts of the body. Eyes should be very large and prominent ; orange in colour for the Dark, and orange yellow for the Light shades of Smoke, lustrous and expressive. Shoulders and chest covered with abundance of long straight hair, forming profuse mane and frill. Legs and feet moderate in length, but muscular and strong in bone. Brush very full and bushy ; hind quarters muscular, large, and clothed with plenty of long straight hair. Coat voluminous all over, reaching nearly to the ground at sides when in full feather, with dense under- coat. Condition, hard, firm and muscular without superflu- ous flesh ; body not so long or flat in appearance as in some varieties perhaps cobbiness would express my meaning. In size there is usually much difference in the sexes, for while the males often approach twelve to fourteen pounds, the females may average from eight to ten pounds, but I think rarely exceed the latter weight. Colour is of much importance in this variety, for though some may fancy a bad black is a Dark Smoke, and a bad blue a Light Smoke, this is not my view. I think each is made up of two distinct shades, the K 2 u a I! cj O THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 155 Dark being almost black on the surface with a shade underneath, easily seen by blowing or parting the hair, of real smoke colour ; and the Light is almost blue on the surface, and a delicate light grey of the shade known as French grey underneath. All the points or ex- tremities, such as face, ears, legs, feet and brush, should mainly appear of the darkest shade of the coat. The general effect of these cats is very pleasing at least that is my view of them and they, particularly those entitled to be classed as Dark Smokes, always give me the impression of bearing a strong resemblance to a sheikh, in the picturesque contrast those Eastern folk offer in their peculiar garb ; and I remember how much I was fascinated with the first specimen of the variety which came under my notice at a show many years since, where I was an exhibitor and I was pleased to see the judge, whose name I do not remember, give him first prize in a large mixed class of all kinds of long-haired cats. One of my Crystal Palace winners is given as an illustration of this variety ; also, a well-known Champion. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED SMOKE CATS Head, large, round, with short, broad face .10 Points Ears, rather full and open, tufted, but not much tipping to the points . . . 5 Eyes, prominent, large, round and intelligent ; orange for Dark, yellow orange for Light *. . . ;.' . v 10 156 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Chest and shoulders, broad, deep, and the former of the lighter shades of coat . , 5 Points Legs and feet, not long, but powerful and well boned . *. . . >.; . 5 Hind quarters, muscular and long-haired; brush, very large and profuse, partaking of both shades . .. . . . 10 ,, Coat, profuse all over body, coming well down over sides with long soft hair in abun- dance . . . v-i , . 20 ,, Condition, hard and muscular, not flat-sided . 10 Colour, nearly black outside, light smoke under in the Dark, and pure blue out- side and pale grey under in the Light . 20 ,, Size, males, twelve to fourteen pounds ; females, eight to ten pounds, in both shades c Total IOQ Points THE TORTOISESHELL LONG-HAIRED CAT Many contend that this is not a proper colour for a long-haired cat of any kind, and that it is never seen in the countries from whence they originally came. I am very much inclined to believe in the truth of this contention, but the fact remains that we have the cats, and I must plead guilty to having owned and taken many prizes with cats of this colour, but I am not much enamoured of them all the same, and I think every one SILVER TABBY "CH. ABDUL HAMET OF DINGLEY." Owner, Miss Leake. face page 156. SILVER TABBY" CH. THAMES VALLEY SILVER KING." Noted Winner everywhere. Owner, Miss Derby-Hyde. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 157 that I had were presents from friends who wanted to find homes for favourites they were unable to keep. Although I have not tried the experiment, I have been told by breeders that they have bred excellent Blues from a Tortoiseshell dam with a Blue sire ; but though I have bred good Whites from a Black dam, and many Blacks of pure colour from a Tortoiseshell dam with a Red Tabby sire, I should have thought to attempt Blues in same way with a Blue sire would be rather speculative. Be this as it may, I am assured it is a fact that some breeders keep Tortoiseshell females entirely for their use in breeding operations. As such a thing as even a long-haired Tortoiseshell male is rarely seen, my remarks on what I think they should be must be taken to apply to the females only. The head should be only of moderate size, fairly broad across the forehead, and fringed with soft hair. The ears rather full and large, with tufts inside, but not much feathering at tips. The eyes large, full, lustrous in expression and orange in colour. The shoulders and chest well provided with long mane and frill of soft straight hair, and wide and deep in themselves. The legs and feet rather long but fine in bone and elegant in shape. The brush fairly full and bushy, but not very large, and hind quarters covered with long hair. The coat plentiful all over, but not of great length ; more so at the sides than on the upper part. 158 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The condition firm, but lithe and active in general appearance, without great muscular power. The colour should be as like a tortoiseshell comb as possible, made up of yellows, blacks and reds in due pro- portions, neither predominating too much, but the whole giving a pleasing effect. The size should be from eight to ten pounds. I think the latter will be found the limit weight. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-HAIRED TORTOISESHELL CATS Head, round, not too large, and fairly broad 10 Points Ears, rather large, and with open carriage . ... 5 Eyes, full and large, round and orange yellow 10 ,, Chest and shoulders, wide and deep, well covered . . ^ r , . . ... : . 5 Legs and feet, fine in bone, and rather long , 5 Brush, not very large ; hind quarters, fully clothed ....'. ; . 10 ,, Coat, profuse over body, more so at sides ^,._- 15 Condition, plump, without being fat, and lightness and elegance a prevailing feature 10 ,, Colour, mingling of the three prescribed shades, without any white at all . . ... 25 Size, from eight to ten pounds, latter rarely exceeded W. . . .. C ., Total 100 Points f? GREY TABBY "CH. LAUREL LEOPOLD." 1st, Crystal Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 158. THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 159 ANY OTHER VARIETY OF LONG-HAIRED CATS As I have dealt in the foregoing sketches with all the colours for which classes are provided at even the largest shows, those remaining to be noticed will be some of the same, varied with white markings. These will be Black and White, Blue and White, Tabby and White, and Tortoiseshell and White, of which the Tabby and White are by far the most numerous, as they include Brown, Silver, Red and Grey, Tabby and White. It will not be necessary to say anything about the formation of the animals, as in each case that will be the same as for the main colour in the coat. Uniformity of markings is very important, and the general rule as to this may be described as follows : The upper part of the head should be of the main colour, while a white blaze should run up the face between the eyes and comprising the mouth and chin, with white chest, fore feet, and the lower parts of the hind feet. No spots or splashes of white should be in the main colour anywhere. Attention should be paid to the character of the main colour of each specimen ; that is, the Black, White, Blue, or Smoke should be pure, and whole coloured, not patchy or smudged, and the .Tabbies and Tortoiseshells should be good of their several varieties. Of course it will sometimes happen that specimens make their appear- ance, spotted, barred or striped, not coming strictly under any of the above descriptions, but in such cases they must be judged on their merits after com- parison with the other competitors. 160 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES I am not much inclined to favour any of the cats with white markings for exhibition purposes except perhaps Tortoiseshell and White, which are often very pretty and I know many breeders will not have them at any price. I think those having the best chance at a show are the Red Tabby and White, and the Tortoiseshell and White, both of which are often very pretty animals. Next to them come perhaps the Brown and Grey Tabbies and White, and the Silver Tabby and White ; then the Black and White, though I have seldom seen specimens of this variety correctly marked ; and lastly the Blue and Smoke and White. Unless the Self Whites, all cats, in my opinion, are more valuable either for sale or exhibition if entirely without white markings. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING ANY OTHER VARIETY OF LONG-HAIRED CATS Head . 10 Points Ears ... 5 ,, Eyes . 10 Chest and shoulders . . . . .10,, Legs and feet . . . . . 5 ,, Brush and hind quarters . . . 5 Coat . . . . . . 20 Condition and appearance . . . .10,, Colour and uniformity of markings . .20 ,, Size, following main colour . . . 5 ,, Total 100 Points S .^<u a -a H .^jj ill CHAPTER XXII THE SHORT-HAIRED BLACK CAT CONTRARY to the popular opinion, what I should call a real black cat is not by any means an everyday specimen to be met with. Scores of times I have been told of grand black cats, which when they came to be handled were not all black, but had a white speck somewhere, either on the neck, chin, chest, or one of the feet, and even at the tip of the tail. Numbers of the colour fail in their eyes, in respect of size, shape, and especially their colour. I think I am not overstepping the mark if I say not one black cat in a hundred is perfect in this point. One of the best I ever saw belonged to a friend of mine, a well-known fancier ; it was a stray, " come by chance," of whose previous history nothing was known, but when it was offered to him my friend planked down five sovereigns for it without any hesitation, though I expect it was the highest price ever reached for a short- haired black cat, and I saw it again and again with first and special prize cards on its pen. Another point in which this variety is often defective is the tail, which should be moderately long and fairly L 161 1 62 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES substantial ; a thin, lanky tail is an abomination, and should be avoided ; I think it is more often met with in female specimens, but is most objectionable in either sex. The head, especially in the males, should be fairly large, round, and broad across the forehead, not too long in face nor mean in muzzle, well cheeked, and with a dignified bearing. The ears should be fairly large and broad where they spring from the head, and carried erect and open. The eyes are of more importance than in most varieties, as they are so often seen a pale yellowish green, but should be a deep orange, or yolk-like yellow, large, round, and imperious in expression. The body should be well-knit and powerful in shape, combining strength and activity. The neck rather short and strong, with wide shoulders and broad chest. The legs rather long and well boned, with small round feet. The tail of moderate length and of tapering thickness from the root to the tip. The coat should be deep and close lying, soft to the touch and shining to the eye, perhaps sleek is an expressive term for it. The colour should be pure glossy, not sooty black, with- out a spot or mark anywhere, having almost a bloom on it. Condition should be hard and muscular, without fat, and general appearance of activity and alertness. Size of males to twelve pounds ; females, to eight pounds. WHITE U CH. BALLOCHMYLE BILLIE BLUE EYES." Four Championships, many First Prizes. Owner, Lady Alexander. To face page 163. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 163 STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED BLACK CATS Head . Ears ...... Eyes ...... Body Legs and feet Tail . ... . . : . . Coat . ... , . * Colour . . Condition and general appearance. Size . , ; . 10 Points v 5 ,v J 5 ,. 10 ;'fe /V ' 5 * X j> '. 10 . 20 .IO r Total 100 Points THE SHORT-HAIRED WHITE CAT This is a great favourite with the writer, who for some years had probably the best team of the colour, with the desired blue eyes, ever seen in the possession of one owner, and they took prizes wherever shown. He also had a neuter of the same colour, a very fine specimen, scaling fifteen pounds when in form, who took first prize in his class, five years in succession, at the Crystal Palace Cat Shows ; and was so perfect in other respects that, but for his eyes being amber colour, instead of blue, would have been <c a hard nut to crack " for the best short-haired cats of any colour. This cat and one of the writer's champions are two of the illustrations herewith given. As I have said of the long-haired Whites, 164 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES so I may say of this variety, it is not unusual to find partial or total deafness amongst them, and any intending purchasers should satisfy themselves in this matter before concluding negotiations. I always fancy I can tell by their countenance if they have this affliction, but it is well to make sure before purchasing, as a deaf cat is often a nuisance, and seldom much good as a mouser. The head should be fairly big, very rounded in shape ; not very short in face ; broad across the upper part of the head, and deep in muzzle. The ears, rather large, and wide at base, very open to the front, and carried bolt upright. The eyes, which should match in size and colour, should be large, full, very intelligent and wide awake in expression, and of turquoise blue in shade. The body should not be very long, but moderately thick in shape, with rounded sides and limbs. The legs should be longish and fairly strong in bone, with round small feet. The tail rather thick than lanky, and carried with a curve below the line of the back. The coat should be short and deep, fine and glossy in texture, with dense undercoat. The colour should be pure flake white, without any tint or shade in it. The condition should be firm and compact, with a comfortable general appearance and aspect. Size of males to ten or eleven pounds ; females, seven to eight pounds. WHITE "CH. LAUREL EMPEROR.' Winner numerous Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 1 64. WHITE, NEUTER " LAURE Winner nineteen First Prizes, Crystal Palace, etc e C ^- Lane, To fa 164. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 165 I should have said, in my experience I have rarely met with a bad-tempered cat of this colour, they are usually very sociable, and make charming cats for the house, and, as a rule, keep themselves wonderfully clean. Of course, for exhibition purposes they may require extra attention, but generally it will be found that a good drenching of the coat with fine flour, which may be done with an ordinary kitchen dredger, and afterwards brushing it carefully out, will give all the cleansing required, and give less risk of cold by washing, which is often a very troublesome operation with cats. The illustrations to this sketch are Champions Ballochmyle, Billie Blue Eyes, Laurel Emperor and Laurel Leonidas, the latter both belonging to the writer, and winners of numerous prizes at all the best shows. The last named was one of the largest white short-haired cats ever shown. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED WHITE CATS Head 10 Points Ears. . 5 Eyes. . . 15 Body ........ 10 Legs and feet ...... 5 Tail . . , 5 Coat . . . . . 10 Colour 25 1 66 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Condition and general appearance . . 10 Points 5 Total 100 Points THE SHORT-HAIRED BLUE CAT I think there is no difference of opinion that this variety came originally from Russia, but it is now quite acclimatised, and breeds freely in this country, though I should not consider it common. It always strikes me, both in its colour and ways, as having more of the wild animal about it than any other of the domestic cats. It is usually very quiet and undemonstrative in manner, and not particularly sociable, but I have not found it bad - tempered, more what I should call reserved. A well-shaped, even-coloured specimen of this variety generally gets into the first three, in a class of all kinds of short-haired cats, and also stands a good chance in a class for Self-coloured Short Hairs, or Short-haired Foreign Cats. At many of the larger shows classes are provided for Short-haired Blues, when it may be observed how many different shades there are of this very neutral colour, and, unless divided by sex, how much smaller the females are than the males. I have known more than one instance of blue kittens, BLUE "CH. BALLOCHMYLE BROTHER BUMP." Four Championships, many First Prizes. Owner, Lady Alexander. BLUE " BALLOCHMYLE BLUE QUEEN." 1st, Crystal Palace ; 1st, Westminster, etc., etc. Owner, Lady Alexander. To face page 167. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 167 being born to British bred and born cats, without any known trace of Russian blue blood in their veins, but I always think they fail in type, though fairly correct in colour. They are often mean and pinched in muzzle, and with a different expression of countenance, to that noticeable in those whose ancestors were imported specimens. The head should be round, fairly large in males, but much smaller in females, broad and well-filled-out cheeks, and rather short face and dark nose. The ears rather large, full and open, wider than most of the Short Hairs. The eyes should be large, round, rather sleepy in ex- pression, and orange yellow in colour. The body should be closely knit, compact and rounded in its outlines, not very long, and without flat appearance at the sides. Legs and feet rather short than long, and muscular. The tail inclined to be short and substantial. The coat should be short, dense and close lying, giving a sleek appearance. The colour should be a slaty plum - coloured blue, and should be even all over, without tints or marks ; in very light-coloured specimens the eyes may be yellow. Condition should be hard and workmanlike, and the appearance always conveys the idea to me of a diminutive specimen of the Puma. Size of males, eight to ten pounds ; of females, about six to eight pounds. 1 68 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED BLUE CATS Head . .... ; . . 10 Points Ears. . . .. 5. . - 5 Eyes . . ... . 10 Body. . . ... . 10 Legs and feet .... - 5 Tail 5 ^ Coat ...... . 20 Colour . . 25 Condition and general appearance r Size . . . 5 ,, Total 100 Points CHAPTER XXIII THE SHORT-HAIRED RED TABBY CAT THIS variety is remarkable in two ways : the males are usually the only mates available for Tortoiseshell and Tortoiseshell and White females, for those desiring to perpetuate either of those two colours ; and females of this variety free from white markings are considered more scarce than those of any other kind of female short- haired cat. For some reason, which I have never heard explained, the best short-haired Tabbies Red, Brown and Silver seem to have emanated from the North of England, Lan- cashire, Durham and Yorkshire in particular, and many of the greatest prize-winners of the past, as well as most of the best known now, appear to have come from these counties. A really well-marked Red Tabby, in good form, is a very handsome animal, and worthy of admiration. The illustrations to this sketch are Champion Balloch- myle Perfection, the property of Lady Alexander, and probably one of the best ever exhibited ; the other, Lord Rufus, a great winner, was first exhibited at a small show in Wiltshire, where he was claimed by the Rev. D. G. 169 170 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Truss, and some time afterwards came into the possession of the writer, who had him for some years. The head should be fairly large, well rounded in shape, not long in face, and tolerably strong in muzzle and throat. The ears should be rather small, carried erect, with a forward turn, not very wide at base, clean cut and neat. The eyes should be large, round, bold in expression and yellow in colour. The legs and feet : the former should be rather long and well boned, the latter round and small. The body should be deep in chest, but lengthy in barrel, and rather narrow across the back and hind quarters. The tail should be long, but not thin, tapering towards the tip, and marked with rings throughout. The coat should be fine, dense and sleek, not long anywhere, and have a glossy appearance. The colour is composed of a rich creamy yellow ground, barred and striped with rich red, sometimes nearly as deep as chocolate, and disposed in much the same way as on the Bengal tiger, which may be looked upon as the c< Emperor of Tabby cats." The ground colour and the markings should each be as clear and distinct as possible, and unmixed with any other shade or tint, and the difficulty of obtaining this is the reason high-class specimens of this variety are so scarce and valuable. Condition should be firm as to flesh, glossy as to coat, and appearance that of an active, alert animal. Size varies a good deal in the sexes ; for while males of twelve pounds and over are not uncommon, the females RED TABBY "CH. BALLOCHMYLE PERFECTION." Winner of two Gold Medals, 100 First Prizes, etc. Owner, Lady Alexander. RED TABBY, NEUTER " LORD RUFUS." Winner many Prizes and Specials. Owner, C. II. Lane. To face page \ 70. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 171 may not average more than from eight to ten pounds, and probably the majority will not exceed the first-named weight. I consider both sexes of this variety are keen vermin killers as a rule, not confining their attention to rats and mice only, but engaging with weasels, stoats, and even polecats, if they come in their way. They are all right with people they know, but I have not found them very sociable with strangers, nor are they disposed to be friendly towards other people's cats who may trespass on what they look upon as their domain, and a word followed by a blow is generally their order of battle ; and it takes a good warrior, of any variety of cat to <c take down " an adult male Red Tabby fairly on his mettle. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED RED TABBY CATS Head . . . . . . .10 Points Ears . . . 5 Eyes . . . . . . . 10 5 , Body 10 Legs and feet ...... 5 ,, Tail 5 Coat 10 Colour . . . . . . . 25 Condition and general appearance . 15 ,, Size ........ 5 ,, Total 100 Points 172 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES THE SHORT-HAIRED SILVER TABBY CAT Although it is very rare to see specimens of this variety attain great size, I think they are very pretty animals, and generally admired. I think I have had more of them than anyone else I remember, in the South or West of England, and for many years could bench or pen the best team of the colour probably ever seen in the possession of one owner, comprising a champion of each sex, and three or four runners up. I won scores of prizes with those at all the best shows, and there were no short-haired cats better known ; one of them, a female, own sister to Mrs George Herring's Jimmy, was, I should imagine, the best female short-haired cat ever exhibited. Her brother was a very handsome cat, took numerous prizes, and was the only cat I remember taking the Gold Medal of the National Cat Club, at the Crystal Palace Show, as c< best Cat, Long or Short-haired," in the show. On several occasions his sister was put over him, and it was always a close thing between them, but they were both so good, it was almost a case of condition. Miss Moore had a nice female, Jenny, who was put over mine once or twice, I think they were aunt and niece, but she was nothing like so correct in points, nor did she show herself off so well. I think Champion Jimmy, Miss Moore's Jenny, and my own Laurel King, who was her son and a champion like her- self, were the only three "in the same street" with Champion SILVER TABBY " CH. JIMMY." Gold and Silver Medals and Specials innumerable. Champion Short-Haired Male Cat. Owner, Mrs Louisa Herring. To face page 173 SILVER TABBY "CH. LAUREL KING." Two Gold Medals, Cup, many First Prizes, etc. Owner, C. II. Lane. 'to face page 173. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 173 Laurel Queen, who had the grace and style of her mother, Jenny, that came to me from the late Herbert Young of Harrogate, who was quite an enthusiast about cats, and a very skilful breeder of them, and he told me he had her from Mr Sugden of Withnell, near Chorley, Yorkshire, and her beautiful colour and clear markings she took from her sire, Champion King of the Fancy, of whose off- spring I never saw a bad specimen, but I think he was seldom shown. Laurel Prince, Laurel Silvie and Silver Star were others of high quality, who took numbers of prizes, but with three champions of the variety well to the fore, and all often shown, they had not that chance of getting to the top of the tree which has been afforded since. I hope to give, with this sketch, reproductions of the portraits of Champions Jimmy and Laurel Queen, brother and sister, and Champion Laurel King, son of last named, as representative specimens of the variety. I believe it is not only unique in the fact that the three champions were closely related, brother, sister, nephew, and had taken more and better prizes than any three short-haired cats living or ever seen, but that it was the only instance on record where there were three champions in existence at the same time of any variety of short-haired cat ; and I do not remember a case since, but I am not positive about this. I have owned and seen many Silver Tabbies since, but none quite as good as those three, in all of which it was much easier to point out a beauty than to find a defect. There is nearly always much difference in the sizes 174 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES of the sexes, and while the males are fairly big cats, the females are mostly on the small side. The head should not be large or coarse, fairly short in face, not pinched in muzzle, and with rounded cheeks. The ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at top, broader below. The eyes round shaped, rather full and brilliant, very intelligent in expression, deep bright yellow in colour. Legs and feet longish, fine in bone, and feet small and neat. Body rather long in barrel and flat in sides, fairly deep in chest, but not wide across shoulders. Tail longish, but not too thin. Coat, short, fine, glossy, and soft feeling. Condition and general appearance, firm and compact, with no superfluous flesh, muscular and lithe, giving promise of great vivacity of temperament and activity. Size, perhaps twelve pounds would be a high average for males, and about eight pounds for females. I have seen males of this colour closely approaching twenty pounds, but in all such cases they have lost by being coarse, and were generally fat ; but I never remember seeing a female exceeding ten pounds, and I am sure they rarely come up to that weight. I should perhaps add that where so many Silver Tabbies fail is in their ground colour not being clear and pure, free from any tint, and the black markings not intense enough. I have left the speaking of the desired colour to the last ; the ground should be a sort of pale lavender shade of /po/ 23 'e/,6. SILVER TABBY "CH. LAUREL QUEEN." Two Gold and many Silver Medals, thirty-five Specials, hundreds of First Prizes everywhere. Champion Female Short-hair Cat of the World ! Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 174. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 175 French grey, all over, with Tabby markings of pure black on the face, head, chest, back, sides and tail, precisely as set out for the other Tabby marked cats ; the ground between the stripes should be broader than they are, or they will appear too dark in colour, and the marks on face, forehead and chest should be distinct and clear. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED SILVER TABBY CATS Head . . . .. < ;;*~ ^. <, 10 Points Ears . 5 Eyes. . . .5 Body and shape . .; . ,v .- ;.:: 10 Legs and feet . :^; r . . , >' 5 Tail . . |ft O."i: ;* . . -V 5 Coat . . . ? . ju;<- n, i . .<.. IO Size . . . v- r >X' . . . * 10 Condition and appearance . . . 15 Colour and markings . . . ^., 25 Total 100 Points THE SHORT-HAIRED BROWN TABBY CAT Everyone thinks they know, and have often seen, a specimen of this variety, and many fondly fancy "they have one at home, quite as good as the one that has taken a prize at the show," for I have often heard them say so, 176 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES in quite a loud voice, at the show, but did not believe it any the more for that ! In fact, real Brown Tabbies are comparatively rare, and when you find one good one, you will discover at least fifty not up to the mark. I think the best Brown Tabby that has been brought out for many years was the late Champion Xenophon, the property of Lady Decies, and I have always thought I did a foolish thing in refusing the offer of him, long before her ladyship ever heard of him, when I could have had him for less than a quarter of the price for which he was afterwards sold to a friend of mine. It so happened, I had a lot of cats, some thirty or forty I think, at the time, and was not anxious for more, and so missed my chance ; and although, whenever they met, whether at the Crystal Palace, or any other large shows, my Brown Tabby, Laurel Quar, who was really a better brown in colour than he, but lost to him in size and general appearance, had to play second fiddle as long as he remained in the band ; it would have been more satisfactory to have owned both, when I could have made each a champion, as I held the winning cards, with two champions in Whites and the same in Silver Tabbies, which were the only two varieties to be much feared. I am pleased, however, that Xenophon got into good and appreciative hands, in both his late owners, and that he had a thoroughly good time. I am glad to give the reproduction of a capital portrait of him, as I think, taking him all round, he was the best specimen of the variety I can call to mind ; I mean with BROWN TABBY" CH. FULMER XKNOPHON." Best Brown Tabby ever exhibited. Owner, Lady Decies. BROWN TABBY " LAUREL QUAR." Winner numerous First and Second Prizes, Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. 7i? face bage 1 ; THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 177 less faults and more beauties ; and when in form I would have taken him in preference to anyone else's cat (of course, not including my own) in the show, although, that is what our American cousins would call "rather a large order/' Now, to give my views about this variety. As long as it is not coarse, I like the head large and massive, well rounded at sides, fairly long in face, strong in muzzle, and broad across forehead. Ears of medium size, wide at base, narrowing and rounded at tips. Eyes very full and brilliant, orange yellow in colour, with a glint of green within ; very expressive. Body large and powerful in build, being long and deep, with broad chest and shoulders. Legs strong and with plenty of bone ; feet not large, and round shaped. Tail long rather than short, but very thick at root, with gradual tapering towards the tip. Coat should be moderately long, dense and close, with a glossy appearance to it. Condition should be hard, fine and muscular. Appearance that of an active but powerful animal, with a due sense of self-importance about it, and a great deal of style. Size, males up to twenty pounds ; perhaps twelve to fifteen pounds a good average ; females, from eight to eleven pounds, more to be seen within than exceeding those limits. Colour to be as rich in the brown colouring of the ground as possible, and the black stripes, bars and curves M I 7 8 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES to be as intense in shade as obtainable, the one or two stripes across chest, forming the Lord Mayor's chain, in particular should be much in evidence. When one has the opportunity of seeing a downright first-class specimen of this variety, it is a thing, in the words of the late Captain Cuttle, " to be made a note of." The illustrations to this sketch are portraits of Champion Xenophon and the writer's Laurel Quar, two of the best specimens of the variety seen for many years. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED BROWN TABBY CATS Head Ears Eyes ...... Body and shape ..... Legs and feet ..... Tail. ; Coat Condition and appearance . Size ....... Colour and markings .... Total 100 Points IO Points 5 ,, IO 5 IO 5 35 5 J5 IO 5) 10 IO 5) 2 5 5) THE SPOTTED TABBY SHORT-HAIRED CAT As far as my experience goes, this is by far the least common of all the Tabbies, and correctly - marked specimens are very rarely seen. I am bound to say they THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 179 do not receive much encouragement, as at very few shows indeed do they have classes provided for them, and even then nearly always have to be shown all together. The title of each depends on the ground colour of the coat. There are Brown, Grey, Silver and Red- Spotted Tabbies, of which I fancy the last is most often seen, but generally fails in the brightness and distinctness of its spots, and the ground is often a washy pale yellow, which gives a blurred look to the coat. A really well-marked Spotted Tabby, especially that called Silver, is a very pretty animal, but too rarely seen. The head should be small, medium in size, neither short in face nor pinched in muzzle. The ears standing well open to the front, rounded at tips and not too wide at base. The eyes round, full, and intelligent-looking, and in colour follow the rules laid down for the several Tabbies. The body rather long and flat-sided, not heavy limbed, but light and active in build. The legs rather long than short, the feet small and compact. The tail long and gracefully carried, tapering to the end, but not thin or skinny-looking. The coat should be short, fine, close lying and glossy in appearance and feeling soft to the touch. The condition should be firm, moderately muscular, and the general aspect elegant and graceful in outlines. The size of males may average ten pounds, and of females about eight pounds, but I do not object to a little more in each, provided type and quality are present. i8o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The colour is of course very important ; whatever the ground may be, all the markings everywhere should be mainly composed of distinct and well-defined spots, which, except in the case of the Spotted Red Tabby, when they are a deep rich red, should be nearly black, and the more they approach this shade the better will be the general effect. A great many specimens may be seen with stripes and spots, but these are not what are wanted, and probably arise from the inter-breeding of striped with spotted cats. The only approach to a line or stripe of colour in a Spotted Tabby is the trace running along the back, and even this, to be quite in order, should be made up of a number of spots from the back of the neck to the root of the tail, which should also be marked with spots from one end to the other. I have usually found this variety of a placid and amiable disposition, perhaps not so playful as some, but with no disagreeable characteristics. Of course the colour is a matter of taste, but to my mind the Silver Spotted Tabby, with dense black spots on a pale lavender ground, which shows them off well, is the prettiest of all. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SPOTTED TABBY SHORT-HAIRED CATS Head ....... 10 Points Ears . 5 Eyes to follow ground colour . . .10 ,, %, SPOTTED SILVER TABBY " TIDULES." 1st, Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, R. J. Babb. To face page 181, THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 181 Body and shape . ' : , Legs and feet . ' 'i, . : . Coat . . . Condition and general appearance Size ...... Colour and markings . Tail. Total 100 Points THE NARROW-STRIPED SHORT-HAIRED TABBY CAT There is one other Tabby variety of which I should like to say a few words, the more so as, although by no means rare, it is perhaps not so often seen as the other members of the family. It is essentially a Tabby, and, unless restrictions are specially made at any show, can fairly be shown in " Tabbies Any Colour " Class. As a rule it has a dark iron grey ground colour, but the stripes, which are narrow and should be black, run down each side, starting from the black trace along the spine, somewhat in the fashion of the stripes on a tiger. There is a good difference in the sizes of the sexes, for, while I have often seen quite large males of this variety, I never remember seeing more than an ordinary-sized female. As far as my experience goes, it is very seldom you see markings of this particular type on a light grey or silver ground, or on any specimen of the Red Tabby colour ; so 1 82 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES that although I have never seen a class provided for them, and have always met them either in Mixed Tabby or Variety Classes, I think they are as much entitled to be considered a distinct variety as Spotted Tabbies, and believe there are plenty of them about if they were looked after and brought to the front. Many I have seen were very handsome specimens, and well worthy of notice, and I have little doubt if taken up by some careful breeders a good deal might be done with them. The head should be round, strong in muzzle, short in face, and with well-filled cheeks. The ears rather small, with rounded tips. The eyes large, round, lustrous and orange yellow, with a look of green in them ; intelligent expression. The legs rather short, strong in bone ; feet round. The body moderately long and deep, broad across the shoulders, back and hind quarters, cobby more than lanky. The tail thick and strong, carried in a curve, marked with the body colours in rings from end to end. The coat dense, but not long or coarse, sleek and soft. The condition muscular, firm and hard, and general appearance tiger-like and stately. The size of males to twelve or thirteen pounds ; of females, to eight or nine pounds. The colour to be shades of iron grey all over for the ground, with Tabby markings on face much as in the other Tabbies, but the body markings to be made up of narrow black stripes running downwards from the spine. NARROW STRIPED TABBY "SILVER/ Owner, Mrs Fossett. 70 face page 183* THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 183 STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING NARROW- STRIPED SHORT-HAIRED TABBY CATS. Head ... Ears .... .' Eyes . . Legs and feet . Body Tail Coat Condition and general appearance Size . . . . . Colour io Points r . 10 . 5 . io ,, 5 5 I0 io 39 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XXIV THE SMOKE-COLOURED SHORT-HAIRED CAT THIS, which is not to be confounded with the Russian Blue, to which at first sight it bears some little resem- blance, is by no means a very common variety. I have had several specimens at different times, and am rather partial to them. They nearly always, as far as I have noticed, have some faint Tabby markings on the body, so much so that I know they are called by some people Black Tabbies, and it is quite possible they originated from the mating of a Black and a Blue, but I think they are now an established variety, although they never have classes provided for them at any shows I have attended, and I have always exhibited mine in the Any Other Variety Short Hairs, and never, I think, without gaining honours with them. Although I am sure some of this variety have been produced by the union of other colours, I think two Smokes may be relied on to reproduce their own shade of coat, and I am rather surprised they have not received more encouragement. 184 THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 185 I have never seen this variety even mentioned in any book on cats, but will give my views about it. The head should be fairly large, well rounded, with moderately short face and strong muzzle. The ears should be rather wide at base, with rounded tips, and carried erect, well open to front. The eyes should be round, bold and full, orange yellow in colour, and alert in expression. The body well-knit and compact, not long or flat in barrel, and muscular in build. The legs should be rather long, and feet round and small in shape. The tail should be fairly thick at root, tapering to the tip, and of moderate length. The coat should be dense, short and smooth, more abundant on the shoulders and hind quarters than on other parts of the body. The condition should be hard, muscular, and giving promise of power and activity. The size should average about nine to ten pounds, for males ; and from seven to eight pounds for females. The colour should be nearly black slate, of a dull almost sooty hue. I do not consider faint Tabby markings, if they are hardly perceptible except in strong lights, are a drawback, as specimens good in other respects are so seldom met with free from them. The illustration to this sketch is a portrait of the writer's Luke, winner of many prizes at the Crystal Palace and elsewhere, a very perfect specimen. 1 86 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SMOKE- COLOURED SHORT-HAIRED CATS Head . . . . . . Ears . Eyes. . . Body and shape . . . . . Legs and feet . . / . . Tail . ..... Coat. .... Condition and general appearance . Colour . . . . . . io Points 5 io . 10 5 5 15 io 25 5 Total 100 Points THE SHORT-HAIRED BLACK AND WHITE CAT This variety, correctly marked, is not so common as the outside public may suppose ; in the course of a long career as breeder and exhibitor, I do not think I have owned more than three or four I considered good enough to exhibit. Almost all the cats of different colours, I think more especially amongst the Short Hairs, have some peculiarities or characteristics which seem to belong to themselves, and I always fancy there is a solemnity, gravity, and clerical aspect about Black and White cats ; so that, if you met with one in a Bishop's Palace or a Deanery, you would feel it was quite in keeping with its surroundings. They are usually very demure and placid in demeanour, SMOKE " LAUREL LUKE." 1st, Crystal Palace ; 2nd, Brighton, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 1 86. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 187 and I never remember to have seen one of this colour taking part in raids on the chickens in the poultry yard or the nocturnal scrimmages in the back gardens so often heard. They seem to preserve an air of perfect respecta- bility in accordance with their appearance, and act up to it! The head should be large and well rounded, with well- filled-out cheeks and fairly strong muzzle on a face of moderate length. The ears somewhat large and full, carried very erect, well open in front, tips pointed. The eyes round, full, with placid expression, rich yellow with a green glint in them. The legs and feet : former strongly made with plenty of bone in them, fairly long, but not leggy ; the latter small and compact. The body thick and plump rather than long or flat-sided, and the shape somewhat cobby. The tail thick and strong at base, tapering to the point, but not long or mean-looking. The coat very dense with a gloss upon it, and not long anywhere. The condition should be hard and muscular rather than fat, and the appearance that of an active, but con- tented and comfortable-looking animal. The size should be about ten to twelve pounds for males ; and from seven to nine pounds for females. The colour is most important. Black is the prevail- ing shade, and should be as dense as possible all over, except the mouth, chin, lips, parts of the cheeks, whiskers i88 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES and chest, and all the four feet, which should be pure white ; the white on face running up between the eyes in a blaze, something like that seen in a Dutch Rabbit. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED BLACK AND WHITE CATS Head ...... Ears Eyes . Body and shape ..... Legs and feet ..... Tail Coat Condition and general appearance . Size ....... Colour ...... Total 100 Points THE SHORT-HAIRED WHITE AND BLACK CAT I consider this variety in marked contrast, in point of character and disposition, to the last named, as those I have known have been of the light-hearted, happy-go- lucky temperament, the first in a scrimmage or scuffle and the last to leave off ; demons for vermin and very sporting in their tastes. This accounts for their being often found amongst the victims of the gamekeepers' attention to trespassers, either really, or supposed to be, in pursuit of fur and feather in the woods and plantations. 10 Points 5 10 5) IO ,, 5 )) 5 3) IO 15 J) 5 2 5 J) fta THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 189 They are more often leggy than not, and have usually a long, rather lanky, tucked-up appearance, with more muscle than flesh, but giving the idea of any amount of activity and energy, and seeming more to enjoy an out- door life at a cottage or farm in the country, than to be cooped up in a warm room and made much of as a domestic favourite. I have not found them bad-tempered or unsociable, but do not consider they care about a lot of handling or pulling about ; there is something eminently workmanlike about them as a rule, which precludes the idea of their being petted very much. As might be supposed, specimens of this variety differ much in their markings, which should be quite pure black, unmixed with tabby or white hairs, and the more they harmonise in evenness and uniformity, the better they are, but two are not often seen exactly alike ; one may have black ears, feet, tail, and a spot or two on body ; another may be all white except markings on head and tail, and another with head and tail white and markings on body and legs only. I hope, as illustration to this sketch, to give a portrait of one of my own, whom I called Magpie, and whose colours I rather liked ; he was nearly all white, except black on head and tail, and four large spots on his body. I shall say something of him hereafter in my anecdotes. The head should be small, very round, rather long faced and lean, with longish neck, and narrow shoulders and chest. 190 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The ears very erect in carriage, rather large in size, and very open and wide-awake looking. The eyes are very round and staring, greenish yellow in colour, and with a smart alert expression. The legs are long and fine in bone, with small round feet. The body long, flat-sided, and rather lean than plump, very lithe and active-looking. The tail long, moderately thin to the point, and carried gracefully. The condition muscular, firm and hard, and the general appearance denoting much muscular vigour. The coat short, fine, and shiny, very close lying to the skin. The size not differing much in the sexes, averaging from eight to ten pounds, perhaps rarely exceeding nine pounds. The colour to be white in predominance, with black markings, as uniform as possible, distributed all over, from head to tail, with a preference for some on both the last named. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING WHITE AND BLACK SHORT-HAIRED CATS Head . . ... . . .10 Points Ears 5 Eyes . . . . - 1 . . . . 10 Body and shape . . . . . .10,, Legs and feet ...... 5 THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 191 Tail . . . . . . .5 Points Coat 10 Condition and general appearance . . .15,, Size 5 Colour . . . . . . . 25 Total 100 Points THE SHORT-HAIRED TABBY AND WHITE CAT This variety really comprises the several Tabbies with white markings, and although they do not receive the same amount of favour at the hands of either fanciers or judges usually accorded to those without white, many of them are, in my opinion, very beautiful animals. You see Red, Dark, Brown, Grey and Silver Tabbies and White, and it is a matter of taste which is the prettiest. I incline to the Dark and the Silver, but have had specimens of them all at one time or another. Of course, there must be uniformity and evenness in the markings for show purposes ; a cat all white, with the exception of some blotches or spots of tabby about it, would not stand much chance of a prize in a good show. Tabby must be the predominent feature, and plenty of it, the white being disposed uniformly and unmixed with the tabby anywhere. What I like to see in them is a body all tabby, with four white feet. I do not mind the hind feet being a little more white than those in front, if they are alike. 192 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The face, chest and chin white, with a blaze up the forehead between the eyes ; and the under part of the body also white. The head should be round, not very large, and with a moderately long face. The ears small, well placed and erect in carriage. The eyes should be bright and round shaped, follow- ing the colour of the Tabby in shade. The body, fairly long, but not lanky or flat-sided, and muscular in build. , The legs rather short than long, to avoid any legginess, and the feet round and small ; both well boned. The tail strong at root, tapering to base, and not of great length . The coat short, close and dense, but fine and soft to the touch. The condition hard, firm and muscular, not fat or coarse, and the general appearance graceful and active. The size should be from ten to twelve pounds for males, and from seven to nine pounds for females ; a little more may be allowed to each sex, provided there is a general sense of quality rather than coarseness. The colour, to be ideal, should be tabby all over, except the white blaze up face between the eyes, white chest, belly and the four feet, no spots to be allowed on any of the white markings, nor any white on any part of the tabby markings. Such a cat as described is not as often seen as may be supposed, but is a very pretty creature. SILVER TABBY AND WHITE " LAUREL SILVER STAR. Winner many First and other Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 192. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 193 STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED TABBY AND WHITE CATS Head . . .. Ears ...... Eyes ...... Body and shape . . . Legs and feet . Tail Coat Condition and general appearance Size ...... Colour and markings . 10 Points 5 10 10 5 S 10 1 S 10 20 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XXV THE TORTOISESHELL SHORT-HAIRED CAT ONE marked peculiarity of this variety is the great rarity of males ; I should think there is not one male to be met with to several hundred females. I have never heard any reason given for this being so, but I have not the slightest doubt about it. In all my show experiences I do not think I have seen a dozen Tortoiseshell male cats, and never seen more than three at any one show. My friend, the late Mr Herbert Young, of Harrogate, was very sanguine he had discovered a plan for breeding the males as well as females of this colour, but if so he died without divulging the secret, as I remember only one appearing from his cattery. The black red and yellow making up the colour, of which, as a rule, the black is the most prominent, give rather a sombre appearance to them, and they are not admired much by the general public. As I have said in another place in these sketches, the females are usually mated with Red Tabby males, and I have found excellent Blacks, Whites and Red Tabbies in some of these litters. Of course, it is important there should be no Tabby 194 TORTOISESHELL, MALE " CH. BALLOCHMYLE SAMSON." Seven Championships ; numerous First Prizes, Crystal Palace and elsewhere. Owner, Lady Alexander. TORTOISESHELL, FEMALE " BALLOCHMYLE BOUNTIFUL BERTIE." Two Firsts, Crystal Palace; 1st and Championship, Brighton, etc. Owner, Lady Alexander. To face page 195. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 195 markings mixed in with the Tortoiseshell, and this is where I notice many of them fail, as each colour should be quite pure and distinct. They are usually of rather small size, but keen vermin hunters, and make good mothers. I do not think any variety of domestic cat is possessed of more spirit and courage, and they will seldom turn their back to any foe, when fairly roused. I like them as house or stable cats as well as any. I have had some of them about the place for very many years, and found them sociable and affectionate and with less timidity or nerves about them than almost any other variety. The head should be of moderate size, very round in shape, with a short face, and rather long neck and narrow shoulders. The ears small, carried very upright and open, with general idea of alertness. The eyes brilliant, full and large, round in shape and orange yellow in colour ; very intelligent expression. The legs rather long than short or cloddy, fine in bone, and the feet round and small. The body long and narrow, with sloping shoulders, more muscle than fat everywhere. The tail should be rather long, not thin or lanky, as they often are, and marked with the three colours. The coat should be short, fine and shiny, and very sleek and smooth to the touch. The condition should be firm, hard and muscular, the general appearance denoting grace and activity. The size of males need not be given, as they are so 196 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES seldom seen, but I should like them up to ten or twelve pounds, if possible, and females up to eight or nine pounds. The colour, composed of black red and yellow, in patches all over from the nose to tip of tail, and the more distinct each is the better. The illustrations to this sketch are Lady Alexander's Champions Ballochmyle Samson and Ballochmyle Bounti- ful Bertie, probably the best specimens living of this variety. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED TORTOISESHELL CATS Head . . . Ears '", Eyes ... Legs and feet . . . Body . . ' '. Tail .... Coat . Condition and general appearance Size . . . , Colour . . . . , io Points 5 10 5 IO 5 5 3) IS JJ s 3 Total 100 Points THE TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE SHORT-HAIRED CAT In the eyes of the general public this variety is much prettier than the last, and I have owned and seen many I have greatly admired. For some years I had a male of this variety, which took a great many prizes, and they TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE " CH. KALLOCHM YLK OTTER." Nine Championships, many First Prizes, Cry.^tal Palace, etc. Owner, Lady Alexander. TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE, MALE " LAUREL LOTHAIR." Winner many Prizes Crystal Palace, Brighton, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 196. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 197 are only second in rarity to the Tortoiseshell males. I hope to give his portrait as one of the illustrations to this sketch, and a champion of Lady Alexander's as the other. To be ideally marked, the tortoiseshell should be the predominant feature, but in very many we see at the shows and elsewhere, there is a great deal too much white, which takes off from the rich appearance of the colouring, and seems to diminish the size. I have found them quite equal to the Tortoiseshells as vermin killers and mothers, and very docile and gentle in their manners. I think they are more inclined to attach themselves to their owners than most varieties, and very playful and fond of fun long after they are adults. Several that I have had have been most friendly with some of my dogs, and delighted to have a thorough romp on the lawn with them, always taking to the trees when the play became too fast and furious for them. The head should be small, round, and with a short face, but not too pinched in muzzle. The ears rather large and open, with erect carriage. The eyes wide open, round, lustrous and sharp- looking, orange yellow in colour. The legs long, without giving a leggy appearance, and not strong in bone ; the feet small and round shaped. The body and neck inclined to be long, shoulders and quarters rather narrow, and somewhat flat at sides. The tail should be long, moderately thick at base and tapering to the point, not mean-looking. The coat should be glossy, fine and- short, lying closely to the skin. 198 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The condition should be muscular, hard and firm, with an active, graceful general appearance. The size might average eight pounds for females, though many are seen much less males, as much more as obtainable without fat or coarseness. The colour should be tortoiseshell all over, except white blaze up face, on each of the four feet, the chest and belly ; the more distinct and pure the patches of yellow black and red are, the better the specimen will be in regard to colour, and no Tabby markings should appear mixed with any of the colours, but they are often seen in the red or yellow patches, denoting a Tabby somewhere in the pedigree. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE SHORT-HAIRED CATS Head . . . ... .10 Points Ears . . . ; .". (r ,\ : . 5 Eyes . . . . . ^ . r . 10 Legs and feet . . . V . " 5 Body . . . . . ... ... . . .10 Tail . -". ; . , , ; ."," . , 5 Coat . . . . ... , : . ; . . 5 Condition and general appearance . .15 Size . ; .. . . < , . " [, 5 Colour and uniformity in markings . . . 30 Total 100 Points TABBY MANX "CH. BONHAKI." Winner of numerous Prizes. Owner, Mrs II. C. Brooke. WHITE MANX "LORD LUKE." 1st, Alexandra Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 198. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 199 THE MANX CAT This variety, to the best of my knowledge, informa- tion and belief, does not include any long-haired specimens, and, as far as I have heard or seen, does not comprise all the colours usually associated with other short-haired varieties. I have reason to believe white specimens are very seldom seen, and the first I ever had of the variety was of that colour. I will give his portrait to illustrate this sketch, as he was one of the most typical specimens I have seen, and winner of many prizes while in my possession, and also a portrait of Mrs H. C. Brooke's " Champion." I may at once say that it is a mistake to suppose that any cat that had lost its tail might be taken for a " Manx," or would have any chance of notice at a show, if the judge understood the variety, as the make of the animal, its movements and its general character are all distinctive. I have proved the truth of the late Mr Herbert Young's assertion as to half-bred Manx Cats having tail-less progeny, and can go a step further, as, during the time I kept the variety, I found some of the females of other short-haired breeds were liable to produce kittens with short, and, on some occasions, no tails. This was really the reason why I determined to give up keeping Manx, although the only male of the variety in my possession was not allowed to be at large, or mated with any but his own species. Any of my readers who may desire to take up the variety, which is quaint and interesting and I found all 200 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES the specimens which have come under my notice docile, good-tempered and sociable if they take my advice, will either keep no other variety of cat, long or short-haired, or quite isolated and out of sight of the Manx, or they may suffer in the same way as I did. At comparatively few shows are classes provided for this variety, which has therefore usually to be entered in the " Any Other Variety Short Hair," where it does not stand much chance of getting into the first three, unless exceptionally good in size and markings. It is curious that the colours in this variety seem somewhat limited, as although I have seen a great many of them, I never remember to have seen any but tortoise- shell, and very few of that shade ; white, and that only my own male ; black, perhaps the most numerous of all as far as my experience goes ; black and white, and grey- striped Tabby. I am not prepared to say that no others are ever seen, but that I do not remember seeing them either in Manx or Any Other Variety classes. Many of those shown fail in their tails, some having an inch or more, whereas the tail proper should be absent and represented by only a tuft of hair at the extremity of the spine, though some, I believe, pure bred have had a tiny thin apology for a tail without bone. I may perhaps mention that I have bred a great many of the Old English sheep dogs, which I am glad to see have now become so deservedly popular, and have had litters with nearly the whole of them born without a particle of tail, proving that although some of their ancestors (as I happen to know has been done with even THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 201 some of those that have taken the highest honours at shows as genuine Old English sheep dogs) had their tails docked, many are born entirely without those useful appendages. My ideas about the Manx Cat are as follows : The head should be of moderate size, round, not very short in face, but long in neck, with sloping shoulders, and rather wide and deep in chest. The ears very erect and open to the front, large rather than small, with rounded tips. The eyes large, round, rather staring and prominent, coloured according to the body colour. The fore legs straight, well boned and strong ; and the hind legs much longer, very well boned and muscular, with powerful hind quarters ; in action the Manx seems to hop, or jump along, more with the movements associ- ated with a hare than of a cat, and must be seen to be properly appreciated. The body should be well knit, rather lengthy, inclined to be flat-sided, not, as a rule, very bulky, but strong. The tail should be absent, but, as I have said, there is sometimes a little gristly thin ending to the spine, in a tuft of hair, where the tail would be in other varieties. The coat should be short, fine and close lying to the skin, soft and smooth to the touch, perhaps a little more abundant on the shoulders, chest and hind quarters than any- where else, but not so as to take away its sleek appearance. The condition should be firm, hard and muscular, with no superfluous fat about it ; and the general appear- ance that of an alert, active animal of much power and energetic character. 202 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The size of males from eight to ten pounds, and of females from six to eight pounds. I have rarely seen these weights exceeded, and have seen many that would come under them. Colour is, of course, a matter of taste. I think white is the least often seen ; some of the largest specimens I have met with have been black, and the smallest black and white. I have seen many good tabbies and one or more tortoiseshell. In all of these the markings and eyes should follow the rules laid down for similar colours in Other Varieties of Short-haired Cats. I am not aware that any standard has ever been given for judging this variety, but my views about it are as follows : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE MANX CAT Head and neck . . . . . .10 Points Ears . . . 5 Eyes . . 10 Fore legs and feet . . . 5 Hind legs and feet . . . . 1 5 Body and shape . . . . . .10,, Tail, or rather its absence . . . . 15 ,, Condition and general appearance . .10 Coat . , . . . , . . . . 5 Size . . JJ6 ' ' ' 5 Colour . 10 Total 100 Points ABYSSINIAN " QUEEN JUMBO." 1st, Crystal Palace ; 1st, Brighton, etc. Owner, Mrs George Herring. To face page 203. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 203 THE SHORT-HAIRED ABYSSINIAN CAT I am not sure if this is not absolutely the least fre- quently seen of any variety of domesticated cat in this country, which leads me to think it has never become popular, either with fanciers or the public. I have not heard its title to the name Abyssinian disputed, and have every reason to believe the first speci- mens which appeared were imported from that distant land. In fact, it is asserted by some who profess to have gone deeply into the subject, that this is the same variety as was held in such reverence by the Egyptians in past ages, and of which shiploads of their mummies, or rather embalmed bodies, were discovered a few years since, and created a profound sensation in scientific circles. If this idea proves to be correct it will considerably alter the position of the variety in the eyes of the breeders and fanciers of cats, pointing it out as lineal descendant of the ancestors of the short-haired cats of Europe, which, as I have said in another place in these sketches, are sup- posed, with the single exception of the native Wild Cat, to owe their origin to the short-haired cats imported from Egypt. Another name by which this variety is sometimes called is the Bunny Cat, given I think on account of the ticked grey colour of the coat, which has much the same aspect as that of the wild rabbit. As far as I have seen of both varieties, there is no other of the Short Hairs domesticated in this country, which is so much like our native Wild Cat, as this, except 204 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES that there is almost entire absence of even the slight Tabby markings, which appear on specimens of the latter, and it is not so short and thick in shape of body and tail, the latter with the rings very faintly indicated upon it, which are rather a feature in the native Wild Cat. Contrary to the usual supposition that the progeny of imported animals are larger than their parents, it is asserted by breeders that those which have undoubtedly come to this country from Abyssinia are larger and finer specimens than those born here, and more free from any markings, except the dark trace down back and the tick- ings peculiar to the species. The head should be fairly large, round, not very short, but full in face, with dark red nose, shortish, strong neck, deep chest, and shoulders rather wide. The ears moderately small, dark brown in colour, laced and tipped with black, carried very erect. The eyes round and full, deep yellow, with a glint of green in them, and intelligent in expression. The legs fairly long and well boned, with small round feet. The body, rather compact and cobby, than long ; well rounded at sides, not tucked-up looking, and with strong hind quarters. The tail, thick at base, tapering to the tip. The coat very dense and soft, but not long anywhere. The condition hard, firm and muscular ; general ap- pearance of an active, powerful animal of compact build. The size of males, eleven to thirteen pounds ; of females, eight to ten pounds. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 205 The colour deep brown, with black tickings all over, with as little other markings as possible, except a black line from nape of neck to the end of tail. The illustration is a portrait of a specimen shown some years since by my friend Mrs George Herring. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE ABYSSINIAN CAT Head Ears Eyes Legs and feet . Body and shape . Coat ..... Condition and general appearance Size ..... Colour Tail . 10 Points 5 10 r IO ,, 1 S> . 5 . 20 5 Total 100 Points THE SIAMESE CAT Although some of the varieties mentioned in these sketches are rare, and seldom seen except occasionally at shows, I think that description applies to none more generally than to the Siamese. I don't remember to have ever seen one roaming at large, and I believe most people who saw one would be doubtful if it really was a cat, as the colour is so much in 206 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES accord with the ideas of a pug dog. Some I have seen with a short twisted tail, something like a badly-carried pug's tail. There seems to be no difference of opinion that this variety is correctly named, the first specimens seen here being imported from Siam, where they are held in much esteem, the King of Siam being reputed to take consider- able interest in keeping the breed pure ; so much so that it was in the early days of the fancy a difficult matter to obtain specimens, and many of the males were not allowed to leave the country, to be available for breeding purposes ; but as a great many have been bred in the United Kingdom of late years, I presume those regulations have either been relaxed or evaded. Occasionally specimens are seen with coats of choco- late colour, but I think the ordinary and most popular shade is fawn, pale drab, or light silver grey ground colour, with all the extremities as nearly black as obtain- able. They are said by those best acquainted with them to make very interesting pets, but with more of the ways of dogs than cats, attaching themselves warmly to their owners, and liking to accompany them from room to room, or about the garden or grounds, and will become very friendly with the dogs about the place, but not so sociable with cats, and well able to take care of themselves in any differences of opinion with the latter. They seem to like an outdoor life and do best in places where they can go in and out and do a little hunt- ing after " fur and feather " on their own account. SIAMESE "CH. WANKEE." Winner of many Prizes. Owner, Mrs M. Robinson. SIAMESE, FEMALE " CH. MEO." Great Prize Winner at Leading Shows. Owner, Mrs Cunlifle Lee. To face page 206. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 207 The food which seems to suit them is fresh fish, boiled with rice ; but where this is not available, they will readily eat bread and milk, particularly if given lukewarm, the milk being boiled before being mixed with the bread ; they also like the fragments of game and chicken left from the table. Unless they have been reared in the country, so as to become fairly hardy, they are rather delicate, and the kittens liable to mortality before they grow up, but it is not wise to attempt to breed them in the autumn or winter, the best time being about April or May, so that they may have the warm weather before them. At first the kittens show very little of the character- istic markings, being nearly white when born, with just a shade of lacing on the ears, and do not attain their adult colours until about twelve months old. One of the most fatal complaints from which they suffer, and which carries off many kittens and even adults, is worms, but I should think if taken in time by adminis- tration of some form of vermifuge, in small doses, this might be overcome ; it is also a cause of much trouble with dogs. A friend of mine who has had some experience of the variety, says they are much in their habits like other cats, but that strangers notice a peculiar wild animal odour about them, like I have observed with the Russian Blue Short-Hair Cats, and that most of the kittens have a kink in the tail, not always in the same place, being sometimes at the end, at others near the body or in the middle. The mothers are fond and devoted to their young, and 208 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES usually will have three or four litters a year if allowed to do so, but I should think it better not to exceed two. It is said the males take a warm interest in the litters, which is rarely the case with other varieties. The head should be small rather than large, with re- ceding forehead, broad between the eyes but narrowing between the ears, rather long in face and somewhat pinched in muzzle. The ears rather large, wide and open to the front, nearly bare of hair inside. The eyes should be a bright but pearly blue, placed slanting slightly downwards towards the nose. The legs more short than long, and the feet more oval in shape than is usual with cats. The body long but slightly made, not indicative of much muscular power. The tail rather long and tapering, often with a kink or small knot in some part of it. The coat very short and fine, and much like that of a pug dog, seeming to combine wool and hair in its texture. The condition should be firm and hard, without fat or coarseness ; and the general appearance active and grace- ful, with an air of refinement. The size might be set down as ten pounds for males, and about eight pounds for females. The colour should be uniform all over, a pale fawn or drab, except the ears, muzzle, legs, feet and tail, all of which should be as nearly black as possible. Although the coat should be very close and smooth, it is never glossy or shiny, but just the dull hue of a pug's coat. MEXICAN HAIRLESS "JESUIT." (Believed to be the only specimen ever exhibited in England.) Owner, Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison. To face page THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 209 STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE ROYAL CAT OF SIAM Head Ears . Eyes. . . . . Legs and feet . Body and shape . Coat ...... Condition and general appearance Size ...... Colour and markings . Tail . io Points 5 99 io 5 io ,, io . 10 r 30 . 5 Total 100 Points MEXICAN HAIRLESS CAT Since ^ writing the foregoing I have seen an account of the above-named variety, which, as far as my experience goes, is the most rare of any species of domesticated cat. The article appeared in Animal Life, to whom it was supplied by my friend, Mrs H. C. Brooke, of Welling, and from her photograph the illustration to the succeeding article on the Indian Cat has been reproduced, which, I am sure, will be interesting to many of my readers. Mrs Shuick, of Abuquerque, New Mexico, describes them as follows : " These cats were obtained from Indians, a few miles from here. The old Jesuit Fathers say they 210 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES are the last of the Aztec race, and known only in New Mexico. " They are marked exactly alike, with mouse-coloured backs, the neck, stomach and legs a delicate flesh tint ; their bodies are always warm and soft. "In the winter they have a light fuzz on the back and ridge of tail, which falls off in the warm weather. " They stand the cold as well as other cats, their skin is very loose. <c Nellie, the female, has a very small head, large amber eyes, and long whiskers and eyebrows ; her voice now is a good baritone, when young it sounded exactly like a child's. " Nellie weighs about eight pounds, and Dick ten pounds. " Dick was a very powerful cat, and could whip any dog alone ; his courage, no doubt, was the cause of his death. " He was a sly rascal, and would steal out, and one night he got out and several dogs killed him. c< His loss was very great, and I may never replace him. The Chicago Cat Club valued him at 1000 dollars. u I have sent all over the country and endeavoured to get a male for Nellie, but I fear the breed is extinct." I believe the above-named and following varieties of cats have not even been mentioned or illustrated in any previous work on domestic cats, nor do I remember seeing more than one specimen of the former exhibited in this country, but I hope it may prove they are not quite extinct, as they are different from any other variety with which the writer is acquainted, and so rare as INDIAN "INDISCHER FURS1Y' Owner, Mrs H. C. Brooke. To face page ill. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 211 to be exceedingly valuable to all students of natural history, irrespective of their interest to cat lovers. The illustration is a portrait of one belonging to the Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison, the only specimen I have seen shown in this country. THE INDIAN CAT This is another cat very rarely seen in Europe, but I think the following short account of it, and the accompanying illustration, may be interesting to my readers. For both I am indebted to my friend, Mrs H. C. Brooke, who is well known for the interest she takes in animals not usually kept as pets. Some of the varieties of the domestic cat occasion- ally seen in India, are apparently derived from crosses with some of the smaller wild breeds found in that country. From which particular variety the Indian cat is derived, I have no positive information. The colour of the upper parts of the body is a pale chestnut red, passing through grades of yellowish shades to almost white on the under parts of the body. The forehead is puckered or wrinkled ; the head somewhat long, pointed and narrow in shape ; with legs long and fine in bone ; and the tail unusually long and tapering, and carried with a curve. The coat is thick, but quite short ; its ears are large but thin, with rather a forward carriage, very erect. 212 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The eyes are not particularly large, of rich amber colour, and very brilliant in expression. The colour on the sides is freely ticked or pencilled, but on the legs and thighs appear slightly-marked stripes, and on the tail are rings of the same colour. In tone of voice it is more like the Siamese than any other cat with which we are familiar, and it is found to vary in this respect at different times. Except in point of colour, it is more like what we know as the Abyssinian or Bunny Cat than any other variety seen at exhibitions in this country, but there is no reason to suppose it is a variety of the same animal, being thought to be a native product of India, and not found in any other country. CHAPTER XXVI THE WILD CAT ALTHOUGH seldom seen amongst exhibition cats, and even then always entered in the class for "Any Other Variety of Short-haired Cat," I think some of my readers may like to have a few lines about the above- named, which is a native of the forests of Europe, and still to be found in its original state in some of the northern counties of Britain. It is much larger than the common domestic varieties, the head is larger and flatter in shape, the limbs are more powerful, and the tail is a good deal shorter and thicker, with less tapering to the extremity, ending abruptly, as if the last joint or so had been removed. In colour it is usually of a greyish brown, with dusky streaked markings merging into black, one or more black stripes or bands down the back from the neck, and stripes of similar shade down the sides, but not disposed as we see in the domestic Tabbies. The tip of the tail is usually black, and all the rest of it is marked with alternate rings of the body colour and black. The lips, nose and pads of the feet are all dark coloured. 213 2i 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES I think they are now more often seen in the wildest and most retired parts of the Highlands of Scotland than anywhere else. In other parts of Europe the colour of the Wild Cat varies to a deep tawny, with brown or deep black streaks ; or sometimes a pale grey, with black and brown markings. The Wild Cat is quite the Ishmael of the feline race, and all the specimens which have come under my notice at shows, or in the hands of collectors of natural history subjects, have been more remarkable for their ferocity than their beauty. It is chiefly to be found in very retired places amongst woods, and especially where stunted underwood grows, in and about rocks and crags, in the caves and crevices of which it lives and rears its young, producing four or five in a litter. Of course it is pre-eminently a beast of prey, and lives upon birds, leverets, rabbits, and such like small game as it can lay its claws upon, and has been known to kill lambs, kids and young fawns, so that one of its most deadly enemies is the gamekeeper, who will tell you, as poor Artemus Ward said of the North American Indian, " It is downright poison wherever you find him." Some naturalists call it the British Tiger, and it has certainly all the characteristics of that animal, both in form and habits, but, being so much smaller in size, is not capable of doing so much mischief. Although numerous instances have occurred of domestic cats escaping to the woods, and taking up THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 215 a wild life there, and even breeding with the native Wild Cats, I think it is a mistake to suppose they are the same animal only in a civilised form. I believe the ancestors of our short-haired cats came from Northern Africa, probably Egypt, where we know the cat Felis Maniculata was held in high reverence, and scores of the mummies of embalmed cats have been brought over here from that interesting country, and evidently of very great age. The European variety of Wild Cat, Felis Catus, is said to have never been found there, and it is unreason- able to suppose that it would have produced the Egyptian Cat of such an early period of the world's history. In the early times of British history domestic cats were certainly extremely rare and highly valued. In the tenth century, about A.D. 948, Hoel or Howel, the great King of Wales, fixed the price of a blind kitten at one penny ; and when it could see, and proof be given of its having caught a mouse, the price was doubled to twopence, and after it had established its reputation as a mouser the value was again doubled to fourpence, which represented a good deal in those times. We are told, too, that anyone who destroyed or stole the cat which guarded the Prince's granary or store-house for grain, was liable by law to a fine of a milch ewe, her fleece and lamb ; or to deliver to the aggrieved owner as much corn as would reach to the tip of a cat's tail when held up by that organ, with the point of the nose touching the ground. 216 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Wild Cats are sometimes taken in traps, but, perhaps, more often by shooting, in the latter mode it is dangerous to merely wound them, for they have been frequently known to attack the person who injured them, and their strength and courage are so great as to render them rather formidable antagonists. At a village called Bainborough, situated between Bainsley and Doncaster, in Yorkshire, there is a tradition of a serious conflict which once took place between a man and a Wild Cat. The inhabitants relate that the fight commenced in an adjoining wood, and was continued from hence up to the very porch of the village church, where it is said to have ended fatally to both combatants, for each died of the wounds received. A rude painting in the church commemorates the event, and the natives of the place profess to show marks of blood stains on the stones in the church porch, which no amount of washing has been able to remove. I should have said that another argument against the idea that the Wild Cat is the original of our Felis Domestica, is that, at that period when the former were most plentiful, and to be met with in most of their likely haunts, the present variety of domestic cat was almost unknown in this country, and was evidently an animal of foreign importation, and, as I have before stated, so highly estemed for its vermin-destroying qualities as to form the subject of royal statutes for its protection and preservation. That there are hundreds, if not thousands, of cats living in a state of nature in the woods and dense parts BRITISH WILD CAT. Exhibited Crystal Palace. Owner, late Lord Lilford. To face page 217. THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 217 of the forests of Great Britain (but, strange to say, none are related to have ever been found in Ireland corre- sponding to what we look upon as the Wild Cat, Felis Syhestris, or Cafus), I have not the slightest doubt, as I have seen them scores of times ; although some, or perhaps many of them, may have mated with the real Wild Cats, and so produced hybrids, in some measure resembling the original variety. I think the domestic cats so well known to us, did not originate from the Wild Cat, and that the two varieties are quite distinct, and where they are seen together the points of difference would at once be apparent. My friend, Harrison Weir, F.R.H.S., perhaps the highest living authority on the subject, and whose charm- ing book on cats will be well known to most of my readers, writes a very interesting article on the Wild Cat, and seems to confirm my view that it is anatomically different from our domestic variety. In rather a quaint old book of mine, with many quite astounding illustrations, called A New and Complete System of Natural History, published by Alexander Hogg, as the Act directs, at the King's Arms, N o. 1 6 Paternoster Row, London, about 1763, I find it stated, that King Richard II. granted a Royal Charter to the Abbot of Peterborough, by which he was authorised to chase the Fox, Hare, and Wild Cat, but whether this was a general license to the genial ecclesiastic, to hunt those wily quad- rupeds wheresoever he might meet with them, or only in certain specified districts, is not stated. In Daniel's Rural Sports we are told that Wild Cats were formerly 218 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES objects of sport to huntsmen ; but it was not for diversion alone that this animal was pursued, for the skin was much used by nuns in their habits, as a fur one of the reasons why the skin of cats was used on cloaks and other garments for trimming, being, that it showed humility in dress and adopted by some priests, as well as nuns, when wishing to impress others with their deep sense of humility in all things, even to their wearing apparel. ANY OTHER VARIETIES OF SHORT-HAIRED CAT In the course of the foregoing sketches I have been, so to speak, cutting the ground from under my own feet, leaving but few materials for the above subject. I have endeavoured to give a separate notice of all the recognised varieties of short-haired cats either usually, or unusually, met with ; but, of course, in the case of an animal subject to many variations of colour, specimens will occasionally be seen which admit of no absolute classification, and will therefore, if shown at all, have to be entered in a class headed somewhat after the manner of this sketch. I do not mean what I may call deformed specimens, with three legs, two legs, extra toes to their feet, or such like, which, although they might be deemed worthy of attention and curiosity if included in an exhibition of freaks of nature, I consider are quite out of place in a cat show. But animals of some peculiar or unusual colour, such NARROW STRIPED TABBY AND WHITE" LORD STANLEY,' Winner many Prizes, Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 219, THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 219 as a black cat with a white head and tail ; a blue cat with similar misplaced markings ; a yellow cat without Tabby markings or white ; a smoke cat marked like a black and white ; a white cat with one or more spots of Tabby markings ; or a cat all tortoiseshell except a white head and tail, all of which, in the general way, would be eligible for entry in this class. I have just mentioned a few of the variations, most of which I have occasionally seen, but of course there are many others possible to arise, particularly with an animal like the cat, which in probably the majority of cases is left pretty much to its own devices in the way of mating, and consequently the variations in the colour of the offspring are many and great. In dealing with such a mixed class as suggested, the judge should endeavour to select for prizes those coming nearest in formation and colour to what the variety it misrepresented should be, but these are always unsatisfactory classes, both for judges and exhibitors. I have set forth my views, and given the result of my experience, on some of the matters connected with exhibition cats, which I venture to hope may be of some assistance, at least to novices amongst my fellow fanciers ; and if they are the means of calling up or increasing interest in the domestic cat, of whose intelli- gence, affection and many good qualities I have a high opinion, one of my objects in penning these sketches will be attained. CHAPTER XXVII A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL "I would give nothing for that man's religion whose cat and dog are not the better for it." DR NORMAN M*LEOD. I THINK I cannot commence better than by quoting the words of Mark Twain, in his amusing book called Puddin -headed Wilson^ where he says : " A home without a cat, and a well-fed, well-petted, and properly revered cat, may be a perfect home, perhaps ; but how can it prove its title ? " The cat of the household is not so much respected by some as she deserves to be. It is true everyone admits she is useful for killing mice, etc., and so most people keep a cat, but do not always let her have her due regard in return. Yet a cat, well cared for, is a very affectionate, pleasant member of the household brigade, and possessed of far more intelligence and sagacity than usually falls to her credit, besides often being an ornament and pleasing addition to the fireside, as we are so fond of saying, " quite English, you know." Many persons make the cruel mistake of supposing that a cat will be a keener and better mouser if not 220 A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL 221 sufficiently fed in other ways, but the contrary is the case, as I have abundantly proved by experience. Those cats that are best fed and considered in their comforts make the best vermin hunters ; while those starved, or half fed, have not the spirits or activity to trouble about mousing, any more than human beings would, in like circumstances, take much interest in any kind of sport. Cats should be well and regularly fed, like other pet animals, and always have a pan of clean water within reach, they will then have less craving after milk, and many will take water in preference. As regards food, some like bread and milk, not wet but squeezed tolerably dry, with some milk, which is better if first boiled, poured over it. Most cats and dogs are fond of vegetables, such as potatoes and cabbage, and which are good for their health (as well as access to grass, which they take medicinally), mixed with any scraps and gravy from the table. Occasionally fish heads and other fish scraps boiled with or without rice, and broken up into pieces of suitable size with some of the liquor in which they have been boiled, will make a nice change and be much relished. Many cats are fond of a little oatmeal porridge some- times, particularly in the colder months of the year, as it is rather heating in its nature ; they will enjoy a bone to pick, but game and chicken bones should not be given, unless the larger ones, as there is a danger of any small pieces or splinters causing internal injury, to which the small intestines of cats make them rather liable. 222 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Of course kittens, when weaned, should be fed at least three or four times a day ; porridge, bread and milk, a little finely-minced meat. Ridge's food made as for children, are all good materials, changed as the animals are found to get tired of any one kind. Milk should always be boiled, whether given alone or mixed with other things, as otherwise it is thought liable to cause worms, and they are very troublesome, and probably bring about the deaths of more kittens and puppies than any other cause. If a number of cats are kept it is best to have a room, or building, entirely for their occupation, and if an outside run can be provided, wired in and protected at the top from the weather, it will be all the better for the health of the inmates, which can be let out there alone, or not, as their sexes and tempers will permit. If an aspect can be chosen, the south-east is preferred to any other, cats being fond of a sunny situation. Means should be provided for heating the building in severe weather, either by hot air or water, or by some kind of stove, not enough to make the place hot and stufiy, and there should be plenty of ventilation round the upper parts of the building, but protected from draughts, frost and damp, which are very injurious to kittens and adults. I have found cheese boxes make excellent sleeping places, and prefer oat straw to any other material for bedding, with some disinfected sawdust sprinkled on the bottom of the box beneath it, changed as often as required. A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL 223 A small shallow tin or box, with dry ashes, or earth, should be included in the furniture of each pen ; if this is done regularly and the pens cleaned every day, no disagreeable odour will be observable, and I have had fifteen or twenty cats so kept in a building, the floor of which (tiles or stone for choice) was sprinkled occasionally with some of the many disinfectants now procurable, and a stranger coming in could not be aware there was a cat in the place. I do not believe in the indiscriminate use of disinfectants in the pens, as it is apt to get into the food or drink ; and I have seen many cases, at shows, where cats have been quite ill from its effects by being carelessly used, thrown all over everything in the pen. Cats, although naturally nervous, timid animals, are fond of notice. They do not shrink away from those who are kind to them, and are pleased to meet with their friends wherever they are ; when I have any at shows they often recognise me before I come to their pens, and are not satisfied until they have been made much of. When judging them I can usually tell what sort of home they come from by the way they behave, and those are few and far between I cannot get on good terms with in a short time ; as cats and dogs too are much like children, who can soon tell whether a stranger is interested in them and likely to be worth cultivating as an acquaintance. Many people have a habit of turning their cats out of doors at night, this should never be done under any circumstances, summer or winter, even if there are sheds and outhouses they can creep into. Not only does it make your cat a nuisance to your 224 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES neighbours and yourself, but they are naturally fond of warmth and comfort, and are sure to suffer in their health and appearance from the exposure. A well-fed, well-housed animal, whether horse, dog or cat, should look sleek and glossy in coat and be a credit to its owner, which night-prowling cats are not likely to be. There is no doubt the long-haired varieties are more delicate and require greater care and attention than the short-haired. One thing they are apt to do which is very injurious in preening their coats, as all the cat family, large and small, are in the constant habit of doing if in good health, is to lick off with their rough tongues some of the loose hair of their coats, and this often causes serious internal troubles by forming into pellets and balls. To guard against this as much as possible, they should be brushed gently and regularly with an ordinary hair brush, with rather long bristles. I prefer cleaning the coats with fine flour, to washing, which is not natural to cats, and generally much resented by them. Although I remember, when I first obtained the white Manx Cat mentioned in my sketch of that variety, he took up his residence for a day or so in one of our chimneys, and was in consequence so much the colour of a sweep that we were obliged to wash him, and I was surprised to find he made much less of the affair than we did, so that in all probability it was not his first experience of the process. Kittens should be left six or seven weeks with their A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL 225 mother before being weaned, evert if they can lap and feed before that time, as they will be all the better for the warmth and care of their mother. All should never be taken away at once ; any which are not wanted should be drowned by being placed in a bucket or pail of water, and another pail put into it to keep them from rising, which will cause a speedy painless death. Keep up the mother with good feeding, and rub her teats gently two or three times a day. A little fresh butter or vaseline rubbed into the teats will assist in taking away the milk, which otherwise may cause suffering to the cat. I have had cats live with me for nineteen or twenty years, and they are not naturally short-lived animals when well cared for. I believe that, at anyrate in this country, cats are now more appreciated and of greater value than they have been in the remembrance of anyone living, and I am in hopes that the detailed particulars given in these sketches may be useful to some of my fellow fanciers, and perhaps cause some of my readers to take more interest in an animal with which I have had much to do, and whose few faults many are disposed to be eloquent upon, while ignoring the many fascinating qualities it possesses. CHAPTER XXVIII ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS DURING a long career as an exhibitor I had many amusing experiences, one which was not at all amusing at the time was as follows : At one of the London Cat Shows the promoter was anxious to have a large entry, because some persons who were interested in what was to some extent a rival under- taking were trying to prevent its being a success, and as I was quite a " free lance/' not pledged to any clique or party, he wrote me that he hoped I would make as many entries as possible. Accordingly I sent more than usual, some fifteen or twenty I think it is long since it happened and I cannot be sure of the number and took a great many prizes. For some reason or other, probably a dog show some- where that I had entered for, I had to leave the show before its close, as it was a two or three days' affair. This was not in accordance with my usual custom, as I like to see all my animals not only packed but delivered to the railway carriers before I leave. The day after the show I sent my cart twice to our 226 ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 227 station but hearing nothing of the cats, wired to the manager of the show with reply paid. Back came a wire apologising for the delay and saying : "Your cats leaving by next train, sorry they were overlooked." The cart went to the station and returned triumphantly with a lot of boxes and baskets. I may mention here, as it may be a wrinkle for some of my readers who are exhibitors of rabbits, cats or cavies, that I used boxes of my own design for sending my stuff to shows. Each of these contained four compart- ments, about two feet square each, with a separate hinged lid to each, fastened by a leather strap and buckle so that any one could be taken out by itself at a time. Battens of wood were fastened to the bottom to keep it off wet platforms, etc., and they were impervious to rain, etc. There was a strong handle like those on trunks and boxes to the lid of each box to move it about with. My initials, and the name of our local station were painted plainly in white letters on a black ground to show where it belonged. In the few cases where I used baskets, these were covered with strong canvas at sides and top to avoid draughts, and provided with open wickerwork inner lids to prevent an animal jumping out when the basket was opened. Of course the boxes had holes about the size of a sixpence each bored all round the edges, just under the lids, to give plenty of ventilation but no draught, and 1 228 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES have sent rabbits, cats and cavies in this way all over the kingdom without any difficulty. To return to my story, when the boxes were opened, to our intense astonishment, there was not one cat in the whole of them, the boxes were all empty. At that time I had certainly some of the most valuable cats in the show world, comprising four or five champions and others fit for any show, and was some- what dismayed at the state of affairs. Before I had decided whether I should return to London to inquire what had become of the missing cats, another telegram came from the manager of the show, saying : "All your cats safe. Discovered the empty boxes sent off in error. Sending them by special messenger to Paddington, reach you to-night." So the cart made another journey to the station, and this time really brought the travellers with it, they were each packed in a separate basket, and made a good cartload. I heard afterwards that all my boxes were stacked together, and when the manager ordered them to be sent off, his deputy did not open any of them , but took it for granted the cats were inside, and so the mistake arose, which was found out after the boxes were gone by seeing a number of cats still in the pens. I have had such things occur with dogs more than once when I have not been there to see them despatched, but I think that was the only thing of the kind I remember with cats, at anyrate where there were so many left behind at any show. The manager and his ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 229 deputy have often referred to this incident and the trouble it gave them. My friend, Mr Louis Wain, whose sketches of cats are so well-known, writes as follows in Living Animals of the World: " The black cat has many of the characteristics of the tortoiseshell, but is essentially a town cat, and is wont to dream his life away in shady corners, under ground cellars, in theatres, and in all places where he can, in fact, retire to monastic quiet. The Black Cat of St Clement Danes Church was one of the remarkable cats of London ; it was his wont to climb up to the top of the organ pipes and enjoy an occasional concert alone. A christening or a wedding was his pride, and many people can vouch for a lucky wedding who had the good fortune to be patronised by the Black Cat of St Clement Danes, which walked solemnly down the aisle of the church in front of the happy couples. " My old pet, Peter, was a black and white cat, and, like most of his kind, was one of the most remarkable cats for intelligence I have ever known. A recital of his accom- plishments would, however, have very few believers, a fact I find existing in regard to all really intelligent cats. There are so many cats of an opposite character, and people will rarely take more than a momentary trouble to win the finer nature of an animal into existence. Suffice it to say, that Peter would lie and die, sit up with spectacles on his nose and with a postcard between his paws, a trick I have taught many people's cats to do. He would also mew silent mews when bid, and wait at 2 3 o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES the door for my home-coming. For a long time, too, it was customary to hear weird footfalls at night outside the bedroom doors, and visitors to the house were a little more superstitious as to their cause than we were ourselves. We set a watch upon the supposed ghost, but sudden opening of the doors discovered only the mystic form of Peter sitting purring on the stairs. " He was, however, ultimately caught in the act of lifting the corner of the doormat, and letting it fall back in its place, and he had grown quite expert in his method of raising and dropping it at regular intervals, until he heard that his signals had produced the required effect, and the door was opened to admit him. Watch your own cat, and you will see that he will change his sleeping quarters occasionally, and if he can find a newspaper conveniently placed, he will prefer it to lie upon before anything, perhaps except a cane-bottomed chair, to which all cats are very partial. If you keep a number of cats, as I do, you will find them very imitative, and what one gets in the habit of doing they will all do in time. For instance, one of my cats took to sitting with his front paws inside my tall hat and his body outside, and this has become a catty fashion in the family, whether the object be a hat, cap, bonnet, small basket, box or tin." I remember when Mr Harrison Weir's charming book, Our Cats, came out in 1889, I was much struck with the account he gave (p. 87) of a cat belonging to a granary at Sevenoaks, in Kent, where the distinguished author then lived, catching two mice at once, and I really thought his informant had " drawn the long bow." ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 231 But some time afterwards, when I was living at Laurel Bank, Downend, Gloucestershire, on going into the stable, accompanied by a white and black cat, Magpie, whose portrait illustrates my sketch of that variety in this book, before I noticed what he was after, made a dash like lightning, and I saw mice flying in all directions, and on looking closely at Magpie, who was standing stock still with his front paws firmly placed on the ground, I noticed he had part of a mouse hanging out of each side of his mouth and one held under each front claw. So, as seeing is believing, I withdrew my doubts as to the former story, and the next time I saw Mr Weir told him of the confirmation it had received with one of my own cat's doings. This Magpie was the most inveterate vermin killer I ever saw. It was quite a mania with him, he entirely freed our premises from all rats and mice, and afterwards I gave him to an old servant of ours who had married a corn dealer, as she told me they were overrun with rats and mice, and Magpie so distinguished himself by his exploits amongst them that he was a valuable acquisition, and ended his days as a treasured member of the com- munity, finding ample opportunity for the display of his talents. An instance is given by Smellie of a cat that was in the habit of frequenting a cupboard, the door of which was fastened by a common iron latch ; a window was placed near the door ; when the door was shut the cat suffered no uneasiness, so soon as she was tired of the cupboard she mounted on the window-sill, opened the 232 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES latch of the door and came out this practice she continued for years. I think I can beat this story with one of my own which applies to two different cats, both short hairs, one a red tabby known at shows as Lord Rufus, but with the private name of Fritz, whose portrait appears in this book, and the other a black female who had the faculty of generally including one pure white kitten in her litters, although she had not a white hair upon her, and had won many prizes in the classes for black females. Both these cats had acquired the accomplishment of taking the round door handle in their two paws and turning it to open a door ; many a time when they have been shut in the kitchen of a night have I known them do this, when they wanted to come into the room where I was sitting. Lord Rufus, the red tabby, was fond of outdoor life, and spent the days and early part of the nights about the place searching for rats, mice and birds ; he would go after the latter when roosting in the ivy on some of the garden walls, with much success. Laurel Tiddles, the black, had a habit which would be trying to nervous persons, but, fortunately, she nearly always selected me for its exercise. If she caught sight of me walking anywhere about the place, she would run at top speed and spring on my shoulder from behind, and usually knocked off my hat with the vigour of her expressions of delight at her feat. I am afraid she was stolen, as she disappeared one day and I could never obtain any tidings about her. One who had seen the ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 233 performance mentioned he had observed a cat seated on a table make several efforts to put her head into a long narrow vessel containing milk. Finding the aperture too small to admit her head, she reconsidered the situation, and at last dipped one of her fore paws into the milk, licked it carefully with her tongue, and con- tinued to help herself in this way till her appetite was satisfied. I remember when I was in lodgings in London, my landlady, who was an inveterate cat lover, had a large red tabby long hair with several accomplishments, such as jumping through her hands, sitting up like a dog, "walk- ing like a gentleman," which consisted in strutting along on the tips of his toes in a sort of mincing gait, with his large tail held straight up in the air. As a reward for this he was always given some milk in a little jug, and he used to drink it in the way men- tioned above, by dipping in one fore paw after the other, and then licking them dry. I read an account in the Monthly Magazine of a cat that was the means of identifying murderers : "A physician of Lyons, France, was requested to inquire into the circumstances of a supposed murder, that had been committed, of a woman in that city. "In consequence of that request, he went to the house of the deceased, where he found her extended, lifeless, on the floor, weltering in her blood. " A large white cat was seated on the cornice of a cup- board, at the far end of the apartment, where it seemed to have taken refuge. 234 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES " It sat motionless, with its eyes fixed on the corpse, its attitude and looks expressing horror and affright. " The following morning it was found in the same station and attitude, and when the room was filled with officers of justice, neither the clattering of the soldiers' arms nor the loud conversation of the company could in the least degree divert its attention. " As soon, however, as the suspected persons were brought in, its eyes glared with increased fury, its hair bristled, it darted into the midst of the apartment, where it stopped for a moment to gaze at them, and then pre- cipitately retreated under the bed. "The countenances of the assassins were disconcerted, and they were now, for the first time during the whole course of the horrid business, abandoned by their atrocious audacity." It has been affirmed that the cat has no individual attachment to man ; yet instances occur every day to contradict this assertion. A cat frequently recognises that individual in the family who shows it the greatest kindness, and instances constantly occur where it will follow persons about the house and gardens like a dog. We know a cat which was so much attached to a young lady that it followed her even when out on horse- back. Pennant mentions that when the Earl of Southampton, the friend and companion of the Earl of Essex in his fatal insurrection, was confined in the Tower of London, he was surprised by a visit from his favourite cat, which it is ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 235 said obtained access to its master by descending the chimney of his apartment. Lawrence, in the History of the Horse, relates an anec- dote of the attachment of a black cat, for the celebrated Arabian horse, Godolphin. These two animals were friends for many years, and when at last the horse died, the cat had to be removed by force from his dead body. She crawled away with extreme reluctance, and was found dead in a hayloft some time afterwards. There was a hunter in the stables of His late Majesty King George IV., at Windsor, to which a cat was so attached, that when he was in the stable she would never leave her usual seat upon the horse's back ; and the latter was so pleased with her attention, that to accommodate his little friend, he slept, as horses sometimes do, standing. This, however, was thought to affect his health, and the cat was at length removed to a distant part of the country. The cat readily associates with other domesticated animals. It is no infrequent thing to see the cat and dog of the house asleep on the rug in each other's embraces. A French lady taught her dog, cat, mouse and bird to feed together from the same plate ; and we know how often in the happy families, occasionally seen in our public streets, one or more cats are included in those miscel- laneous gatherings of animated nature. A tame fox, belonging to a correspondent, not only shares his meals with a neighbour's cat, but makes no 236 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES objection to the saucy sparrows, and even sometimes pigeons, who descend to pick up any unconsidered trifles remaining from his repast. Cats are known to have an especial talent for finding their way back to a home for which they had acquired a liking. I have personally known many such cases, but * will relate one I believe to be perfectly true : The late Mr Shor treed, Sheriff-Substitute of Roxburgh- shire, once sent a cat from the neighbourhood of Jedburgh to a friend in Liddesdale. She was put into a bag, and despatched by the carriers' * cart. Thus mewed up, it is quite impossible she could from observation have acquired any knowledge of the geography of the country, and yet she contrived to find her way back to her old home, a distance of nearly thirty miles, long before the return of the carrier. My own idea is, that cats when at large explore the surrounding country, probably for many miles, particularly those cats which are allowed out at night, when few people are about, and by this means become acquainted with the leading features of the locality they are in, and, in case of being Sent away, turn their knowledge to account should they desire to return to the old home. Nothing can exceed the affection of the mother cat, for her kittens, she tends them with the utmost care and is always on the watch to supply them amply with food. If she fancies any danger threatens them, she is often seen to carry them, one by one, to a place of safety, and, if any are taken away from her, makes every effort to dis- cover and restore the missing offspring. CHAPTER XXIX ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS Continued A SINGULAR instance of the provident anticipations of a cat expecting a family is thus given in the Library of Entertaining Knowledge : " A short time before a cat produced kittens, she was observed to hoard up several mice and young rats which she did not quite kill, but lamed to prevent their escape. " One day after dinner, when our informant was sitting with a friend, the cat bounced into the room in eager chase of one of her maimed prisoners, a young rat, which had, it appeared from the report of the servants, been some days under surveillance in a back court. " The rat sprang up the window curtains for safety, but being unable to retain its position there, was soon re- captured and borne away by his conqueror." The taking away of her kittens should never be done wholly or at one time, as it invariably causes much suffering to the mother from the milk provided by nature for the nourishment of the kittens. This is no doubt the cause, or one of them, why cats are sometimes found suckling young animals of quite a different race to themselves. 237 238 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Innumerable instances are recorded of this kind, In White's Natural History of Selborne, the author says : " My friend had a little helpless leveret (young hare) brought to him, which the servants fed with milk in a spoon, and about the same time his cat kittened, and the young were despatched and buried. The young hare disappeared and was supposed to be gone the way of most foundlings, killed by some dog or cat. " However, in about a fortnight, as the owner was sitting in his garden in the dusk of the evening, he observed the cat, with tail erect, trotting towards him and calling with little short notes of complacency, such as they use towards their kittens, and something gambolling after, which proved to be the leveret that the cat had supported with her milk and continued to nourish with great affection." In the notes to a late edition of same work, instances are given of cats transferring their atten- tions in rearing, and tending two young ducklings, a young lark, etc. Mr Brodrip mentions the singular circumstance of a cat that had been deprived of its young adopting and nursing the young progeny of a rat. The following is given on undoubted authority from a work already quoted : <c A cat and bitch belonging to a lady chanced to have young at the same time. The cat not liking the place assigned to her for her kittens, carried them, without having been noticed to do so, into a drawer containing clothes, etc., which was soon afterwards pushed in and the ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 239 kittens imprisoned in it. In the meantime, the bitch, having gone out of doors, was either stolen or killed, as she never returned to her pups. These were found out and adopted by the cat. A day or two after this singular adoption, the kittens were discovered in the drawer so nearly starved that they all died, except one, within a week. The cat, however, continued to nurse both this one and her adopted pups till they were able to do without her attention/' There is probably no kind of food that cats show a greater liking for than fish, and many instances have been recorded of their catching them alive. Mr Moody, of Jesmond, near Newcastle, had for some years a cat in his possession that was skilful in catching fish, and frequently brought them home alive. Besides minnows and eels she occasionally captured pilchards, one of which, about six inches long, was found in her possession. She also contrived to teach the cat of a neighbour to fish, and the two were often seen by the river's side watching. At other times they were seen on opposite sides of the river, not far from each other, on the look-out for their prey. The following still more extraordinary account of a cat fishing in the sea appeared in the Plymouth Journal: " There is at the Battery on the Devil's Point, a cat which is an expert catcher of the finny tribe, being in the constant habit of diving into the sea and bringing up the fish alive in her mouth, and depositing them in the guard- room for the use of the soldiers. She is now about seven years old and has long been a useful caterer. It is sup- 2 4 o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES posed that her pursuit of the water rats first taught her to venture into the water, to which it is well known cats have a natural aversion. She is as fond of the water as a Newfoundland dog, and takes her regular peregrinations along the rocks at the edge of the seashore, looking out for her prey, ready to dive after them at a moment's notice." We also recollect a cat who spent the greater part of her time on the banks of a stream, living on small fish which she caught there, but she also, in the first instance, seemed to be attracted by the water rats, whom she used to pursue into the water. My old friend and neighbour, Dr William Murray, with whom I have spent many a pleasant hour, and whose wife was a sister of the well-known dramatic author and novelist, J. M. Barrie, told me that when he was a young man he lived in a small place in Dumfriesshire, and was in the habit of going to fish and sometimes to bathe in the River Annan. At that time he owned a large white- haired cat called Beelzebub, not from his disposition, which was amiable and affectionate, but on account of his appearance, which was peculiar, his colour being pure white all over with a black spot or smudge covering his head, face and ears, which gave a most sinister appearance to his countenance. This cat was a constant companion on his master's visits to the river, and on one occasion, when the doctor was bathing, he was surprised to see the cat plunge into the river, swim towards him and spring on his shoulders, as he frequently did on land, and in that way was borne to the bank. ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 241 Ever afterwards the cat was observed to visit the river on his own account, and swim after the small fry, driving them into shallow water, catching and making a meal of them, and never seemed troubled with the natural aversion generally felt by cats to water, but would plunge boldly in and swim about like a dog. In confirmation of my expressed opinion that cats possess affection for people even more than for places, the doctor told me that when, after a long absence, he returned to the house, where he had left his old favourite, the cat came into the room, and at once jumped on his knee and showed delight at their meeting by every means in his power, and, when the doctor left the house, accompanied him as far as the bridge over the river, which was evidently associated in his mind with their former fishing and bathing experiences. Most of us are familiar with the legend of " Puss in Boots," but I think " Puss in Spectacles " is still more strange and unusual. The Deoptic and Qphthalmometric Review, certainly not a likely source for fairy tales or throwing the hatchet, is responsible for the following, and as the periodical referred to is the organ of the British Optical Association, it may be taken as thoroughly reliable : " A well-known lady who possesses a pet Maltese cat recently found her cat's eyesight begin to fail, so she took him to an oculist. "By means of a modelled representation of a mouse, the oculist carefully ascertained what was the matter, and was able to fit his interesting patient with suitable glasses, Q RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES the lenses were set in gold frames specially made for the purpose, and the result was so satisfactory that the eye- sight of the cat became as good, or better, than before." I have known cases of artificial limbs being fitted to cattle and dogs, and false eyes and teeth supplied to the latter, but I think it so unusual for artificial aids to vision being supplied to any animals, that I think the above worthy of mention in these pages relating to cats. Amongst my many pets was a large and handsome long-haired red tabby, who rejoiced in the aristocratic name of Marmaduke when at shows, where he won many prizes at different times, but when at home was known as Yellow Boy, and was a sociable, amiable fellow with human beings, but somewhat aggressive with his own species. I. was rather amused one day when I met one of my nearest neighbours, who owned a large short-haired tabby and white male, that had the reputation of being a " bit of a boxer," and he said to me, " That yaller cat of yours is a hot 'un, and no mistake." " How so ? " I asked. "Why," he said, "he came into our garden yesterday, and I'm blessed if he didn't pitch into our cat, and give him a downright good hiding, on his own ground never seen such a thing in my life ! " I endeavoured to offer some apologies for the mis- doings of my "yaller cat," but I firmly believe he had considerably raised himself in my neighbour's opinion by successfully carrying his warlike operations into the enemy's camp, and that his own cat, the larger and heavier animal, had gone down in his estimation at not ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 243 being able to resist the daring intruder within his gates. The following were related to me by Mr Gosney, of Leeds : A cat belonging to Mrs Wood, an aunt of Mr Gosney 's who resided at Hunslet near Leeds, was so devoted to its mistress, that when her death took place she refused all food or consolation, and was shortly after- wards found lying dead, stretched out on the grave of her mistress. A black cat of Mr Gosney's formed a strong affection for the wife and daughter of her owner, but for none else. On the occasion of their going on a visit to Harrogate, she was restless and disconsolate until their return, when she showed her joy by every demonstration in her power. The same cat had a great aversion to children, some of whom used to come on Sunday afternoons to visit their grandparents, and at such times the cat was nowhere to be seen, but would make her reappearance immediately after the children had taken their departure. When I moved to my present residence, I took over from the last tenant a large short-haired black cat we called Lord Sultan, who lived with us until his death, a few years since. He spent most of his time about the place out of doors, even in wet or cold weather he seemed to prefer life in the open air. He had a great objection to being taken up, and though not bad-tempered at other times, if he thought he was going to be lifted, as was occasionally necessary when he was wanted for any show, would throw himself 244 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES down on his side and be ready with all four sets of claws to lay hold of anyone attempting to touch him. He was very jealous of any other male cats on the place, and had several pitched battles with Silver Star, a handsome silver tabby I had at that time. This Silver Star was rather a character in his way, and the terror of all the torn cats in our neighbourhood ; he was let out for exercise and recreation twice a day, morning and afternoon, and usually devoted most of his leisure to seeking for, and polishing off, any of the cats in the surrounding district, so that when I heard any un- usually piercing feline cries, the first thing I asked was whether Silver Star was at large, as I knew he would be in the thick of any fight that was going on ; but if within sound of my voice he would come back when called, often in a very excited state from his recent exertions to uphold his position as champion. He was a handsome cat, and took many prizes during his show career. I do not know whether other breeders have found silver tabby short hairs, especially males, more inclined to stand on their dignity than others, but I have had several that were decidedly very warlike in their disposition. One in particular, whose private name was Victor, but in public assumed the title of " Champion Laurel King," and as his father was " Champion King of the Fancy/' and his mother, my " Champion Laurel Queen " (said to be the best short-haired female cat of any variety ever shown, and own sister to Mrs George Herring's celebrated " Champion Jimmy," who probably took more first prizes and specials than any other short-haired male cat ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 245 ever brought out), he was of the most aristocratic pedigree obtainable. Whether, when he was at large, his pride of race was too much for him, or whether he was short-tempered as well as short-haired I cannot say, as he was always most gentle and amiable with us, and I have never heard any complaint of his behaviour at shows, where he was so often to be seen amongst the prize-winners, as on the few occasions when he was beaten, it was usually by his own mother, if shown in a mixed class ; but he was dictatorial and aggressive with all sorts and conditions of other cats, and if he caught sight of one would dart after it with all speed, and literally make the fur fly in his deter- mined attack on his adversary, seeming to consider he combined in himself not only a recognised champion of short-haired cats, but of the race of domestic cats, when- ever he found them. In consequence of this peculiarity, I was obliged to keep him in much more restricted liberty than any other of my cats, as he was too valuable to be risked and did not object to going long distances to meet with a foeman worthy of his steel. His portrait, that of his mother and uncle, appear in my sketch of the Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat, and I hope will give my readers a good idea of that beautiful variety, which I think has no superior. The following will show how one of the many silly prejudices which exist in the minds of those who really know little or nothing about the animal, caused the destruction of the cat : " A cat which had long been remarked as one of the 246 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES wildest of those frequenting a barn belonging to a farm on the borders of a wood in Argyllshire, so wild, indeed, as to be seldom even seen by any of the people about the place, was observed on several occasions during a severe frost to pass and repass into the adjacent farmhouse, which caused no little surprise, as it had not for some years been known either to enter or even approach the premises. " Had it not been the best season for catching birds and abundance of rats and mice about the place, it might have been inferred that it was impelled by hunger. "But on one of these stealthy visits, it was found snugly coiled up in the infant's cradle, to the horror of the mother, who imagined, in accordance, with a popular idea amongst ignorant people, that it had come with the object of * sucking away the baby's breath.' " All that could be said to persuade her of the im- possibility of the cat doing this, and that it had merely selected the cradle for its warmth and softness, was of no avail, and orders were immediately given to all the servants on the farm to kill the poor cat wherever she might be found. " Her caution and agility were long successful in saving her, and though the persecution she suffered rendered her, if possible, much wilder than before, yet she was not thereby deterred, not even by the showers of missiles which assailed her on every appearance, from paying constant visits to the cradle, because it was the warmest place within her knowledge, and she considered warmth as indispensable as life. ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 247 " She persisted thus in venturing to the cradle, till she was at last intercepted and killed." One of the most remarkable properties of the domestic cat is the anxiety with which it makes itself acquainted not only with every part of its usual habitation, but with the dimensions and external qualities of every object by which it is surrounded. Cats do not at once readily adapt themselves to a change of residence, but I have watched the process usually adopted by those whose attachment to the family is assured in reconciling themselves to such a change. Every room in the house is surveyed from the garret to the cellars, if a door is shut waiting patiently until it is open to complete the survey ; ascertaining the relative size and position of every article of furniture, and when this knowledge has been acquired sitting down contented with the new situation. It appears to be necessary to a cat to be intimately acquainted with every circumstance of the position, in the same way that a general first examines the face of the country in which he is to conduct his operations. If a new piece of furniture, if even a large book or portfolio is newly placed in a room which a cat frequents, it walks round it, smells it, takes note of its size and appearance, and then never troubles itself further about the matter. This is probably an instinctive quality, and I have no doubt that wild cats, and as I have before said domestic cats also that enjoy much liberty, take a survey of every tree or stone, every gap in brake or thicket, and 248 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES every road or path within the ordinary range of their operations. The whiskers of the cat, as in the cases of lions and other large cats, enable them to ascertain the space through which the bodies may pass without the inconvenience of attempting an impossible passage. A correspondent relates a case where a boy brought him three young squirrels which he had taken from their nest in a tall fir tree. The little creatures were placed under a cat that had recently lost her kittens, and he found that she at once took to them and suckled them with the same care and affection, as if they had been her own progeny. At Elford, near Lichfield, the Rev. Mr Sawlay secured the young leverets from a hare which had been shot. His cat, which had just lost her own kittens, carried them away one by one in her mouth, intending, it was supposed, to make a meal of them ; but it presently appeared it was maternal affection, not hunger, which impelled her prompt action in the matter, as she suckled them with the utmost care and attention, and brought them up as their mother. Many of my readers will have heard of and perhaps seen cats which were said by their owners to be more than a match for any dog. One I remember as a boy belonging to a man with I think the uncommon name of Bones, who kept a barber's shop in Nicholas Street, Bristol, before it was widened out and made the important thoroughfare it has since become. It was a trick with its owner to stand at the door of his shaving saloon in his leisure moments with the cat on ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 249 his shoulder, and sometimes if he saw a dog coming along, particularly if alone, to let the cat down on its back ; in nineteen cases out of twenty the dog, thus taken by surprise, would run away howling, but one day he made a mistake in his customer, jerked the cat on to a well-bred bull terrier that was passing, who at once threw it off its back and killed it in a few minutes. The barber found out the owner of the dog and sued him for the value of his cat, but it was proved not only that the cat was the aggressor, but that it had been done many times before, and the case was given against the barber, with costs. I remember my friend, R. H. Moore, the well-known animal painter, telling me of an incident which occurred to him. He was out in his own neighbourhood, and being, as one can see from his pictures, a keen lover of animals, had one of his dogs, a Scottish terrier, with him. When he went into a shop the woman said he had better look out for his dog, as her cat was a terror to all the dogs in the district. My friend told her he was not at all anxious about his dog, who would take her own part in the general way. Presently the cat made a rush for the dog, and jumped on her back ; she looked rather nonplussed for a moment as the attack was unexpected, but then she quickly reversed the order of affairs, the cat was on its back and the dog standing over it, and its days would have been ended then and there but for my friend's interference. He kindly gave me the rough pencil sketches he made 250 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES at the time, and which I greatly value, of what I call " Turning the Tables." I had an unpleasant experience of something of the same kind with almost the first dog I ever bought with my own money ; this was a Mustard Dandie whom I had proved to be a good rat killer, but was not aware she had an aversion to cats, until one day when she was out with me, and saw one bolt down the area steps of a house in a fashionable crescent, the bitch darted after her, and before I could stop her, as the gate was locked, she had settled the cat on its own threshold. CHAPTER XXX ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS continued I REMEMBER a friend of mine getting into trouble in somewhat the same way. He was out with a bull terrier, who ran after and killed a stray cat before he could get to them : and a policeman coming along just then, he was summoned and fined for cruelty to animals, although he was quite powerless to prevent what took place. Cats sometimes get into difficulties on their own account. I remember one of mine, a black tabby, or short-haired smoke, apparently having fallen into a tub of whitewash or some such stuff at some buildings which were being put up in our neighbourhood. We cleaned off every portion of it possible, but it had the effect of removing all her hair, and she was as bare as those hairless dogs we sometimes see, and a most pitiable object, even to her tail. Her body was dressed all over with an oily mixture to nourish the coat and exclude the air, and we had the satisfaction of seeing her make a complete recovery, with a better coat than before ; she was an old favourite, 251 252 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES and we did not like the idea of having her destroyed, and she lived to a good old age. The same cat formed a close friendship with a cocka- too and a brindled toy bull terrier, which then formed part of our household ; although the dog was a sworn enemy to any other cats, he and this cat would lie together on the hearth-rug, and when the cat was foraging at the stand forming the base of the cockatoo's perch, for anything to her liking dropped by the bird, cockie would slide down her pole and caress the cat with her beak, and it was a favourite practice of hers on these occasions to take hold of the cat's tail and run it through her beak, doing it very gently, and as a sort of friendly recognition of the relations between them. We lived for many years at Laurel Bank, Downend, in Gloucestershire, where we had seven or eight acres about the place, and our nearest neighbour was a Mr Samuel Rogers, who kept a number of prize-bred poultry, princi- pally Black Hawburghs, Bantams, and Silkies, which used to be running in a paddock adjoining part of our grounds. Amongst our cats, at that time, was a very large and handsome black Persian, a great winner of prizes, and whose private name was Gipsy. I suppose there must have been something irresistibly fascinating about the chickens of the poultry I have men- tioned, as on several occasions Gipsy made his appearance with one of them in his mouth, to our intense annoyance, as we felt there were likely to be "strained relations" in consequence with our neighbours. I went in, taking back the chicks, which were always ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 253 quite uninjured, explained the state of the case and entered into a compact with them, that Gipsy should be let out for exercise and recreation twice a day, and before his release a big bell (like as is seen at railway stations) should be rung, to give warning of the approach of the enemy, when they shut up all the smaller birds, and we never had any more trouble about the matter. Gipsy never troubled about adult birds, and I think caught the others more for fun than anything else, as he never attempted to eat them, or objected to their being taken away after he had shown his cleverness in catching them. In speaking of Short-haired White Cats I mentioned a large specimen we had called Sam that took an immense number of prizes and always kept himself in the height of perfection, although except at night he was rarely indoors, no matter what the weather was, and never seemed affected by cold, as he would go out in the snow at any time. Although it would be supposed his noticeable colour would be greatly against his success, he was the most adroit bird catcher I ever saw, never catching less than one or two every day, and I firmly believe he mainly got his own living in that way, as he was one of the smallest eaters of all our cats, but a big-bodied animal and never seemed to get out of condition. He was immensely popular with us but most unsoci- able with strangers, although never bad-tempered, but reserved in the highest degree. The brown tabby, Laurel Quar, I spoke of in the sketch of that variety, was purchased by a stone-cutter in 254 RABBITS, CATS AND CAVIES our district, of a boy who had been ordered to drown him in the pond in a quarry, hence his name, and after he came into my hands he took many prizes at our largest shows, and was one of the best really brown tabbies I have seen for many years, so many of that supposed colour being greyish where they should be brown. About five years since there was a man who went under the name of Leonidas, who had been very success- ful as a trainer of performing dogs and cats. The following are some of his experiences of the latter : " I train my dogs and cats by kindness and patience, oh ! so much patience. " The main thing is to get them to understand what you want them to do, and then they do it quickly enough ; I am sure dogs and cats reason up to a certain point. " They can reason sufficiently to understand what I want them to do. It isn't imitation, because I never show them what I want done, but explain what I wish, and tell them to do it. " Dogs have more reason than cats, and are far easier to train. " Cats are capricious, and must be coaxed all the time ; if you let a cat know you are trying to make it do a thing, it won't do it ; one must always be kind to them. "To teach them new tricks, I tell them what I want done, and flatter them into doing it. For instance, when I wanted to teach Mimisse, the cat, to climb up a rope the full height of the stage, open and enter a basket attached to a parachute, which I let loose, I hold her on the rope and say, ' Up, up, up ! ' petting her all the time. ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 255 " Soon she knew that it would please me if she would go up, and up she started. When she got to the top, I told her to open the basket and get in. " She understood what I meant, because she is accus- tomed to open the lid and enter a basket, held in the mouth of one of my performing dogs. " I let the parachute down very gently at first, but after she had done the trick several times I could bring it down as suddenly as I pleased. " The time required for learning a new trick depends, both on the nature of the trick itself and upon the indi- vidual intelligence of each one of the pupils. The things which look hardest to the audience are often the simplest of the whole performance. I never dare to punish the cats at all, they are too contrary in their disposition ; I believe if I struck one of them, it would never act again. " It takes a long time to get an idea into a cat's head. When I was teaching my company the circus act, 1 almost gave up in despair. The dogs act as horses and the cats as riders. A dog trots round the ring, passing under a chair on which sits a cat ; as the dog comes out from under the chair, the cat springs on his back, and jumps back on the chair when the circuit is completed. " It is very hard for the cat to get a good grip, especi- ally on short-haired dogs, and they used their claws at first to keep them from falling off. This, of course, hurt the dogs, and they would shake the cats off. " It took me months of patient instruction to teach the cats that they must hold on by the pressure of their legs and feet, and not use their claws at all. These things 256 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES require much time, patience and flattery, if success is to be obtained." " A correspondent of a once popular weekly journal, under the initials R. D., and who had evidently never heard of Manx cats, writes as follows : " In the parish of Peniswick, Hamlet of Shepscombe, there was some time since, and most probably there is now, a singular breed of cats. " I had an opportunity of seeing one of them in the house of Mr Neville, the clergyman. These cats have no tails whatever, being like some shepherd's dogs, guileless of the shadow of a tail. But what is still more extraordinary, they neither walk nor trot across the room, all their move- ments are precisely those of the rabbit. Thus, instead of walking they hop, whether at a slow or fast pace. With the exception of a deficiency in the caudal appendage, the animal is in all other respects a perfect cat. I could not, though I made diligent inquiry, learn anything satisfactory as to the origin of these animals, which have so much the resemblance of a cross between bunny and grimalkin." The above paragraph elicited a reply in a subsequent number of the periodical from a correspondent, giving the initials M. R., and ran as follows : " I have much pleasure in answering an inquiry relative to a race of cats without tails, one of which is stated to have belonged to a clergyman at Shepscombe, Glo. : " Having lived many years in that locality, and possessed one of the tailless cats, I can give you every particular on the subject. ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 257 " Mr Neville first brought a kitten without a tail from the Isle of Man ; she became on growing up the parent of numerous progeny. One of the kittens was given to my mother, and a more gentle, amiable and affectionate little quadruped never acquired the affection of a house- hold. " Her fur was light tortoiseshell in colour, and remarkably soft. She was somewhat more delicate than many of her grimalkin neighbours, and as re- gards her tail, it was about half an inch long, merely a little tuft. " But we did not observe that the want of that natural rudder prevented her from running in a straight line, or climbing trees most admirably. " Her movements were remarkably graceful and cat- like in all respects, and I never observed in her actions or mode of progressing the slightest similarity to those of the Rabbit family. " One or two of her kittens were nearly, if not quite, without tails occasionally she had long-tailed kittens ; her mother, as I have said, came from the Isle of Man." From the foregoing I have no doubt that the cat described by R. D. was a pure Manx, and the one in the paragraphs above a half-bred Manx, taking after the dam in tail but with the action of its long- tailed sire, and the fact that such specimens are occasionally exhibited in Manx and Variety Classes is my reason for saying in my sketch about Manx cats that all cats even born without tails are not necessarily pure-bred specimens of the variety. 258 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The following extract from the Animal Biography, published in 1805, although of course antiquated in its language, is not without interest to the readers of the present day : " Instances are very common of cats returning of their own accord to the places from whence they have been carried ; though at a distance of many miles, and even across rivers where they could not possibly have had any knowledge either of the road or the direction that would lead them to it. " This may perhaps arise from their having been acquainted in their former habitation with all the retreats of the mice and the passages and outlets of the house, and from the disadvantages which they must experience in these particulars by changing their residence. "No experiment can be more beautiful than that of setting a kitten for the first time before a looking- glass. " The animal appears surprised and pleased with the resemblance, and makes several attempts at touching its new acquaintance, and at length, finding its efforts fruit- less, it looks behind the glass and appears highly astonished at the absence of the figure. It again views itself and tries to touch the image with its foot, suddenly looking at intervals behind the glass. "It then becomes more accurate in its observations, and begins, as it were, to make experiments by stretching out its paw in different directions, and when it finds that these motions are answered in every respect by the figure ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 259 in the glass, it seems at length to be convinced of the real nature of the image. " The same is the case with dogs at an early age. " The sleep of the cat, though generally very slight, is, however, sometimes so profound that the animal requires to be shaken pretty briskly before it can be awakened. " This particularly takes place chiefly in the depth of winter, and on the approach of snowy weather. At such periods, as well as at some others, the cat diffuses a fragrant smell somewhat like that of cloves. "It has been remarked that the eyes of cats always shine with a bright light when they are in the dark. "It is generally supposed they can see in the dark, but though this is not absolutely the case, it is certain they can see with much less light than most other animals, owing to the peculiar structure of their eyes, the pupils of which are capable of being contracted or dilated in proportion to the degree of light by which they are affected. " In the day time the pupil of the cat's eye is perpetually contracted, and sometimes into a mere line, for it is with difficulty that it can see by a strong light ; but in the twilight the pupil resumes its natural roundness, and the animal enjoys perfect vision. "It appears somewhat singular that on plunging the head of a cat into water, although the animal be exposed to a very bright light the pupil should become im- mediately expanded to all its width. 260 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES "This, however, is to be accounted for on optical principles." When the late Mr Baumgarten was at Damascus he saw there a kind of hospital for cats. The house in which they were kept was very large, walled round, and was said to be quite full of them. On inquiring into the origin of this singular institu- tion, he was told that Mahomet, when he once lived there, brought with him a cat which he kept in the sleeve of his robe, and carefully fed with his own hands. His followers in that place, therefore, ever afterwards paid a superstitious respect to those animals, and supported them in this manner by public alms, which were very adequate for the purpose. The patience, vigilance, craft, utility and cleanliness of the cat have also obtained for it the highest degree of protection in the Eastern mythology ; so far, indeed, that it is there esteemed the noblest species of its tribe. A curious fact in the natural history of the cat is related of one belonging to Dr Coventry, formerly Professor of Agriculture at Edinburgh, which was born perfect in all its parts, but lost its tail by an accident which took place when it was a youngster. It had many litters of kittens, and in every one of these there was one or more that was wanting in tail, either wholly or partially. The following is related by a correspondent, who knew the parties concerned, the circumstances and the cat, and confirms my opinion that when kindly treated cats attach themselves to persons more than to places. ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 261 The cat in question was sent when a kitten from Bath to Evesham, in Worcestershire, and formed a warm friendship with one of the sons of her master's opposite neighbour, who was an intimate friend and often at the house. The young man left Evesham, but on his returning there he referred to his little friend the cat, whose owner had left the place and resided some ten miles off, and said he would go and call on her owner and see if the cat was still in the land of the living, and whether it would re- member him. Accordingly he made out his visit, and on his arrival the delight of the cat was so great that her owner con- sented to his bringing her back with him, that she might enjoy his company for the rest of his visit at Evesham, and she was so perfectly happy at being with him that she remained on the best of terms with the pet animals and birds at the strange home to which she was taken, and none of them ever exhibited any annoyance or jealousy at the introduction of the visitor. She would sit on her friend's knee, and rub herself against his shoulders and face, purring loudly all the time. At meal times no choice morsel would tempt her from his side, and at night a snug bed was prepared for her and carried into her friend's bedroom, but even that would not satisfy her until some article of his cloth- ing was placed in the basket for her to lie on. During his absence in the day time she would trot about the house, seeming quite at home, and, when tired of looking for her friend inside the house, would go into the garden 262 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES and take up a position in one of the trees overlooking the road, and there patiently await his return. Once he was in sight she was happy. Strange as the affection of this animal was, it was none the less extraordinary that she should come to a strange house, where all except one was quite new to her, yet never for an instant appeared lost or perplexed. She made herself a favourite with one and all, and at the end of her friend's visit was sent back to her master's house, where she at once fell into her old habits, probably living in hopes some day again of seeing her old friend. The following is an extract from an interesting article which appeared on cats in an old number of the Illustrated London News, and shows not only that there are grades in cat society, but that they can, as I have often noticed amongst dogs, recognise days and the voices of people in whom they are interested : " A not uncommon phrase in households is that of the * parlour cat ' and the * kitchen cat,' and I believe it to be an undoubted fact that there are differences in the character of the creatures, which somehow prompt the one to seek the cheerful light and talk of a sitting-room, and the other rather to brood and nestle in the gloomier but warmer regions below. " The one is always seen conspicuously on the rug or stretched upon the footstool ; the other making casual appearance on the stairs and flying like a spectre on the approach of anyone but the cook. " The one creature seems to have a sort of aristocracy in its nature, and it is all but uniformly the handsomer ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 263 cat of the twain ; the other is most probably a vulgar plain plebeian with its original shyness still strongly present in it. "Of my three cats two I reckon as parlour cats, and the third has been by kind usage and encouragement coaxed into a degree of the same familiarity. Still, how- ever, the natural timidity seems unconquerable. If you make a rapid motion towards the creature she bounds away like a wild thing. Her two comrades, on the con- trary, are frightened at nothing. " The room, the occupants, the whole locality seem their own special sphere and natural dwelling-place ; and the only period of the day when the three appear to be merged into a common character, is as the hour for the visit of the cats' meat man approaches, when they are sure to be waiting at the door, and set up their sweet voices as soon as they hear that of the vendor of the food. " It is to be remarked that they take not the slightest notice of the daily cry of a rival practitioner who peram- bulates the street at nearly the same time, and that on Sundays, when no such visit takes place, they never appear to expect the weekday ceremony, but are perfectly aware of a double quantity of their accustomed food being stowed away in a certain cupboard, round which they cluster with arching backs and waving tails." People sometimes complain that kittens are pretty playful things, but that they lose the gentleness and piquant prettiness of their youth when they mature and grow into adult cats. The complaint is most unreasonable, for the fact is 264 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES that the playfulness of kittenhood (particularly with healthy good-tempered cats) can be partially kept up by a little encouragement even when they have grown into " potent, grave and reverend seigneurs," and can be induced to skip, roll and tumble in the most absurdly awkward mimicry of the small fry, which in the words of the late Mr Micawber have not "ceased to derive nourish- ment from nature's font." The following account of a cat and dog friendship is related by a correspondent at Tottenham, who was an eye witness of the scene described : "A few days ago I was present at a pretty and interesting scene at the house of a near relative. " He is the owner of a King Charles Toy Spaniel named Hoppy, and a fine tabby cat known as Toodles. ' ' This frisky pair began their games shortly after my arrival and continued at intervals during the whole after- noon and evening. Never did I see cat and dog so thoroughly enjoy themselves Hoppy sprang on Toodles, who caught him by the neck and floored him. "Then the order was reversed, Toodles being down. Now a regular wrestling and both down together. Up again, roll over each other. He making a grab at her tail finds her too quick for him and is caught by his own brush. " She takes up her position with her back to the fender, and as he makes his spring she throws him. He now takes up the opposite position to her and the four paws of each of them move with wonderful rapidity. " The most perfect good-humour prevails ; she never ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 265 lets her claws be seen. There is no angry growling or barking. Such thoroughly good-tempered play I never before witnessed between a dog and a cat, and others besides the feline race might take a hint from what is here recorded." CHAPTER XXXI ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS continued SOME years since I saw a paragraph in that popular fanciers' paper, Fur and Feather^ giving short particulars of a cat which had taken to quite a novel recreation, being that of 'mountaineering, and its doings were duly chronicled in some of the local Swiss papers : " The cat came upon the scene suddenly and no one knew from whence. It had already reached months of discretion when it took up its abode and profession in the mountain hospice, and was then to be seen most days at the foot of the Dent du Midi, not far from Salfaufe. " Here this remarkable tabby came to meet the moun- taineers on their start and followed them c like a dog ' ; only dogs do not, as a rule, show any fancy for the high Alps. "It accompanied them to the very summit, and shared the climbers' frugal fare. Indeed, it is supposed to be for the sake of the broken fragments that this Alpine cat makes its daily ascent. 266 ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 267 " Times had been bad for man and beast in the pouring rains, which had very much damped the autumn joys of the Swiss tourists in the Valais. " Perhaps even cats found it hard to make an honest living, but surely a daily ascent of 3185 metres for the sake of a scanty lunch is to take life too seriously ; or is it that in lordly contempt of the canine race, the animal meant to emulate the St Bernards ? " The two following are taken from the same paper and may interest some of my readers : " There is a gambling house in Queen's County that has a cat different from the kind usually found in such places ; it is about seven months old and spent nearly all its life in the gaming establishment. " From its first day in the gambling saloon the kitten showed great interest in the roulette wheel, the spinning ball and the whirling disc had apparently great fascina- tions, and it never tired of watching the game being played. "While the croupier was whirling the ball, the cat occupied a position behind the duprack, where the ball could be watched, and the animal did not lose sight of the ivory pellet for a moment. None of the eager players watched it with more interest or attention. When the roulette game doses and the ball was placed in the little depression at the top of the spindle the cat began to enjoy itself. He knocked the ball off the pedestal, pulled it up to the edge of the wheel and sent it spinning round the groove. He gave the disc a whirl in the opposite direction and 268 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES intently watched the wheel until the ball dropped into a pocket. " The cat then stopped the wheel, pulled the ball out, and repeated the operation. " This was continued for hours, and each time the ball and wheel were watched as closely as if one of the cat's proverbial nine lives depended on the result." "A remarkable curiosity of natural history is re- ported from Swanage; a cat belonging to Miss Vincent, of the Victoria Royal Hotel, was the proud mother of four kittens, which she was rearing in a cow shed. " One of the servants on going to the shed was sur- prised to find a rat suckling with the kittens, the cat nursing the rodent with as much solicitude as her own progeny. " The interloper was remarkably tame, and it had to be forcibly removed from its comfortable nest, where it appeared to be on the best of terms with its feline foster mother." The following is from a correspondent, a keen lover of animals : " Some time since, calling at one of the bird shops existing at that time in Great Andrew Street, Holborn, to make a purchase, we saw running over the counters three of the prettiest squirrels we had ever clapped eyes on, quite young and very tame. Hot in pursuit of them was a young black and white cat about six months old, who pounced upon and caught the little creatures, one after the other, in her mouth. " The whole party was in a state of the greatest delight ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 269 and rushed helter-skelter into a large cage, the door of which stood open the owner of the shop closed the cage, which had wooden sides with wires front and back. " It was most interesting to watch the motherly kind- ness of the cat towards her unusual playfellows. She fondled them one after the other ; licked them carefully all over with her rough tongue, and turned complete somersaults over their heads. They too were full of antics and did much the same with her ; never have we seen a prettier sight. " Then they would all lie down tired together and curl themselves up, either on the cat's back or beneath her fore paws, which she raised to receive them. This cat, be it observed, is an excellent mouser, which makes the above-mentioned friendship all the more surprising, and these gambols are of daily occurrence. " The mother of the young cat referred to had just kittened when we were there, and we advised her owner to associate them with the squirrels from the first ; running about together in a house in the country they would afford endless amusement ; as for their tricks and gambols, they would be indescribable." My friend, Mr W. Isbell, of Clifton, who is not only a keen lover of all kinds of animals but is skilful in portraying their features in water-colours and oils, has sent me the following amongst other of his experiences : " When we were living at Lydney, in Gloucestershire, we had a favourite female cat with one kitten, and as the latter was found dead with evidently the marks of teeth 270 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES upon it, we supposed the mother had tired of her maternal cares and restrictions, and considered the shortest way to bring them to an end was to remove the cause. She was accordingly strongly suspected and severely scolded for her unnatural behaviour, but no punishment was administered. " Very shortly afterwards, the cat made her way into the dining-room, bearing in her mouth the body of a fine freshly-killed stoat, clearly for the purpose of vindicating her maternal character by the production of the actual murderer of her kitten, whom she had just caught and despatched. " Some cats are very fond of exhibiting to their owners the results of their prowess. A large neuter cat of ours used frequently to catch chickens and young pullets and bring them in alive in his mouth to prove how clever he was, though they were always taken from him and restored to the fowl-yard. " For some time we had a tame pigeon we called Anthony, who shared the kitchen hearthrug with a cat and her kitten, and if the latter mewed when the mother was absent, Anthony would go in search of her and drive her to the kitten by sweeping her towards it with his tail in the way pigeons are observed to do when driving a hen to her nest." I may add a note of my own experience to the above. When we lived at Long Ashton, in Somersetshire, many years since, we had a large female short-haired black cat, and our next neighbour was Farmer Keedwell, whose barton adjoined our orchards, and had a number of ricks ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 271 of hay, corn, etc., which probably afforded a fine hunting ground in the way of rats and mice. It was a common practice when I was leaving home in the mornings to find Topsy in the front garden awaiting my departure with the results of her latest efforts laid out for my approval, consisting of one or more dead rats ; and this occurred on so many occasions and always in the same place in the garden which I must pass on my way to the gate, that I am sure it was done for the purpose of showing she was doing her duty. This cat, which by his particular desire I left behind me when my friend, Mr Thomas Davy, took the place off my hands, was the mother of the black tabby I before mentioned as falling into the whitewash, as he kindly sent me the latter, knowing what a high opinion I entertained of her mother's qualities. One peculiarity of the daughter I omitted to mention was her utter fearlessness with dogs, and she had many hair-breadth escapes with the number I kept. I remember one occasion when I lived at Cedar Lodge, Downend, and had twelve or fifteen out at exercise on the lawns. At that time most of them were Dandies, Skyes, Fox Terriers and Sheepdogs, with a few Bulldogs and others. I was alone with my kennelman only, when suddenly I noticed Lunatic, the name I gave to the black tabby, sitting calmly in the centre of one of the lawns quite surrounded with dogs ! I was horrorstruck for a moment, as I knew if she moved she would be torn in pieces, so shouted to Hale to call off the dogs while I slowly approached 272 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES the cat, picked her up, and shut her in the green- house. I am pleased to say she survived all her risks and died of old age in her nineteenth year, and was well and active till a few days before her death. Mr James Kilpatrick tells a wonderful tale of a cat's reasoning powers : "I have a cat that is a great bird hunter; a few days ago, while sitting in the porch of my house, I noticed her digging industriously in one corner of the garden. " This was an unusual proceeding, so I kept my eyes on her to see what was her object, and was surprised to see her drag out a nice fat worm from the hole. " She dug out a couple more, and then carried the wriggling bunch in her mouth to the centre of the garden, where she dropped them down and glided back to a place of concealment. "In a few minutes a group of sparrows spied the tempting worms and swooped down on them ; that was the cat's chance. " She pounced upon them like lightning, and nabbed one of the party at the first jump." Mrs Margaret Peete, of Brooklyn, is the legal guardian of a cat named Pinky, who is nine years old, and came into her possession by the will of her late mother, Mrs Amelia Van Vleck, who died some eight or nine years since. In her will, Mrs Van Vleck set aside 200 dollars (40) per annum for the maintenance of her cat. ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 273 Under the watchful eye and care of her guardian, Pinky has grown sleek and fat, and has managed to consume the proceeds of her allowance every year. Tender chops and all the delicacies of the season are her daily fare. I am indebted to the Animal's Friend for the following : 4 ' A young man at Eastbourne, not yet twenty-five years of age, is in the last stage of slow decline, having been ill for the last seven years. "About a year ago a very small kitten entered the house and was turned out again, but persisted in her efforts, and was allowed to stay. It attached itself to the invalid and became his constant companion. Shortly afterwards a copy of the Children's Supplement was sent to him with the picture of a kitten greatly resembling his favourite. His mother cut out the picture, framed it, and placed it on the mantelpiece. The invalid was much pleased with it, and asked to have the picture placed in his coffin when he died. " This will be done, and so this little stray kitten has been the means of affording pleasure and interest to the last days of the invalid, and the cat has become a valued member of the household with which she was so determined to associate herself." The following is from that popular paper, The People : 4 ' It is, of course, a well-known fact that animals teach their young what they have learnt by experience, and there can be but little doubt that those which have been educated by man will at times endeavour to impart their s 274 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES knowledge to their less accomplished brethren, amongst whom it frequently happens that apt pupils are found, who become so proficient as to surpass their teachers in the arts. " This, however, does not appear to be the case with the kitten of the next-door neighbour of one of our corre- spondents, whose educated Pete was endeavouring to put it through the facings of one of his great accomplish- ments, as the following will show. " Pete, the torn cat, was sitting at the back door, side by side with the neighbour's kitten, which he has taken under his protection. "Presently we saw him sit up on his hind quarters, an accomplishment commonly called begging, which he has been taught, and does to perfection. " He repeated this several times, all the while looking at the kitten, which, in its turn, was staring at Pete with all its might, until, probably frightened at such extra- ordinary behaviour, it suddenly escaped over the wall of the yard. "It is permissible to infer that Pete wanted to teach the kitten his accomplishment." The AntmaVs Friend^ that rightly-named paper, is responsible for the following on the vanity of cats : " We have heard the story of the mare who was being ridden along Birdcage Walk and nearly threw her rider by stopping to look at her reflection in a pool of water. " The late Dr Romanes tells an interesting story of cats who used to regard themselves, or their reflections, in ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 275 looking-glasses, and at last convinced themselves of their being illusions." Now, we know that cats like to be taken notice of, and the more attention they are paid the more effusively patron- ising they become, until there is scarcely any part of your anatomy they do not crawl over and test their claws upon. A writer in Science Gossip says he is satisfied that an intelligent cat of his, on looking in the mirror, satisfied himself that it was in some way his own image. " Even if my deduction be wrong, the first part of his proceedings was so singularly like those in Dr Romanes' accounts that it seems a uniform law of cat nature to act in this way, and so far it may not be altogether un- interesting. I put the cat on the table in front of a small toilet mirror. After looking at his reflection for a short time, he went behind the glass, then he returned to his seat in front and watched it attentively. " After a few moments he dashed rapidly behind it ; he again returned to his place in front of the glass, and while retaining his seat and keeping his eye fixed on the image, he struck about behind the glass with his paw in different directions. " His next action was, I think, suggested by seeing the image apparently strike with its paw also. " Keeping his seat and retaining his eyes fixed on the image, he proceeded to, if I may use the term, posture in front of the glass. He raised his paws alternately, licked them, touched the glass, moved his head, etc. " I have tried to simply describe the facts and, so far as possible, avoid drawing conclusions." 276 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES The following has been told in confirmation of the idea that cats have some presentiments of evil : " The morning before the recent accident to H.M. Destroyer Salmon, that vessel was lying alongside of H.M.S. Sturgeon. " Upon the former vessel dwelt two cats, the special pets of the crew, and who had never been known to show the smallest inclination to leave the ship. "But on this particular morning, in spite of being chased by the crew and worried by the dogs, the cats never faltered in their determination to get off the Salmon and on to the Sturgeon. "And when the first-named destroyer had weighed anchor for what was to prove the disastrous voyage, the cats made one last spring as the vessels separated, and landed themselves on the deck of H.M.S. Sturgeon." The following account of a ship- wrecked cat appeared in the Animal's Friend : "When walking home from chapel one Sunday morning, I observed in front of me a boy and girl, and from the arm of the former something was hanging down which looked like a cat's tail. " I overtook them and found the boy had a dark tabby cat in his arms, so asked them about such an unusual proceeding on a Sunday morning. " They told me their father, who was the captain of a vessel, had sent them to fetch the ship's cat, thinking it might feel lonely on board while the crew had all gone on shore. " It appeared that when in the Indian Ocean some ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 277 months before this, they had come across a raft, from which every human being had disappeared, and the only living thing on it was this cat, so she was taken off by the sailors and made a great pet on board. " No doubt, if she had the power of speech, that cat could give some thrilling accounts of what she went through while alone on that raft in the ocean." We often hear of animals saving the lives of human beings, but not nearly so often of men who have risked their lives to save those of animals. A pleasant sight was seen in Dublin some short time since, when a large building was in flames. All the human beings had been rescued by the exertions of the firemen, who worked with their wonted devotion to duty, when the attention of the crowd was attracted by the piercing cries of a cat, and on looking up they saw a large black cat pacing up and down outside one of the upper windows, showing signs of the greatest distress. The leap to the ground was too great for it to attempt, and the flames inside the room were burning fiercely. Each moment the people below expected to see it fall and be dashed on the pavement. They were greatly delighted and excited to see one of the gallant firemen run the fire escape across the road, place it against the burning house, run up it, and bring the poor cat safely down in his arms. A hearty round of cheering greeted the couple, as the brave fireman and the cat stood once more out of danger. We have heard of boxing kangaroos and pumas, but 278 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES it is something quite out of the common to read of the experiences of Mr Arthur Head, F.Z.S., as recounted in Pearson s Magazine, with a performing specimen of the above-named great cat. It seems that for the last eight years the artist in question has been engaged in drawing from nature the eyes of every kind of animal in the cause of science. This perilous work has been undertaken to assist Dr Lindsay Johnson in a new method of classifying the animal kingdom. Many adventures have befallen Mr Head in his dealings with wild animals ; not the least amusing of which were his experiences with a puma, thus related : " I happened to hear that a travelling showman was exhibiting a tame puma at Mitcham Fair, and as I had to take every opportunity to obtain my drawings, I hastened off to interview the beast. " I found he was advertised as a Champion Boxing Puma and that he had been trained to fight in the most approved style. " The owner was most obliging when I told him I wanted to draw his pet's eyes, and fastened boxing gloves on his fore feet so that he should not scratch me with his claws, and then made him sit up on some boxes in the darkened tent. "Thinking no harm would come of it, I put my ophthalmoscope to my eye, and began to examine the puma's eyes. " A moment later a terrific blow fell on the side of my head, and I was sent flying backwards. ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 279 " The brute thought I wanted to have a boxing match with him ; he not unnaturally associated the gloves with fighting, and as soon as I put my head close to his, he struck out. " His master scolded him, and when peace had been restored I made a second attempt, this time on the lookout for the attack. "But I had only just settled down to work, when up went his paws again, and I scarcely dodged in time. " Now the brute entered into the fun with a whole heart ; he rained his blows at me, ducking his head in the finest style whenever I tried to capture it. " His defence was faultless and his right-paw swing terrific. 1 could not get near him, try as I might, and the more I tried the more fiercely he sparred, and so at last I owned myself beaten. " By this time, a large crowd had assembled outside the tent, hearing the noise of my attempt to fight the boxing puma. " So the showman insisted on arranging a special per- formance for my benefit, and, setting me on a throne of honour, he opened his tent to the crowd, charging double price for admission, and reaping a rich harvest thereby. *' When I saw the puma boxing with his master, I realised what a dangerous feat I had attempted ! " I am still on the lookout for a quiet puma, who will allow me to draw its eyes in the cause of science." I must apologise for including the above amongst my anecdotes, but it so strongly reminded me of the per- 280 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES formances of ordinary cats under similar circumstances that I have sometimes seen take place with trained troupes of those animals, that I thought it might be interesting although the great cat in question is not found amongst its relations at the shows. The following account of a Cat Fair appeared in the paper called Travel : " A very ancient fair, dating back a couple of centuries, is held every year at Sartilly in France, and the origin of its name is said to be derived from the circumstance that a small farmer in the district, being behind with his rent, found himself unable to pay the sum of a hundred francs due to his landlord, and the latter agreed that the cow of the tenant should be sold at the fair, and to accept in discharge of his claim the amount produced by the sale of the cow. " The farmer accordingly proceeded to the fair accom- panied by the cow and his household cat. " To all inquirers as to the price of the cow, he told them he wanted ten francs for her and a hundred francs for the cat and would not sell one without the other. " At last a purchaser was found for the singular pair of animals, and the landlord who also attended the fair, to learn for himself the result of the deal, was so amused at the ingenuity of his tenant, that he accepted the ten francs with good grace, and gave him a receipt in full discharge of all claims for rent. Ever since the annual gathering has been known as the Cat Fair." A correspondent of the popular paper, Our Cats, gives ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 281 an amusing account of the vagaries of a cat with kittens in a recent number : " I should like to explain an experience I had with a Persian cat. Her first kittens were taken away as they were no good ; the second time she had kittens we could not trace them anywhere, so we watched her very carefully, and at last we heard a noise like cats in the roof. We then had the roof examined, and found six beautiful kittens. She got to this place in a very remarkable way, down a water-spout." In an article on clever cats and dogs in same paper lately appeared the following : " My aunt had a cat which the servants conspired to kill because they thought her a witch. On more than one occasion she drew her mistress's attention to dishes, which had been broken and hidden by the girls, by pulling at her dress, running to the place and mewing. Once when she had a great many kittens my aunt said to her, ' Annie, you have too many kittens, you must give me one ' no sooner said than done Annie trotted off, reappearing in a few minutes with the strongest, which she laid at my aunt's feet. ' There, now you've got it, keep it,' she said in cat language, for she would have nothing more to do with it, and when put beside her, took it in her mouth and laid it again before my aunt. Accordingly it was brought up on the bottle, and grew into a splendid fellow in course of time." To face page 282. CAVIES CHAPTER XXXII PERUVIAN CAVIES IT has been asserted that Guinea Pigs had no title to either of the words forming their original name, as they are said to have come from Brazil, not Guinea, and have no relationship to any kind of pig. In the same way I have not been able to obtain proof that any of the above were imported from Peru, or that they are now to be found there, but rather that those first seen in this country came from the Continent of Europe. Be this as it may, they have not been called here by any other name than Peruvians, and will probably continue to be called so to the end of the chapter. When once the difficulty is got over of learning to distinguish the head from the other end, they are to many fanciers the most interesting of the three varieties of Cavies used for exhibition, and they certainly offer most scope for the display of care and attention, in turning them out in show form, as I should very much doubt if any variety of four-footed stock of the same weight is capable of growing a coat of such length. Perhaps the nearest to approach it in this respect is 285 286 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES the Yorkshire Toy Terrier, then the Maltese Terrier, and lastly the Skye Terrier, the two first-named being small breeds, occasionally seen as low in weight as four pounds, but a small Skye Terrier would be nine or ten pounds at least, and most of the winners at the present day would run to twenty pounds and over. No one should take up this variety unless either pre- pared to give them personal and individual attention, or having reliable attendants, with requisite knowledge to enable them to do so. Every specimen intended for show purposes should be gone over every day ; the pigs soon become used to be handled, and will give no trouble at all if gently treated. Combing must not be attempted, as the coats are very lightly attached to the skin, and will soon be much injured by the hair pulled out in the teeth of the comb. I have found the best plan of dealing with them is to hold them on the extended palm of the left hand, and brush the coats downward with an ordinary hair brush with long bristles to it (not a wire brush, which is apt to have the same effect as a comb), going over it all round until it feels soft and clear to the touch. This in my opinion is better than putting the little animal on a table or shelf, where it is not likely to keep quite still during the operation, and may possibly pick up something in its coat ; the whole affair if done daily need not occupy more than a few minutes, but it will save a deal of trouble afterwards. Contrary to what may be supposed from its abundant coat, this variety is thought to be the least hardy of the PERUVIAN CAVIES 287 family, and should always be kept in hutches inside a house or shed of some kind, as they are not found able to stand exposure to either wet or cold, and would not be likely to do well, unless in a thoroughly protected position. I consider the Peruvians are especially suited for ladies to take up as a hobby, as yielding best results to those who have infinite capacity for taking pains, as we know the fair sex are used to in many of the forms of handiwork, and such like, they have made especially their own. And I am encouraged in this opinion by the fact that many of the best specimens of the variety I have ever seen have either been bred by ladies, or came from strains procured from them. As I said in a few introductory notes, these are in comparatively few hands, and I think there is room for a few enterprising exhibitors to take up the variety with zeal, and seek to obtain more entries at the shows, which will mean the provision of a better classification and keener competition for the prizes. I think more enthusiasm has been shown by the fanciers of the other two varieties than of this, and that more can be done with it than has hitherto been accom- plished. In the matter of feeding, quality is not to be sacrificed to quantity, and, whatever the food given, let it be the best and most nourishing of its kind obtainable. A little sweet meadow hay should be given morning and evening, if placed in a little wire rack within easy reach so much the better, to avoid risk of its being trodden on and soiled ; I have found a little bread and milk, squeezed 288 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES so as not to be wet, relished with the morning meal, and a few sound heavy oats ; for the mid-day meal some kind of green food, of which I prefer plantains, water-cress, carrot tops or roots, parsley, dandelions, chicory, comfrey, broccoli or cauliflower leaves to any other, as I think the less of water-producing food given to Peruvians the better, it being desirable their long coats should be kept as dry as possible. For the same reason I prefer longish straw for the bedding of their hutches, to hay, peat, sawdust, or other materials. At night, I advise, in addition to a little hay as mentioned, a mixture of a little bran with some kind of meal, either oat, barley or rice, but with an occasional change, made moist enough to stick together but not wet. Ringing the changes on the various items named, I think the little creatures, if kept scrupulously clean, which I take as a matter of course, will be found to do fairly well. In the matter of hutches or pens, this variety is not inclined to take much exercise, and each specimen intended for show should have a hutch to itself, on account of the propensity I mentioned to nibble each other's coats, and I have found the show pens, which can be obtained of any of the contractors for penning at shows, in blocks of six each, only requiring boarding of the same length and a little greater width to stand them on, make the best pens for exhibition stock. I think it best not to attempt to show and breed with the same animals, at anyrate more particularly the sows, PERUVIAN CAW, SELF " CH. GRAND DUKE." Owner, W. A. Sherlock. PERUVIAN CAVY, SELF " CH. LILY-WHITE." Owner, S. Newlove. To face page 289. PERUVIAN CAVIES 289 as you cannot expect to have satisfactory results if you do. The breeding stock should be kept apart from the others, and their coats clipped to give them freedom and comfort. Of course there is no harm, indeed it is per- haps just as well to win a few prizes with those you intend to use for breeding purposes, as it will enable you to get good prices for their progeny, but when you have commenced breeding with them it will be some time before they are again fit for the show pen. I have not found cavies as a rule much inclined for drinking, apparently finding sufficient moisture in their other food, but a little pure water put in their reach, in a shallow pan of some kind, may be of service occasionally. Although they will breed at a very early age, I am not an advocate, especially in the case of Peruvians, for allowing either sex to be used at the stud under eight or nine months. The time the does go with young often varies, but may be taken at between sixty-five and seventy-five days ; I have not known any less than the former, and very few to exceed the latter. The youngsters may remain with the doe for four or five weeks, during at least part of which time they will be found to take some of what they may find in their pen besides their mother's milk. Of course the doe must be well kept in condition both before and after the birth of the litter, and I am in favour of lukewarm mashes, bread and milk and crushed oats forming part of the daily bill of fare, which will suit mother and offspring. As 290 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES soon as the youngsters are weaned, when the sexes should be separated, they should have as much nourishing food as they will eat, not waste , and in this connection I may advise any novices amongst my readers to get some of the little pans with turned-in edges, which can be obtained at the shops where rabbit and cage birds' food stuffs are sold. As a rule they prevent the food being upset, and are easily kept clean, being of glazed ware, and will last for years. I do not think I need say more in a general way about the Peruvians, except to give my views as to what they should be like. The head should be broad in muzzle, rather long and Roman-nosed in face from forehead to nose, the face and head almost covered with the fall of hair over the fore- head. The eyes large, full and brilliant, generally dark in colour, though an exception is sometimes found in pure white specimens ; but I prefer a dark eye even in such cases. The body should be long and wide, this being im- portant as giving a better carriage to the coat and adding to the grandeur of the specimen. The coat should be as long as possible everywhere, at the sides it should at least touch the ground, at the back it should lie on the ground behind the animal, and at the the head it should come well over the face. The texture of the coat is very important, this should be soft and silky to the touch, not hard and coarse as is sometimes seen. The colour, while I prefer a pure self, is not so PERUVIAN CAVY, OTHER THAN SELF " LORD SULTAN. Great Prize Winner. Owner, C. H. Lane. PERUVIAN CAVY, OTHER THAN SELF " LADY IRENE." Winner of many Prizes, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 291. PERUVIAN CAVIES 291 material in this variety as in either of the others, as colour classification is rarely given for them blacks, blues, greys, whites, yellows, or combinations of some of them, are perhaps those most often seen, preferred by me in the order named. Condition and general appearance ; former firm and plump without being fat, and latter with well-furnished coat, free from mats or tangles. Size as large as possible without coarseness. The following is my own idea as to : STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING PERUVIAN CAVIES Head and covering thereto Eyes ..... Body and shape Coat as to length Coat as to texture . Colour ..... Condition and general appearance Size io Points 10 ,, 20 15 20 5 10 10 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XXXIII ABYSSINIAN CAVIES I HAVE never been able to get reliable information that this variety has any real connection with Abyssinia, nor any reason for its being so called, as it is believed to be, like its brethren, a native of Brazil, but has been acclimatised and established as a distinct variety for some years in this and other European countries. It is thought to be the hardiest of the family, although I think all cavies should be kept in some kind of house or building, as they are very susceptible to wet or cold, artificial heat is rarely necessary unless in very severe weather. Size is not nearly so important with Abyssinians as with the other varieties ; indeed, the best I have ever bred or seen have not been the largest, but of course, if the other points can be obtained to anything approaching perfection, a large specimen would be preferable to a small one. The most difficult feature to procure is a really harsh coat, so many failing in this respect, and although many means of artificially improving an otherwise defective 292 ABYSSINIAN CAVY U CH. BOSCO." Well-known Winner. Owner, J. Thompson. ABYSSINIAN CAVY " CH. HULL LADY." Owner, J. Thompson. To face page 293. ABYSSINIAN CAVIES 293 specimen have been adopted, I think it may be said of them, as we are told about poets, " they must be born, not made." Only secondary to the texture of the coat comes the question of rosettes, which, for the information of any novices amongst my readers, I may explain, are little circular stars of hair, each distinct and prominent, about the size of a florin, or larger, and dotted about all over the little animals' head and body, giving a rumpled and hair-brushed-the-wrong-way effect, and with short bristly hair about the face and lips, making it look what it certainly is not, a most savage and ferocious little brute. Although I think there are more breeders of these than of Peruvians, partly because they do not require so much space and are less trouble to keep in order, I con- sider they are prejudiced by being at the great majority of shows thrown into competition with them, it being so often that the classification is merely " Rough and Smooth Cavies," when a Peruvian stands a good chance of being put over an Abyssinian, unless the judge is a 'keen fancier of cavies, as well as of the other descriptions of <c Fur " coming under his judicial functions. Questions of colour are, as I said about the Peruvians, not deemed so important in this variety ; for my own part, I prefer pure self or tortoiseshell to any other shades, but, as the right sort of coat and a good distribu- tion of rosettes are so much the hardest points to obtain, the best-coloured specimens would have to stand back unless they were also good in those respects. This variety requires little preparation or grooming, it being 294 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES sufficient to use an ordinary hair brush to brush the coats all over, then going through each of the rosettes with a small short-haired brush, a tooth brush for choice. In all kinds of fancy stock, although a chance bred specimen may turn out a " star " it is the exception and not the rule, and I am sure it is the wiser course, and cheapest in the end, for any intending fanciers to start with well-bred animals. I by no means advise, unless money is no object and it is wished to quickly " gain the top of the tree " to give long prices for noted winners, but to commence by buy- ing two or three well-bred sows from some reliable breeder of reputation, and sending them to some stud boar known as the sire of good stock, or, if preferred, getting the young sows from one breeder and a young boar from another, as I am not an advocate for inbreeding with any kind of stock where possible to avoid it. By this method, with patience and perseverance, there is every prospect of breeding something worth showing. One advantage with this variety, as I said of Dutch Rabbits, is that it can be ascertained when the litter is quite young which of them are good enough to be worth keeping, so that a number of " wastrels " can be got rid of to the advantage of those retained and reduction of expenses for keep. I am not supposing prize-winners would be bought in the way mentioned above, but if they are well bred from pedigree stock, and themselves typical, there is every likelihood of their breeding something good. In selection, I should choose sows possessing plenty ABYSSINIAN CAVY" FLORENCE SECOND." Winner numerous Prizes, etc. Owner, J. Thompson. ABYSSINIAN CAVY "LAUREL LEOPOLD. Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 295. ABYSSINIAN CAVIES 295 of size and type ; and a boar with those points strongly developed which are most deficient in the sows, such as well-moustached face, bright or well-distributed colours, or abundance of rosettes ; but rely on hardness of coat and size, and brilliancy of the eyes, as features in the sows likely to be transmitted to their progeny. What I said as to the age of those intended to be used for breeding purposes, and the mode of feeding both adults and young, when dealing with Peruvians, will, I think, be equally applicable to this variety, and need not be repeated here. I advocated straw as bedding for the former, but I think peat moss as good as anything for Abyssinians ; I am not in favour of it for Peruvians, because when it gets wet I fancy it has a tendency to stain the ends of their long coat, and render them unsightly, more especially those wholly white, or with yellow and white, or with either of those shades as the main features in their colours. Abyssinians are usually active, bright little creatures and should have roomy hutches ; a number of young boars or sows may be run together if they are found to agree, but not mixed sexes after five or six weeks old. In genial weather they will greatly enjoy a few hours in a wirecl-in pen without bottom, only sides and tops to it, placed on a grass plot, and they will amuse themselves by nibbling the grass as if cut with a lawn mower, and be all the better for the change and fresh air. With these, as with all other live stock, it is most important to have regular times of feeding and stick to 296 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES them ; to give as much at a time as it is found they will consume, and frequently change some items in the dietary, however palatable they may be. When once the correct texture of coat has been obtained, and a good supply of rosettes, breeders can please themselves as to the colours they may wish to go in for, which can be done chiefly by care and selection in mating, and very interesting results often arise. I think perhaps I have said enough about this variety in a general way, and will now give my ideas as to their general appearance : The head should be large, broad and strong, well furnished with short harsh hair of as standing-off character as possible, and with the same sort on forehead, between eyes, over lips and under chin. The eyes should be bold, prominent and shiny ; the ears rather large than small, with a downward droop to their edges. The body should be broad and deep in shoulders and chest, somewhat cobby and square in hind quarters. The coat should be hard and wiry all over the body, with as many rosettes as possible, each complete in itself and distinctly formed. The condition firm and plump without fat, which is apt to cause softness of coat, and general appearance fierce, bristling and bellicose to a ludicrous degree. The colour is better if Self, Tortoiseshell or Tortoise- shell and White, but a specimen well resetted and with a harsh coat will have a good chance, whatever its colour. Size is not so important as quality ; perhaps most of the best pigs ever seen have not exceeded three pounds ABYSSINIAN CAVIES 297 in weight, but I remember two brothers I bred and took many prizes with, almost exact counterparts of each other, who were about that weight. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING ABYSSINIAN CAVIES Head and furnishing .... Body and shape .... Coat as to texture .... Rosettes, number and form Condition and appearance . Colour ...... Size, about two and a half to three pounds io Points 10 ,, 30 20 !5 IO ,, 5 Total 100 Points CHAPTER XXXIV BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES THESE, which are far more often called English, or even merely Smooth Cavies, are, strange to say, the most correctly called of the three main divisions of cavies. For while it is doubtful whether the Peruvians came from Peru, almost certain that the Abyssinians did not come from Abyssinia or even any part of the African Continent, there is every probability that this variety did come from Bolivia, and possibly the Peruvians and Abyssinians also. Bolivia is a country in South America, bounded on the north and east by Brazil, and is quite adjacent to the districts from which many naturalists and travellers assert all the Cavy family originally came. I mention the above for what it is worth, we know that " a rose by any other name will smell as sweet," and the little playmates of my childhood, then universally known as Guinea Pigs, have not only acquired aristocratic relations in the elegant long-coated Peruvians and the fierce-looking, resetted Abyssinians, but have joined the aristocratic clique by the fashionable practice of changing 298 BOLIVIAN OR SMOOTH CAVY, SELF " CH. WHAT'S WANTED.' Owners, Messrs Tee and Hanslip. BOLIVIAN OR SMOOTH CAVY, SELF " CH. DAISY." Owner, F. W. Walker. Tojacepage 298. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 299 their old misnomer to that of " Bolivian Cavies," almost equalling in its corresponding qualities the well-known names of " Messopotamia " or the " poultry, potatoes, prunes and prisms" in Dickens's delightful Little Dorrit. I believe I should speak within the mark if I said there are more of this variety in the possession of breeders and exhibitors than of the other two varieties put together, not only because they are very little trouble to keep, but from their greater variations in colour, and their several subdivisions, upon which I propose to say a few words, taking them roughly as, Self, Agouti, Tortoiseshell, Tortoiseshell and White, Dutch-marked, and Any Other Varieties. BOLIVIAN SELF-COLOURED CAVIES These, as far as I am aware, were unknown in the early days of the fancy, and probably in the land of their origin were seldom or ever seen, and the early pioneers of the variety obtained prices that would make some of our forebears rub their eyes if they heard of such figures for a guinea pig. I think Blacks, Whites, Reds, Creams and Browns are the Self most often seen, the first three named especially so. Of course, it is important there should not be even a hair of any other shade than the body colour, and this was for a long time the difficulty breeders had to contend with. 300 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES Many a litter have I bred in the early days, and found to my dismay, that the Blacks had a few red hairs ; the Whites with a small black spot or smudge on the forehead, or perhaps one of the feet ; the Reds develop a white star on the face ; or the Creams and Browns have a dash of yellow somewhere. But breeders have a much easier task before them now, as there are plenty of the assured strains of the different Self colours from which to work, and in consequence the youngsters can be obtained on very reasonable terms. I sent out some time since a large batch of breeding stock Bolivian Blacks, Reds and Agoutis, and some Abyssinians to a nephew in Kansas, U.S. A., from which he has bred hundreds of well-bred youngsters, and I have since had many letters from him, saying that he has been able to " sweep the board " at all the shows in his part of the country, and had sold hundreds of his stock to other fanciers. I shall give with this sketch some illustrations of well-known winners amongst Selfs which will give an idea of their appearance. I will give a brief description of the several points desired in a perfect specimen, which will apply to all the Bolivian specimens, as the subdivisions I have referred to are mainly questions of colour. The head should be large, without "stop," the line from the forehead to the nose with an outward curve, forming what is commonly known as a Roman nose. The ears turned over at upper edge, fairly SMOOTH, SELF " CH. BLACK BESS." Owner, A. Foster. To face page 300. SMOOTH, SELF "BLACK BOY. Owner, C. H. Lane. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 301 large, but with a graceful carriage and nearly bare of hair. The eyes almost round, with slightly oval eyelids, large- sized and brilliant in expression. The neck so short as almost to be absorbed in the deep wide shoulders. The back broad, well filled out and substantial, with hardly perceptible drop between the shoulders and latter end. The hind quarters strong and well formed. The coat should be plentiful, but short and glossy in appearance and soft to the feel. The condition should be hard and firm, not fat, and the appearance dignified, stately and contented- looking. The colour according to the subdivision in which they are entered, without intermixture of the shades. The size as large as obtainable without coarseness. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH AGOUTI CAVIES The Agoutis may be subdivided into golden and grey, some are in favour of one, others of the other shade. For my part, I like them both very much and have had many of each sort ; but I expect you would see ten of the former to one of the latter. The golden should be a rich golden yellow under- neath, with black ticking all over the head, body and 302 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES even legs and feet, the belly being usually of the golden yellow only. Great advances have been made in the last fourteen years when I think the first of this colour made their appearance not only in the colour and ticking, but in the size ; the forerunners of the beautiful little creatures now seen being mean and snipy in heads, mixed and blurred in colour, and wanting in size and dignity. The greys should be a beautiful silvery grey under coat, with black tickings throughout in the same way as the golden, making much the same shade as is associated with a little animal many of my readers may have seen, known as the ichneumon, and which has the reputation of being a terrible foe to alligators by eating their eggs and young ones when it can meet with either. Both the Agoutis are very popular, and at shows where they have not a class to themselves, a good specimen is often a hard nut to crack in a class of mixed colours of Smooth cavies or in Any Other Variety classes, as they have quite a distinctive style of their own, and command attention from all genuine cavy fanciers. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH TORTOISESHELL CAVIES The Tortoiseshell, as may be gathered from its name, should have but three colours red, black and yellow ; but anyone looking at a class of them would be surprised to see how many changes may be rung upon them. The several marks or patches making up the shade should join but not mix, and the more separate marks SMOOTH GOLDEN AGOUTI CAVY " CH. KING OF THE YUKON.''' Owners, Messrs Wright and Ford. SMOOTH GOLDEN AGOUTI CAVY "SISTER LAURA." Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 302 SMOOTH GREY AGOUTI CAVY " GREYFRIAR." Owner, C. H. Lane. SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL CAVY " CH. SUREFOOT.' Owner, J. Thompson. To face page 302. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 303 there are the better the specimen will be, at anyrate in colour, and some breeders assert that a downright good Tortoiseshell is as hard to produce as any kind of cavy of the Bolivian tribe. I cannot say that the breeders of Tortoiseshells have had much encouragement in their hobby, as when with infinite pains they have produced a fair specimen it has often been thrown out, on the ground that it did not come up to the ideal fixed by the National Cavy Club, by having slight tints of colours other than the three named. I do not mean white, for that of course must be tabooed for the sake of the Tortoiseshell and Whites, which have an extensive following, and are often very beautiful little creatures. But such shades as brown or brindle, which sufficiently harmonise, if present in a slight degree only, with the other colours, so as not to spoil the general effect of the whole. No doubt perfectly-marked Tortoiseshells are rare, and when seen should be made a note of ; but with the vast army of breeders at work in this and other countries I am not at all in despair about them, indeed I have had some more than fair specimens before me to judge in 1902, and hope their owners were satisfied that, their merits - received due recognition, as only those who have attempted to breed them can appreciate the difficulties to be overcome and the number of litters which have to be produced before one appears which is likely to fill the eye of the judge. Knowing what has been accomplished in the last fifteen years, I am not despondent of seeing the Tortoiseshell problem solved. 3 o 4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE CAVIES I believe if the public, apart from cavy fanciers or those interested in them as breeders or exhibitors, were asked which colour they admired most of all in the Bolivian or English classes, the majority would declare in favour of this variety, as they are often very pleasing in appearance. I have little or no doubt they are easier to breed of good quality than either Tortoiseshells or Agoutis, but they are regarded with so much favour by many judges that a good tricolour is very often seen in the money in' mixed classes. Although, according to the standard, three colours only are supposed to be allowed, many I think will be found with four, namely red, black, yellow, or brown, and white, and I am not at all sure this is not as they should be, as blacks, reds, yellows and browns are certainly found in true tortoiseshell, from which they derive the first part of their name, and the same holds good in respect to tortoiseshell cats, whether long or short haired. I suppose an ideal specimen should have a consider- able preponderance of tortoiseshell to a limited amount of white in its markings, but although the patches of each join, they should be clear and distinct, without inter- mixture. Say a tortoiseshell head with white blaze and chin, white chest, one or more white patches on body ; belly, SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE CAVY " CH. LADY SARAH.' Owner, J. H. Lilley. SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE CAVY " CH. ELEGANCE. Owner, J. S. James. To face page 304. SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL CAVY " SIR LUCIUS." Owner, C. H. Lane. SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE CAVY " CH. GALTEE MORE." Owners. Messrs Bousfield Brothers. To face page 304. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 305 legs and feet partially white ; ears dark, and general effect and mingling of the colours forming a harmonious whole. I think the original " guinea pigs" were more like this variety than any other colour, and this probably arose from the indiscriminate mating amongst them in a wild state of nature. Probably those who had no experience of cavy breeding might suppose it would be easy enough to produce this variety with a white or only partially-marked boar and a tortoiseshell sow, but I am assured by others, in confirma- tion of my own experience, that the best specimens have' not been produced in this way, as it is found in the majority of cases that too great preponderance of the colour of the one or the other of the parents in the colour of the offspring is the result. Of course it is advisable, whatever materials are used, to ascertain the antecedents of the pigs to be mated, and, if they come of well-marked stock, as, even if closely related in blood, the effects of this may be corrected by an after outcross, securing the advantages of inherited markings and avoiding the risk of loss of constitution by the inbreeding. As I have said elsewhere in these sketches, I am not in favour of inbreeding as a rule, in any kind of live stock breeding, but sometimes it has to be adopted where some marked characteristic must be pre- served, even if it is to be corrected by outcrossing afterwards. I think the variety under notice has had considerable u 306 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES success of late years, and I shall give illustrations of some of those which have taken honours under many of our judges, which will convey a better impression of what Tortoiseshell and Whites should be like than any more lengthy descriptions of the variety on my part ; but I think it offers a wide field for experiment on the part of breeders, as to the best method of producing the desired combination cf colours in order to introduce more prize- winners at our shows. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH DUTCH-MARKED CAVIES This is another variety of comparatively recent date, and one entailing patience and skill on ( the part of breeders ; but I think their efforts have met with much success, as I have been surprised to see how many very fairly-marked specimens have appeared in the pens. Of course the ideal pig is one marked in the same way as a Dutch Rabbit should be, but although what is commonly known as " a Sabbath day's journey " would have to be taken before meeting with one correct in all points, there is no doubt that wonderful progress has been made towards the desired result. Colour must always be a matter of taste, and although, as far as I have owned or seen, the best Dutch-marked specimens have hitherto been red with white markings, there is no reason why blacks or yellows should not be produced equally good. And as I think the best Dutch Rabbits I have ever *1P AW JWi SMOOTH CAVY, ANY OTHER COLOUR " LORD PIEBALD." Owner, C. H. Lane. SMOOTH CAVY, ANY OTHER COLOUR" LORD BLAZE." Owner, C. H. Lane. To face page 306 BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 307 seen have been black with white markings, so I should prefer cavies with the same colours, to any others, if the markings were correctly placed. As I said of the last variety, so I may repeat of this, that it affords scope for experimental breeding ; although on the ground of like producing like, I should advise having one, if not both, of the parents with a marked tendency to Dutch mode of colouring ; but if not obtain- able on both sides, choose it with the dam as likely to produce type and shape, leaving depth of colour, etc., to the sire. The illustrations will give fair representations of some of the best specimens I have been able to secure, to show what has been achieved in the production of prize-winners in this variety already. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES ANY OTHER VARIETY As I have in the foregoing sketches lightly touched on most of the varieties usually provided with classes even at the larger shows, all the rest must come into this category. Perhaps with the exception of Brindles, which for some reason or other do not seem to be holding the place in public favour accorded to them some years since, the others may be almost termed the misfits of those already noticed. It is difficult if not impossible to summarise all the various types seen in Any Other Variety classes, as they are 308 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES made up of a mixture of every kind of colour and marking known in cavydom. As in other kinds of live stock, it is always a very unsatisfactory class for judges and exhibitors ; in the case of the former it is best to look for the winners amongst those that approach the nearest to the type to which they seem to belong ; and with the latter to refrain from entering at all, unless the specimen, irrespective of colour, is well shaped and typical as a cavy, and has some dis- tinctive character in its markings, as piebald, skewbald, all white with a black, red or yellow head, or some unusual feature of that kind likely to draw attention to its merits, such as they may be. I have seen a red or a black with a white blaze only, win in such a class, indeed have more than once taken prizes with such a specimen, but entering in this class must necessarily be more of a lottery than even the usual vicissitudes of an exhibitor's life. As I have already given a brief description of the several qualities desired to obtain a near approach to per- fection with these little animals, and my ideas about the several subdivisions into which they are sometimes classi- fied, and have already mentioned in the case of the Peruvians what I have found suitable in the way of food, housing and mating, which will mainly apply to all the Cavy family, I need only add a scale giving my views as to the value of the several points suggested in these slight sketches of what has become such a popular section of the fancy with a great number of people at home and abroad. ' : v SMOOTH DUTCH-MARKED CAVY " CH. KLONDYKE." Owner, J. Blackburn- SMOOTH DUTCH-MARKED CAVY " CH. MONARCH." Owner, J. H. Lilley. To face page 308. BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 309 STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES Head Eyes .... Coat .... Shape Colour Condition and appearance Size 10 Points 10 20 '5 20 10 15 Total 100 Points INDEX ABYSSINIAN Cats, 203 Cavies, 292 Agouti Cavies, 301 Anecdotes about Cats, 226 Angora Rabbits, 88 Any Other Colour Long-haired Cats, 159 , , Short-haired Cats, 2 1 8 Smooth Cavies, 307 BELGIAN Hare Rabbits, 30 Black Cats, Long-haired, 134 ,, ,, Short-haired, 161 ,, and Tan Rabbits, 48 , , and White Cats, Short-haired, 1 86 Blue Cats, Long-haired, 137 ,, Short-haired, 166 and Tan Rabbits, 49 Bolivian Cavies, Self-coloured, 299 ,, Agouti, 301 ,, Any Other Coloured, 307 ,, Dutch-marked, 306 ,, Tortoiseshell, 302 ,, Tortoiseshell and White, 304 CATS, Anecdotes about, 226 Long-haired, Any Other Colour, 159 Black, 134 ,, Blue, 137 ,, Brown Tabby, 144 ,, Chinchilla, 142 ,, Cream - coloured, 139 ,, Orange Tabby, 150 Red Tabby, 150 ,, Silver Tabby, 147 ,, Smoke, 153 ,, Tortoiseshell, 156 White, 131 Cats, Short-haired, Abyssinian, 203 ,, Any Other Colour, 218 ,, ,, Black, 161 ,, ,, Black and White, 1 86 Blue, 1 66 Brown Tabby, 175 Indian, 211 ,, Manx, 199 ,, Mexican Hairless, 209 ,, Narrow - striped Tabby, 181 ,, ,, Red Tabby, 169 ,, ,, Siamese, 205 ,, ,, Silver Tabby, 172 5 j > Smoke, 184 ,, ,, Spotted Tabby, 178 , ,, Tabby and White, 191 Tortoiseshell, 194 >? 5> and White, 196 ,, >, White, 163 ., and Black, 187 Wild, 213 Cavies, Abyssinian, 292 Bolivian Smooth, 298 Peruvian, 285 Concluding Remarks about Rabbits, 1 18 DUTCH-MARKED Cavies, 306 Rabbits, 83 ENGLISH Rabbits, 93 FEW Words on Cats in General, 220 Flemish Giant Rabbits, 72 HIMALAYAN Rabbits 77 312 INDEX JAPANESE Rabbits, 58 INDIAN Cats, 211 Introductory, 3 LONG-HAIRED Cats, 131 Lop-eared Rabbits, 21 MANX Cats, 199 Mexican Hairless Cats, 209 NARROW-STRIPED Tabby Cats, 181 PATAGONIAN Rabbits, 53 Peruvian Cavies, 285 Polish Rabbits, 62 RABBITS, Angora, 88 Belgian Hare, 30 Black and Tan, 48 Blue and Tan, 49 Dutch, 83 English, 93 Flemish Giants, 72 Himalayan, 77 Japanese, 58 Lop-eared, 21 Patagonian, 53 Polish, 62 Siberian, 68 Silver Brown, 113 Fawn, 1 08 Grey, 98 Red Tabby Long-haired Cats, 150 Short-haired Cats, 169 SHORT-HAIRED Cats, 161 Siamese Cats, 205 Siberian Rabbits, 68 Silver Brown Rabbits, 113 Fawn Rabbits, 108 ,, Grey Rabbits, 98 ,, Tabby Long-haired Cats, 147 ,, Short-haired Cats, 172 Smoke Long-haired Cats, 153 Short-haired Cats, 184 Spotted Tabby Short-haired Cats, 178 TABBY, Long-haired, Brown, 144 Orange, 150 Red, 150 ,, Silver, 147 Short-haired, Brown, 175 Narrow - striped, 181 Red, 169 Silver, 172 Spotted, 178 and White, 191 Tortoiseshell Bolivian Cavies, 298 Long-haired Cats, 156 ,, Short-haired Cats, 194 ,, and White Short-haired Cats, 196 , , and White Bolivian Cavies, 304 WHITE and Black Short-haired Cats, 187 ,, Long-haired Cats, 131 Short-haired Cats, 163 Wild Cats, British, 213 THE END Colston & Coy. 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