OE PUY'S POPULAR POULTRY AND PET STOCK BOOKS, NO. 4. THE KABBIT.; _ Ww oOo A TT wo Ul wo Ped ul WwW oO o G < — 4 “i sae ow. Nh Nh i, i ali efi i fifay! la \\ ‘ . { ie . Ca; Ee Nie aul! ee S oeeeent Goin, ie Mp, rs 9 one noc cce socccoccescccccccoscesocoosoocoocee® S HOW TO SELECT, BREED AND MANAGE THE RABBIT é ° FOR PLEASURE OR PROFIT. e @ ; e 4 BY CLARENCE C. DE PUY, PUBLISHER. : eM: N. RICHARDSON SYRACUSE, N. Y. Seececce ccoccescesoeoccocecocceeeccoscceocces THIRD EDITION. | PRICE 25 CENTS, 4 ‘HPL “ALID AWW] LS “USNEY MOOUG SUL AS G3asivVd GNV d3aua Coes}1 Wlory poyderso.04a) ‘Sq. St “LHd VINVY Cog VE CTE) |S NVEC THI ‘Te[nd4119 10; dures , ‘aTeS 10} 4901S sunO, pur Siapoaig ‘plo syaem oulU UayM spunod %S pue pjo syaam ‘sig0npoid jeaur se SJUBIX) YSIW9[ YJ 94} [90x] ‘p[iom ay} jo qqey AEN yeois aU] aay uaym Spunod %z ‘plo SyaoM OM} UOYM punod I JaAO paysiomaAry ures ino jo ¥9031s .3uno7z ‘S1apseigq IYI] -o1d pue snoiosia ‘Apiepyy rR IRDA eer > i SAY NUID IdG LHD LAVAL Vv ih ae. oes 1} tio ith ‘ | “£681 “IVA S.C TYOM 94) 38 parqiyxy SouBy ue}Z}ag 40; pawmy 9q5IH 94) BOpAyaooy * A *N ‘AOIL “SGUVHDIA TaNwa 44 poDMO «SSANISNG,, WONY AAV NvlOTag ee ete enna p Sarre cane Yate tre ed Magny» wo; rf release eT TNE RABBIT. HOW TO SELECT. BREED anno MANAGE THE _ RABBIT ror PLEASURE or PROEPTE BY W. N RICHARDSON. SYRACUSE, N. Y., CLARENCE C. DEPUY, PUBLISHER. 1899, CW pe re to COPYRIGHTED 1894, By W. N. RICHARDSON. COPYRIGHTED 1896, BY CLARENCE C. DEPUy. COPYRIGHTED 1899, By CLARENCE C. DEPouy. ZAGN OF “CONG PN ox jr EIGE OF eg JAN 16 1899 age tor of Can tS INTRODUCTION. The demand for a hand book on the Rabbit, explaining in practical manner the mysteries of rabbit culture, treating especially on the care and management of the Belgian Hare, is the only excuse for perpetuating this volume on an indul- gent public. In the main the writer’s actual experience is given; while for information requiring greater experience and familiarity with the Rabbit, such eminent authorities as Messrs, Watmough, Mason and Knight, of the land of fanciers, SEnoland, are quoted, If, by following the plans recommended, the privations and sufferings of an animal so noble, so worthy of good care and attention, are lessoned, the knowledge of their increased comfort, will amply repay the trouble involved, and the mission undertaken will be crowned with success. Read this book carefully, follow the directions plainly given, and the result cannot be otherwise than successful. THE AULHOR: na Og ot rrr ve, RABBIFS: FOR: PROFIT. Most people in this country think that the rabbit is a use- less pet, and being unacquainted with their habits and possibilities, condemn them, as unworthy of the care and attention they so justly deserve. The Rabbit question has its bright side. The formerly neglected rabbit is now furnishing both pleasure and profit when managed intelligently. | find that nine of ten fanciers who give up, do so because they cannot keep their pets in proper health. There is a great deal in feeding, housing and mating. The conclusion is, that, fanciers spend too much money in feeding their Rabbits giving them too much to eat and the consequence is that they either become diseased or there is a tremendous waste of food. Asa rule they are kept in too small quarters, thereby generating disease for want of pure air, | am pleased to say that many men in the fancy have seen their mistakes and are now making the Rabbit a success financially. There are Rabbits of all colors, sizes and conditions from which to select an ideal, which must possess many good qualities among which must be, a good appearance, large size, prolificacy, and hardiness, they must mature quickly, be exempt from disease and vermin, finally furnishing a delicacy for the table at a cost not exceeding their more popular rivals, Poultry. 8 THE RABBIT. THE RABBITRY. One great essential to success is proper quarters for the stock, this building is called the rabbitry and is as easily constructed as an ordinary hennery and for number of occupants to be considered at a much less expense, the model Rabbitry will afford protection from moisture and storm, space for exercise and separation of the breeders, OM and all important will be ventilation, for when during the warm months sickness will sure to follow any lack of pure fresh air, plenty of windows, wide open, a large ventilator through the voof all tend to keep the place cool and free from unpleasant odors, secure a tight roof and a dry floor prefer- ably of cement; bricks absorb too much moisture and render the rabbitry very damp in cold weather, a good board floor is quite acceptable 1f cement is not to be had, regarding the hutches there can be no mistake that the larger the better. A breeding hutch should be not less than six feet long, two feet wide, and twenty inches high, partiticning off about twenty inches of one end for a nesting room, this apartment” should be dark, with an entrance six inches wide at the front and extending from the bottom to the top of the hutch, thereby ventilating the apartment. A door eight or ten inches wide of the same height furnished with a suitable catch for the front, so as to admit a white wash brush easily. The front of the remaining forty inches should have a door of one inch mesh wire netting, fastened to a frame work of seven-eights by two inch wood, this door to be hinged at the end farthest away from the nesting apartment, the one inch mesh netting keeps in the young rabbits and keeps out old rats. If the partition between the living and nesting apart- ments is made so-as to be easily taken out the hutch can be used by the growing brood until large enough to separate, THE RABBIT. 9 always put the netting on the inside of tne frame for often bunny will enjoy nibbling at the soft wood generally used. I sometimes put a small piece of wood in the hutch for them to wear down their teeth by gnawing upon it. A brood buck will be perfectly happy in a hutch five feet long and of course needs no nesting apartment. The hutches are best built two feet from the floor leaving that space for growing stock to run about in, for if you want those long racy specimens the standard demands they must have exercise and plenty of room to grow. The food and water dishes must be securely fastened in placc or the contents will be upset and wasted. FEBDING: What will a Rabbit eat? It would be easier to name what they would not eat. Hay, oats, corn, wheat, peas, barley, and in fact anything that a cow or sheep will, cabbage, beets, turnips, carrots, dandelion, milkweed, plaintain are a few deilcacies, dry bread and milk, corn bread, boiled pota- toes, raw onions, pea pods, green corn, and fresh cut clover for a desert. What else? every vegetable known to man except poison ivy or wild parsnip, The only thing required is a little judgment in the supply and the variety will be very acceptable. Always have a supply of good clean hay and oats before them, give green stuff once or twice a day and only in quantities that will be eaten clean, in the summer large quantities of green food can be fed, our pets are delightee with the fresh cool succulent plants and the grain bill corres- pondingly decreases, a little care is needed to change froma dry grain diet to green food. The young juicy stuff freshly gathered has, on grain fed animals, a tendency to scour 10 THE RABBIT. them, but after they become accustomed to the diet they can be supplied liberally. In giving green food to young- sters care should be especially exercised. Always bear in mind that the fresher the better: Trouble is caused by wet stuff being allowed to lie in a heap, thereby steaming and sweating until unfit for use, at the same time avoid wet green food if fresh and dry food is procurable, remember that a heap of green stuff in the hutch to be trodden upon and covered with filth, is to my idea an unpardonable condition of affairs and is often the cause of serious trouble. Does nursing should have as much as they can eat, green corn, carrots, fresh clover, etc., are excellent milk producers and should be fed in con- junction with sound whole oats, give cool fresh water twice a day keeping it always before them. WATER FOR RABBITS. It is pleasing to know that there is no greater advocate than myself in favor of giving rabbits water as a beverage. I was taught that water was to be used only as a remedy for diarrhoea, and, until recently employed it only as such; but seeing my pets drink their own urine, I concluded they were thirsty and desired a drink of water. Think of the numbers otf rabbits that are confined in generally too small quarters that have to.suffer through the hot summer months and the feverish hours attendant upon giving birth to their young, deprived of the costless yet essential requisite, “a drink of water.’’ To the adherents of the no water system, | would advise the reading of this clipping concern- ing the rabbit pest in Australia and how their extinction is conducted. . ‘In all but the remote sections, the rabbits are fairly under control, Millions of rabbits have been killed by fenc- THE RABBIT. Il ing in the water holes and dams during the dry season, whereby they die of thirst, and they lie in piles against the obstructions they so frantically and vainly strive to climb.’’ —[Mr. S. Dickinson, in Station Life Australia. Ihis, | think, should convince the most skeptical that water is beneficial, if not indispensable to a rabbit, particu- larly when in captivity and deprived of their natural juicy food. I will state that since adopting the water plan I have not had a sick rabbit in my rabbitry. MATING. Judicious mating is an essential to success in rearing any stock. Injudicious crossings are often resorted to, which result in no benefit. The most common crosses met with are the Lop, the Flemish and the Patagonian; each cross showing distinctive- ly its ancestors. The Lop is distinguished by its soft, pen- dulous ears; the Flemish by its grey color and large dewlap ; while the Patagonian gives a rough coat and ears that are slung most anyway from the proper position. These crosses all give excessive weight and are employed for that purpose when breeding for market purposes. In mating, whatever is done, we ought to bear in mind that we are not making a variety, but are trying to excel in the quality of a specimen of a present variety. When we have excellent specimens from the best blood procurable, we should use our own stock for mating, utilizing the best of each litter, gradually building up a strain fit to win in any company. Having a type in our mind, and mat- ing for that type, we can quickly succeed in securing an ideal for the market or for exhibition. Many fanciers erro- neously place all their confidence in the buck, The breeder 12 THE RABBIT. who insists on a good doe with a good buck is the winner. Rather a good doe than buck when only one is available; so goin fora good doe, and when you have her do not breed her to death, nor underfeed her when with a litter of young. The greatest difficulty is in the selection of colors. Other properties being equal in male and female, you must strike a balance—you must take light and the dark. Don’t mate two of the same shade unless they have a certain qualification you do not otherwise possess. Try and mate one deficient with one fully developed in that deficiency ; that is striking a balance; always taking care not to lose what has been obtained by previous matings. BREEDING. For those who breed for profit there are two courses open —one is to keep all the stock until fit for exhibition, or for sale at fancy figures; the other is to market at from four to six months of age. In either case the methods are so similar as to not require any special explanations. The doe has visited the buck and is placed in the hutch where she is expected to rear her prospected family, which is expected in thirty days from the date of the visit to the buck. She must be supplied with an extra amount of food and green stuff, and a couple of days before the time is up, give an extra quantity of straw or hay to build her nest with; leave no loose dishes or other articles in the hutch, for she may utilize them when building. It should be observed that during the whole period of pregnancy the doe should be kept as quiet as possible. Be sure and have a supply of water in the hutch at the time of kindling; thisis very important and no doubt it prevents many does from destroying their young as soon as born. THE RABBIT. 13 At this time there seems to be an unusual thirst, and in their frenzy they destroy their young to appease their inordinate thirst. Confirmed killers have been completely cured by the observance of this rule. Young does sometimes kill their first litter or neglect them, but this is not liable to occur again; do not condemn them too soon. Do not molest the nest for two or three days; when, after carefully removing the doe from the hutch, giving her arun on the rabbitry floor, you may examine the young at your leisure, removing any dead or extra youngsters you do not care to raise—five or six areenough. Do not handle them more than is necessary. Give the doe a carrot or some dainty she will eat, after an hour or two replace her in the hutch, and she will be so anxious to nurse that the intrusion is seldom noticed. Feed her as usual, giving an ¢xtra quantity of food and green stuff, for the young grow fast and if the doe is not well cared for, she, in turn cannot do justice to her young; and they will have slobbers if not sufficiently nourished. In two or three weeks the young will be moving about the hutch; from now until weaned is the critical time in their existence. With the food and care recommended they will prosper: When about two months old they should be taken from the doe and allowed to run on the rabbitry floor ; the doe being started for another family. In cold weather a nest box is good for the young litter, place it in a corner so in their gambols they are not liable to run against it. A large soap box with the top taken off and a hole five inches square in the end answers very well, In the summer such a nest would cause bad ears from the excessive heat. Feed them hay, whole oats, stale bread, cooked potatoes, etc., a limited supply of green food and fresh water every day ; bread and milk, not sloppy, is an excellent food for growing youngsters. 14 THE RABBIT. Separate the sexes when taken from the doe, and at four months of age separate the males, as they get quarrelsome and the weaker ones are completely ruined sometimes in their fights. Do not breed a doe under seven months of age, and not over four times a year; by this arrangement she will raise strong, healthy litters until four or five years of age. For breeding purposes an old buck and a young doe beget the largest young. THE NURSE*DOE: Is often employed in assisting the more valuable varieties to raise all their progeny. The plan followed is simple and effective. A Dutch doe makes the best nurse. They are struck by an inferior buck at the same time as the more valuable doe, so that when the exchange is made the nurse doe’s young are all destroyed, and she is given half of the young from the other doe. Exercise the same care in handling. They are wonderful milkers, often rearing larger young than the larger doe. Help the nursing doe all you can; she is the prime factor of your success, by giving the ycungsters a start. Bread. and milk is excellent food for her and the young. KEEP AIRECER ID, The general plan of the record is simple in detail and effectual in its results. The great thing in system, which must be vigorously followed or disagreeable mistakes will occur, generally too late for reparation. I keep a record book of my rabbitry, in which 1s recorded every incident concerning its occupants. Aside from the entries from time to time of the ordinary Dr. and Cr., items THE RABBIT. 15 anc occurences of unusual importance, | have a record of every animal, its pedigree, matings and its final disposition, and can, at glance, give any information required. The accompanying tabulations are actual copies from my record book in use at the present time. When a rabbit becomes of an age sufficient for breeding, she is given a number and a name, the number follows con- secutively, regardless of sex, and are recorded thus: = Born. | Name. Remarks. II Bk. |Imported. 13), Doe: 2 18 s* |[mported. Impcrted.| Dec. ’92 |Business.|First World’s Fair, Oct. 1893. y | Mar. ’95 | Cinch. |Sold October 1, 1893. Imported. |, June: "93: |) Hurekas|inot ew « aadee ine | eee If a doe, she is placed in a hutch anda card is attached, showing her name and number. The bucks are not record- ed unless sold or selected for breeding. When the doe has visited the buck another card is attached to the hutch, which shows the date, number, etc., viz.: The large letter F. at the bottom of the O. ae card is the mating check letter in the Record oe Io. c : ee | Book, and by locking at the mating) Pythe C33, 1093 : : : ; Due Jan 3, 1593. | comparison is easily made. The record of rt matings are made thus: MATINGS. (a 2353 Letter. | Doe. Buck. | Date. |Tested.| Due. Remarks. | y No. ... . .|Sold December 1. 3 8 | 5a Bee ie Dect 15| Jan. 2 |Had nine young, put five to nurse. G 19 11 |Jan. 30\Jan. 30\Feb. 14/Sold February 5, 1894. | 16 THE RABBIT. The pedigrees are arranged thus: No. 8. Doe,. ‘‘Helderberg,’’ Sept. 1892. Sire, Imported Rufus x dam, Altomant. She by Big Pete x Donavan doe. Their parents imported in 1890. PREPARING FOR EXHIBITION Requires some extra labor, and more exercise for the specimens under preparation. The majority of rabbits are shown too fat; they must be worked down; they must be groomed daily; restrict the green food also; get them in that race-horse shape required in the exhibition specimen. A buck which has become bunchy, no matter how he ex- cels in other points, cannot enter the show with an equal chance with the long slim built animal. The doe which has become baggy from excessive breeding is also handicapped. Immature specimens should not be shown, as they give the stranger an erroneous impression regarding their size, which is hard to eradicate. ; DISEASES.-OF RABBITS. Although a list, few are encountered by the American fancier, while the foreign fancier contents with many not enumerated here. Our climate and our abundance of every- thing that a rabbit will eat together with our American fashion of not allowing ourselves to be tied down to the lines drawn by our grandfathers, all tend to make life much more bearabl: for our furry pets. When you see your rabbit sitting and moping ina corner, paying no regards to his meals, etc., you may rest assured that it is not in.good health, and you should immediately try and find out the reason and apply the remedy. 1 he hearan enemas drt tpt nt ech eS hes ert cere r etre ene eft R ts Soa 5p tena Sa re tes Wie ek) pentose cee deem treatm ine tinder eee ener erect tet hr at nhc ae ete “GENERAL LEE” English Standard Belgian Hare Buck. (Photographed from life.) Property of THE STEARNS FRUIT Ranouw, Canon City, Colo. ‘yein ‘AYO eNVT WBS ‘HONVY wooug FH] Jo Ay\lodod (AJIT Wloay pod vis010yd) ; ‘a0q JlvEL URISlog purpuvis USsT|sug «GANOOAS SSHONTUd., THE RABBIT. 17 Let me impress upon your minds that in all cases ‘‘Pre- vention is better than Cure’’ and if rabbits are kept in con- dition in well ventilated hutches, dry and warm, supplied with suitable food, they often go through their lives without having a single ill. The prescribed treatment is founded on actual experience, and it is hoped that this article will enable the fancier to understand the various ills, and apply suitable remedies. APPETITE, LOSS OF Is due to various causes, generally a simple cold or its diges- tive organs may be disordered. Treatment: —Keep the rabbit warm and give a little stimu- lant to drink such as mulled ale, or a little sweet wine, tempt with some delicacy such as a piece of carrot, bread and milk, steamed corn, with a few tea leaves mixed in, if in the sum- mer give a little dandelion daily. BLEINDNESSs IN: THES YOUNG: Can often be traced to filthy hutches or some projecting mail or wire. When the hutches are neglected the filth develops noxious gases which tend to inflame their eyes often causing total blindness, they appear swollen and often red pimples are to be seen around the lids. Treatment:—lIsolate the rabbit, taking care that the hutch is warm. Bath the eyes with a lotion of 4% oz. of sulphate of zinc to a pint of water, apply two or three times a day with a soft sponge. CANKER. In the ear is a very uncommon disease and one quite difficult to cure, the symptoms are a thick yellow discharge from the inside of the ears and sometimes from eyes also. 18 THE RABBIT. Treatment:—Clean out the ear with a small soft sponge fastened to a stick soaked in warm water, wiped dry care- fully and wash out with the zinc lotion, twice a day, cleanse the animals bowels with cabbage leaves or small dose of flowers of sulphur in its food. COLIC. Is a painful contraction of the bowels due to indigestion or from constipation, the animal is restless and the belly seems to be more or less distended with wind. Treatment: —Dissolve a Beechams pill in water, say two teaspoonful, give half at a dose once a day until the bowels act freely, feed carefully for a few days, giving little green stuff. CONSTIPATION. Is not generally difficult to cure it is caused by an excess of food. The rabbit is seen to mope in the corner of the hutch, and refused to eat, yet seems often very thirsty. Treatment:—Give the pill solution until the bowels act freely, feed bread and milk or green food being careful not to cause the other extreme. DIARRHOEA. The passage of loose watery stools more frequently than is natural constitutes diarrhoea, and may result from several causes such as a chill, excessive heat, a fright or a too liberal supply of green food when unaccustomed to it. Treatment:—Remove the Rabbit to a dry warm hutch, and take an ordinary nose (for.a grown person) of any favorite “‘cholera cure’’ add to one teaspoonful twelve or fifteen teaspoonsfui of water, mix well, give the effected animal a teaspoonful every three hours until an improvement is THE RABBIT. 19 noticeable. Supply with dry oats, bread or clover hay, allow a little milk or water, but no green food until recovery is assured. ; An over supply of succulent food to young growing stock is often the cause of DRORSY. The belly becomes swollen and hard and for a time does not seem to seriously effect them, but soon they loose their relish for food and if not relieved will gradually pine away and die. Treatment:—Remove to a large airy hutch where they may have more exercise or let them run on the rabbitry floor, feed them dry bread, oats, cracked peas, hay (not clover), water once a day and occasionally a carrot or turnip, rigidly excluding the green food until health is regained. EAR GUM. The ears should be occasionally examined to see if they are free from dirt and wax, when suffering from this trouble they shrink from being handled, as it no doubt is painful for them. Treatment:—Syringe the ear carefully with warm water and glycerine, care being taken not to inject too forcibly, dry with a soft sponge and apply some simple ointment daily, avoid handling by the ears at all times as heavy specimens are often seriously injured by so doing, causing serious inflammatory conditions so difficult to eradicate. FIES. Or convulsions are most commonly met with in young stock and generally can Se traced to some irritating cause, such as indigestion or over feeding. 20 THE RABBIT. Treatment:—Keep the effected rabbit warm, and dry and give the following pill; Sulphate of iron I grain; extract of gentian 2 grains, to make 1 pill. One to be given twice daily. Give plenty of good nourishing food and exercise. SORE HOCK. ls generally caused by filthy hutches, dampness and sticks or slivers in cheir litter, those who use sawdust or machine shavings for litter can easily trace the cause of their troubles, improper feeding will debilitate and lower the vitality neces- sary to heal the wounds inflicted by their stamping while the damp filth will prove a continuous irritant. Treatment:—First clean the hutch thoroughly, then white wash, provide a good bed of hay or oat straw, wash the affected parts in warm water, dry thoroughly, apply carbo- lized vaseline in an aggravated case put on a bandage be- ing sure to sew it on not leaving any ends for the animal to nibble on. Give good wholesome food and water or bread and milk. INSECTS, are generally traced to neglect. Treatment :—ls simply cleanliness and sanitation. Carbo- lized whitewash is recommended, MANGE, Is caused by a parasite which barrows in the skin and is analogous to the itch in man. Sulphur is considered a spe- cific in man, So it must follow the same in the rabbit. Treatment:—Isolate the rabbit and apply the following ointment: Flowers of Sulphur 1 oz., Lard 40z.mix. Ihave been unusually successful in treating mange in dogs, cats and rabbits, with carbolized vaseline, the animal does not lick it off as they will the sulphur mixture and it is certainly THE RABBIT. 21 much easier applied. In every case thoroughly cleanse the hutch containing the affected animal. PARALYSIS, This disease generally attacts the hind quarters and ren- ders them quite useless. The cause is generally traced to uncleanliness and damp floors. Treatment :—Keep the rabbit warm and furnish nutricious , food, also remove all filth in the hutch and disinfect thor- oughly, give twice a day a pill as follows: Tartrate of iron 20 grains, Quinine IO grains, extract of gentian 20 grains; mix, make into 10 pills. RED WATER, Or as is often called bloody urine, is an affection of the kid- neys and has no general symptoms except as stated and if allowed to go on will cause a rapid decline and end fatally. Treatment:—Care in food, fresh air and a warm even temperature. Give 10 drops of the following twice a day in Water, sulphuric-ether—42 0z., tinc: gentian % oz., tinc. gin- Bers. Oz, ; mix. SNUFEEES- OR INFLUENZA: In the English breeders hutches, snuffles is almost always present, and is invariably fatal if not promptly attended to, the American fancier is often troubled with the disease but it seldom is as virulent as our foreign friends find it. Just as a man neglects his own person when suffering from a cold, so is the person apt to neglect the rabbits. But a cold is always a matter of concern in a rabbit, and should receive immediate attention. The symptoms of snuffles are sneez- ing, moist nostrils, which in a few days become thick ae filthy, refusal of food and its coat becomes rough and dis- ordered giving every sign of illness and discomfort. bo bo THE RABBIT. Treatment: —Wash the nose and mouth well with carbolic soap also the fore legs and feet two or three times a day, wipe dry and put an extra quantity of fine hay in the hutch, keep in a cool airy place and feed stimulating foods. Where this course does not effect a cure, the following favorite Eng- lish prescription is recommended, which must be used in an ordinary vaporizer: Fill the vaporizer about two-thirds full of boiling water into this pour % oz. of soluable sanitas oil, . I teaspoonful of oil of eucalyptus and Io drops oil of cam- phor, place the top on and light the lamp underneath. Place the rabbit in a small hutch, covering up with old sacks to prevent the escape of the steam. Insert the spout of the vaporizer into the lower part of the hutch allowing the steam toenter. By this treatment it is intended to have the medi- cated vapor reach the effected membranes by inhalation. Treat in this manner for ten or fifteen minutes, care being taken that the invalid is not suffocated by the operation, after treatment leave the rabbit in the hutch for a half an hour, then remove as previously advised. It is said that three operations generally effects a cure. In severe cases three drops of eucalyptus and glycerine in equal parts, give in a spoonful of milk for a few days is recommended, VENT DISEASE, occurs in does and is traceable to improper pairing. It is very troublesome to cure, but if taken early and attended to patiently a cure is usually effected in a few days. Treatment:—lIsolate the effected rabbit and apply carbo- lated vaseline twice a day rubbing it well in to the effected parts. Do not mate until entirely cured as the trouble can be spread indefinately by a brood buck. In conclusion | wish to bring to notice and in almost every case the trouble can be prevented, as has been stated pre- THE RABBIT. 23 viously we have reason to be thankful that so few of these diseases are found in this country. But that fact does not secure immunity. We must be cautious in feeding, secure ventilation without draughts, and enforce a rigid regime of. cleanliness, if we wish to go through the hot summer months with the health of our pets unimpaired, build up your does weakened from excessive breeding by allowing a rest in summer. You will have just as many rabbits next January, by so doing, and I assure you that you will have fewer dead and stronger living ones. THE BELGIAN HARE RABBIT. VHE BELGIAN HARE RABBIT is said to have originated in Belgium, where they are now found small in size, but grand in color and markings. They are also found in France, Flanders and Germany in various stages of imperfection. They are called Belgian Hares, simply on account Of thelr resemblance to the hare. 94 THE RABBIT. It was for a long time supposed that this valuable rabbit was a cross between the hare and the rabbit. This is not so, and all attempts to produce the hybrid have either resulted in a failure or the production of a sterile mule. The habits of the hare differ so materially from those of the rabbit that the crossing is effected with great difficulty. The hare is born fully developed with eyes open, and can run about and eat almost immediately; while the rabbit comes into the world blind, naked and helpless, and does not venture from the nest until from two to three weeks of age. The hare nests on the ground, in some sheltered location, never burrowing; while the rabbit always burrows in the wild state and will when in captivity, if allowed. The Belgian of to-day shows the improvement attainable by judicious and systematic breeding ; foremostin importance is their increase size and prolificacy. As the modern Bel- gian is distinctively a production of the English fancier, the English standard of excellence will be our guide in describ- ing its characteristics as a distinct variety. To properly describe the Belgian Hare is difficult, especial- ly-the color. ‘‘Rufus-red’’ is a redish tan, clear and bright, showing the clearest on the top of the neck and fore should- ers of the animal. The ticking consist of each hair of the animal’s coat being tipped with black, which, according to its density and distribution, its value 1s governed. The more mottled or wavy it appears, the more points are secured. Starting at the shoulders, the collor shades darker back over the back and sides, showing the ticking in its finest markings; the haunches are of a gray shade, but showing a distinct brownish cast, they being usually well marked with a wavy ticking. The head and ears have a dark shading, but no distinct ticking, it being so evenly distributed as not to be called THE RABBIT. 95 ticked. The head is not large in proportion to the body ; it is carried well up and graceful. The forehead is flat and very prominent over the eyes, giving them a very prominent appearance. The eyes are bold, round, and of a dark brown color, possessing a wonderfully pleasing and contented ex- pression. The ears, about five inches long, set up firm, close together, and leaning slightly back, having an edging of black over the tips and extending well down the edges. This edging is termed lacing and is characteristic of this variety. The fore feet and legs are small and delicate, and are kept well under the animal, are well colored and free from white. The belly and the underside of the tail are white, prefera- bly with a brownish cast. The hind feet and legs are Jarge, stong and powerful; while generally lighter in color than the fore feet, they must show no white on the outside or top; for the slightest white on the face, legs or body of a Belgian Hare is a disqualification. Shape in the Belgian is, aside from color, the chief attrac- tion in appearance, and it is difficult to secure and maintain. The Belgian should be long and slim in build, long and fine in bone, narrow in front, long and lean in the head—in fact, a rabbit calculated to give the observer the impression of speed. This length characteristic to be accompanied with a corresponding gracefulness and symmetry of form. The angular, gawkey, stumpy, or mule-like forms being decidedly objectionable. The English standard for weight is about eight pounds, which could, in this more favorable climate be made more, say nine points, with sacrificing other valuable points. Specimens are occasionnally shown weighing from ten to eleven pounds. No ebjection should be made to this exces- sive weight; provided, however, their characteristics are 96 THE RABBIT. maintained. Asa rule the heavy specimens are very faulty in color and form, also often possessing a well developed dew-lap. Coarse, heavy head and ears, bad feet and stumpy forms are too often seen in these elephantine specimens. Belgians should not have a dew-lap and the exhibition speci- men is cut five points when possessing such an appendage. Belgians though not so showy as some of the smaller breeds, by reason ef their self color, are noble looking ani- mals, and for domestic use are of oreater value than any of their companions. They are hardy, and few are born that will not with ordinary care and attention be reared to matur- ity. They are unusually prolific, producing from six to ten young at a litter, and will breed from six to eight times a year. They are very docile, much more so than the smaller varieties, and do not consume as much food as is expected for their size. Of all domestic breeds the flesh of the Belgian tastes the most like the hare and has not the rank flavor so common in the ordinary rabbit. They will live and thrive in woods or warrens, when turned down for breeding at six or eight months old, if some protection be given them from the in- clemencies of our seasons. THE ENGLISH STANDARD FOR THE BELGIAN HARE. 1. Color—Rich rufus red (not dark, smudgy color), carried well down sides and hindquarters, and as little white Under the jawsias possible... 722-2 -= 20 Ticking—Rather wavy appearance and plentiful... 15 3. Shape—Body, long, thin, well tucked-up flank a well ribbed up; back, slightly arched, loins, well rounded, not choppy; head, rather lengthy ; mus- cular chest; tail, ele not ies and oa asoad aL of a racy appearance. -. : 20 i) —" THE RABBIT. | 27 4. Ears—About five inches long, thin, well laced on tips and as far down outside edges as possible: good color inside and outside and well 'set on.... Io 5. Eyes—Hazel color, large, round, bright and bold.. 10 6. Legs and Feet—Forefeet and legs, long, straight, slender, well colored and free from white bars; hindfeet, as well colored as possible............ 10 eee A OUL.elont- pounds: veer. ee ee 5 8. Condition—Not fat, but flesh firm like a racehorse, ameacoodsCualty of fir aie.e ye 5 SUP SN SCS IES CALITO ve ae eg 5 Rotate eas oe vinta go Ae 7 ae Se eT OR! BLACK BELGIANS: Breeders of Belgian Hares frequently are surprised by the advent of one or two Black young one in a litter and often they hasten to destroy the stock as impure, the following article taken from the leading English authority on Belgians will I think clear away the doubt to many: ‘‘The value of Black Belgian Hares for stud purposes is very imperfectly understood. As you are aware the old breeders make very successful use of them, as Black is part of the color of a Belgian, at times they are likely to throw a black, For many reasons they are invaluable, they “are useful\ to mate to does lacking tone and too light in color, they also infuse new vigor in their offspring, they are always the most healthy, the strongest, and the most precocious of the litter. But why are they blacke In making the belgian a Belgian. black blood was introduced for just the purpose stated, and now that nature having all its force and energy concentrated, the reversion is accounted for. 28 THE RABBIT. me a hil i} HN if ae THE LOP-EARED RABBIT, until recently, was the most popular of the fancy varieties, the peculiar formation of its ears being its chief attraction. [They have enormous droop- ing ears, often measuring twenty-two or more inches from tip to tip and are often over six inches in width, this ear development being of the greatest importance in the breed- er’s mind. They have not yet become popular in this:coun- try, probably on account of requiring so much attention and care, they have become, by years of breeding, a hot-house variety.. The hutch must be kept warm and in the cooler months, artificial heat must be supplied. The Lop generally possesses a large dew-lap, which is not an objection, other points over-balancing. In self colors they are found black, grey, white, blue, fawn and yellow. In broken colors, combinations of white with any of the above, and even a mixture of black, fawn and white, are found making the tortoise shell. Lops often weigh from sixteen to seventeen pounds, and even eighteen pounds is recorded. THE RABBIT. 29 THE DUTCH RABBIT, though much smaller yet none the less popular, is a comparative stranger to this country. They are very pretty and useful; the size is bred down by the exacting fancier, their weight being limited to five or six pounds. Their ears are just the reverse of the Lop, stand- ing erect and being quite short. They are unusually pro- lific and hardy and will breed eight or ten times a year, rais- ing eight to ten young at a litter. On account of their won- derful milking proclivities they are selected as nurse does where more valuable stock is to be raised. In colors they range over the same as the Lops and have a characteristic marking of white in the shape of a broad band or collar around the body at the shoulders and a white blaze in the face; in the old style this collar being much larger than in the new style which covers only the neck and forward toes, THE SIBERIAN RABBIT in perfection should resemble both the Himalayan and the Angora, having the Himalayan mark- ing and the Angora’s fleece. Most specimens shown are but crosses of the two varieties. 30 THE RABBIT. THE HIMALAYAN bids strong for popularity on account of its beautiful markings. The body is white and the tur short and fine, while the ears, nose, feet and tail are dark nut brown, almost black; the eyes are red, the ears are very Short and firm. They weigh from five to seven pounds and are extremely hardy and quite prolific. THE EGYPTIAN RABBIT is a new comer; resembling the Himalayan so closely that the ascertion that they were of no relation was received with doubt. They weigh from eight to ten pounds and are hardy and prolific. The body is white with black ears, nose, feet and tail; it has also a black ring around each eye and a black stripe extending along the back, Where first-brought to notice in France, they are Said to be a superior article of food, fully equalling any of its competitors. THE JAPANESE RABBIT appeared simultaneously with the Egyptian and is thought to be allied to the Dutch. though claimed to be a distinct variety. Some shown in Paris, in 1888, were of the true tortoise shell color. which is black, wn and orange—no white, as in Lop or Dutch markings, THE RABBIT. 31 The head and ears were beautifully striped, as were the feet, The specimens shown weighed about ten pounds each and were said to compare favorably with the other breeds in hardiness and prolificacy. y i) Lay Hh y Loy) oh WN piles b «i MeN) THE ANGORA RABBIT is deservedly popular wherever bred; they occupy a distinct place in the fancy as a freak of nature that is at once ornamental and seful. The coat of the Angora is its chief attraction, being composed of long, fire, fleecy wool, making them appear to be of prodigious size, when in reality they are no heavier than larger speci- mens of the Dutch. The most valuable are the white with pink eyes, although colored ones are frequently selected. They afte good breeders and attentive mothers. Especial care must be taken to keep the hutch clean and well sup- plied with clean hay or straw, and their fleeces kept free from knots and filth. THE POLISH RABBIT is pure white, thin, pink ears, color- less eyes, and altogether a delicate, timid animal. They are said to have originally been found in Poland, but every 32 THE RABBIT. investigation seems to prove that they are but Albinos, in- bred until all vitality and hardiness has been bred out. They are indifferent breeders and inattentive mothers, and can only be placed as pets, THE ENGLISH RABBIT, while comparitively unknown here, is very popular with the English fancier. They are pecu- liarly marked, reminding one of the coach dog—white with black spots. The most valuable arrangement of spots are one on, or one each side of the nose, a ring around each eye, black ears and tail, black patches along the back and sides gradually increasing in size from the shoulders back over the body; the more symmetrically they are arranged the greater their value. This rabbit is essentially a fancy var- iety, and compares well with the other varieties for size and prolificacy. THE SILVER-GRAY RABBIT originally was a near neighbor to the Himalayan, and has become a favorite in Europe and England. They have improved wonderfully in appearance since their introduction. In color they run from a bluish- brown through the slates to a black under color. The ideal rabbit being a dark blue under color and well silvered, with white hairs tipped with black. They are good breeders and are hardy, growing to a good size, often weighing ten pounds at maturity. The Creams and Fawns are off-shoots from the Silver Grays, and are probably bred and sold as such. They share the popularity their ancestors enjoyed and are with them the fanciers’ choice in England at present. THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT is the giant of the species, averaging from fourteen to fifteen pounds. Some authorities claim them to be an off-shoot of the Belgian or the Flemish. Their color is iron-gray, somewhat tawny, and rough coated ; ———= THE RABBIT. eo they have large, thick, heavy ears, the tips of which are soft and pendulous, usually they are carried standing out from the head like the letter V. In this variety are found the several styles of lop-ear, namely: half-lop, horn-lop, and oar-lop, which are considered very objectionable. is the most popular of the large breeds. It is claimed by some that the Flemish is an overgrown Belgian, which by continued selections and breeding has resulted in the present variety. If this be so, they are far removed; for the Flem- ish is characteristically a distinct variety. One will meet more Belgian-Flemish crosses than pure blood of either var- iety. The Flemish stands the only rival to the Belgian and is far behind in popularity at present. The Flemish Giant weighs from twelve to fifteen pounds, and in color is a dark steel-gray ; ears about six inches long, carried erect. This variety possesses a large dew lap; eyes dark brown; bull dog shoulders, and massive hind quarters; they are fair breeders and are quite prolific and hardy. 34 THE RABBIT. THE RAM RABBIT of Spain resembles the Patagonian, with the exception that the Ram possesses a dew-lap.. THE SWAN RABBIT is simular, except the ears, which are about two inches long. These last two varieties have not been accepted by fanciers yet, therefore our knowledge of them is limited. THE ST. HUBERT RABBIT is the lord of the Piney in France, where it originated; though only recently perfected, it has become very popular as a fancy and as a market rabbit. The French claim all the good qualities of the other varieties are to be found in the St. Hubert. They weigh from twelve to fifteen pounds and resemble the Belgian Hare in shape. In color, the body and ears are silver, the nose and belly white. They have two stripes of white across the back, the ears are laced like the Belgian Hare. The matings necessary to produce the St.. Hubermare these :—— Silver buck x Belgian doe=A., A x Wild Rabbit doe=B. B x Flemish Giant doe=St. Hubert. Five or six years of mating and selecting have fixed the characteristics of this variety as a distinc breed. Last but not least allow me to introduce the DEAD RABBIT. This genius is found all over the United States, they are easily recognized whenever encountered, immediately upon a hard working fancier securing a success in his fancy these leeches assume all the responsibility and proclaim to the world that it was their stock, (how modest) which won the victory, THE RABBIT. 35 they siege upon every occasion to flood the country with the grossest imitations of the genuine article and when brought face to face with their outraged patrons flatly deny any in- tend to defraud.. The Belgian Hare has not escaped these most ravenous of beasts. Care has been taken to exclude all this variety from these pages, hoping the near future will find the Dead Rabbit known only in Ancient History. Respectfully Yours, Mitoy.yNeY.. THE AUTHOR. June Ist, 1806. 36 THE RABBIT, THE “CARE: OF: RABBITS: —_— ——_——- The rabbit is so common a pet that we believe our readers will be interested in the simplest methods of keeping the Jittle creature healthy and happy. Asis well known, but is sometimes forgotten by those who have the care of rab- bits, these animals belong to the order of rodentia which are gnawing mammals; all of them are herbivorous, and will eat any edible vegetable substance. At the present day, the rodents cover the four quarters of the globe; in geological time, they extend through the ‘‘age of mammals.”’ The teeth. The distinguishing feature of a rodent is his teeth; but to speak only of the rabbit, it should be remem. bered that he belongs to the second sub order of rodents known as the family Leporidae, because of his leaping habits. His teeth differ slightly in form from those of other rodents, the grinders being all alike rootless and mostly tri-laminate, and the incisors less curved and less deep rooted. Between the incisors and the molars is a gap; for no canine teeth are developed in any rodent. Some young animals of the hare tribe have six upper incissors, two of which they shed in later life, retaining a small supplementary pair directly behind the middle pair. This, however, is the exception; there are rarely more than two upper incisors in the rabbit, and never more than two lower ones. The teeth of a rab- bit have no limit of growth. They are ‘‘long curved tubes of enameled dentine, open at the roots, and, in fact, are \ | THE RABBIT. 37 hollow and filled with pulp in most of their extent, only solidifying and hardening in the portion which cuts the gum. The front surface is very heavily enameled, while the opposite side consists of the softer dentine, quite naked, or only coated with the thinnest possible enamel.’’? The whole tooth grows continually, as our fingernails do. The upper and lower teeth should meet exactly, in order to act _-as whetstones for one another and keep the edges beveled. If, through any accident a tooth grows out of line or is oroken off, the poor animal suffers terribly by not being able to prevent the growth of the opposite tooth, which finally becomes an enormous tusk, interferes with his open- ing his mouth, and even pierces his skull and kills him. Intelligence. Rabbits are not such stupid animals as many persons think. They are intelligent in providing for them- selves and for their little ones. They know their homes, and may be trusted not to wander far away from a hutch that they like, and to respond readily to kindness by becom- ing very tame. As the rabbit is such a timid, sensitive animal, the very fact of his learning to know and trust any one who is gentle with him proves a higher grade of intelli- gence than that with which he is generally accredited. The doe rabbit uses her own fur to line a nest for her young, and keeps her home wonderfully clean and tidy. Origin. Distinct from the family of hares, the original *rabbits from which the pet rabbits of our day are descended came from Spain. They measure ‘‘about sixteen inches from nose to root of tail, with comparatively short ears and limbs; grayish-brown, the back of the neck rufous, and the upper side of the tail blackish; the under parts white, and and no black space on the ear. The pet rabbits bred by fanciers, however, are all colors. The snowy white with pink eyes are called the Albinos, and are great favorites ; 38 THE RABBIT. | others are silver-gray, pie-bald, or perfectly black. The Angora rabbit has long, fleecy fur. Some breeds are very large, with large ears that fall down in various ways known to rabbit fanciers as the horn-lop, half-lop, oar-lop, and | perfect-lop. The rabbit hutch. An important fact to remember in building a hutch is that the rabbit isa native of a warmer land than ours, and must, therefore, be well sheltered in winter. The hutch should be raised a foot or two from the ground to allow air to pass underneath, the floor should be bored for drainage, and the roof should slope to let the rain run off. A perfectly dark compartment, fully three feet square, Should be at one end of the hutch and be bedded with plenty of dry straw or hay—never with grass. Rabbits delight to burrow in the hay, and they also like the privacy of their quiet, dark bedroom. A doe cannot bear to be watched while making her nest or caring for her young. When she wishes to attract attention to her babies she will bring them of her own accord to the front of the hutch, When first born, the young are helpless, naked, and blind, and demand their mother’s tenderest care. lf.they are handled while very young, their parents sometimes desert them, and are at all times greatly distressed by the atten- tion. Itis best, then, to leave the young rabbits alone until the mother shows you that she considers them old enough to be treated: like herself. -[n cold climates we should advise placing the hutch indoors in winter. The open part of the hutch should be the feeding-room, and should be large light, and have a wire netting over the front. In summer, the hutch should always stand in a yard or garden. Clean the hutch thoroughly twice a week, and give fresh bedding and plenty of it. When the young rab- bits are large enough to scamper around they should have THE RABBIT. 39 room for exercise. Remember that they particularly like - to bask in the sun for an hour or so in cold weather, Food. Feed your rabbits as great a variety of vegetable food as possible, and feed them at regular hours, two or three times a day. To prevent them from gnawing the netting across the hutch, or any substance that might break or injure their teeth, keep them supplied with a small log of hickory or of oak. They like young tree twigs and. cab- bage stalks, carrots and turnips. Under no circumstances must they touch cooked food. Give them potatoes, or turnips, on one day; and apples or carrots the next. Always keep a piece of rock saltin a corner of their feeding com- partment. In the summer a great variety of weeds furnish excellen food; dandelions. plaintain leaves, milk thistles, are among the best. Thechild owners of rabbits often give them too much green food at a time, so that it withers and is injurious; but one may soon learn how much the little creatures can eat, and regulate their diet accordingly. Water. Rabbits need pure, fresh drinking water. Ina wild state, they find most of their food early in the day while it is wet with dew. It is a good plan to dip young shoots and lettuce or cabbage leaves in water to make them fresh and palatable. A flower pot saucer makes a good drinking cup, for it is not easily upset. By observing these simple directions in the care of rabbits, they will prove charming pets; cleanly, happy, and active in their sheltered life. Free from the agonies of terror caused by neglect and ill-treatment, you will find them far more intelligent and interesting than you can possibly imagine, if you have known them only under the adverse circumstances of their lives.—Our Animal Friends. 40 THE RABBIT. BELGIAN HARES; ARTHUR W. KIRK. Ten years ago the Belgian Hare was practically unknown in the United States, except in a few fanciers hutches, but from that time up to the present period, through their intro- duction into the show room, by judicious advertising and individual merit, the Belgian Hare has forged ahead of any other breed of rabbit, combining and embracing the good qualities of the other varieties, without inheriting any of their weak points. As the Belgian has been very ably described elsewhere, together with suggestions for proper food and care, by breeders with years of experience, I will not go over the same ground, but endeavor to give you a few practical illustrations, of what has been done in the last few years, and how satisfactory the results have been, when accom- panied by careful attention, and assiduous devotion on part of the breeder. For the production of show Belgians, the regulation hutch 6 ft. long, 2 ft. wide and 20 in. high, is the proper arrangement, while those who desire the production for market, must necessarily lessen the cost and labor required by hutch raised specimens. I have experimented considerably in this line, owing to the fact that the sale of Belgians for breeders, must necessarily depend upon the profit of the production for market purposes. I fenced in THE RABBIT, 4] about one acre of mature apple orchard with 2 in. mesh poultry netting, with an additional % in. 1% ft. wide at the botttom, which was sunk g in. in the ground to prevent escape or burrowing under. One tree was blown over. I then placed rails around it resting one end on the tree, and piled brush over the whole, thus providing an intricate hiding place. In this enclosure June Ist, I placed 20 aoes and 2 bucks, feeding grain once a day, they subsisted on grass and what apples fell, They burrowed and had their young, and the increase to October Ist, 5 months, was 100 developed between 4 and 5 months of age, the percentage would have been much larger had not a heavy rain storm, drowned about 100 in the nests, while cats killed about 25. The increase however was fair in consideration of the , amount of labor connected with it. Where a person can expend a little more labor, for spring, summer and fall use, have a row of tightly built houses, (regulation hutch size) and a door in the farther end to facilitate cleaning. Give each doe a pen and allow her the run of it until time of delivery, giving her freedom of yards immediately after having her young. Provide extra yards for the older young, if they trample over the younger ones, a yard of this size will generally hold from 20 to 25 hares without overcrowd- ing, and the percentage of loss will be much less, then when turned down in the manner previously described. This method, clearly understand, applies only when hares for market are to be produced, show animals must be kept in large roomy hutches and receive the same attention that you would give to a choice ‘‘gelding’’ or ‘‘filly’’ while pre- paring for the circuit. A doe if properly handled will produce 50 young in a year, allowing one half of these to be does, that will breed at six 42 THE RABBIT. months of age you see the progeny of one doe will reach from 100 to 150 ina year, but of course not of mature rab- bits. I generally market my hares at 16 to 18 weeks of age when possible and the usual price has been from 35 to 45 cents each, net in Philadelphia, the cost of these hares when turned down would not exceed 6 cents each, while if raise in large runs about 12 cents and exclusive hutch animals would cost 20 cents each to that age. The one trouble with the amateur breeder is that he expects too much for too little. 1 claim that if you give your Belgian Hare the same attention you do your horse or cow, clean the hutch as often as you do the stable, feed as regularly, study their habits and there is no reason in the world, why you will not make a successful breeder. | have sent stock into.states where rabbits are a pest, with grave misgivings of their successful culture. | have returned, just a few, weeks ago, from Southern California, where hundreds of thousands of Jacks are killed annually in the great rabbit drives that California is so famous for, and yet right there in the surpurbs of LosAngeles, | found a man with 100 Bel- gian Hare breeding does, and unable to fill his orders at good prices. It is manifest when you have something good you can sellit. The last few years rabbit and hare culture has taken a new impetus, the demand for all varieties for show, and fancy has largely increased, while epicures are awakening to the fact that merely a rabbit is not enough, for the Belgian is better. I have repeatedly claimed and still maintain it that a Belgian Hare doe will yield more profit in a year, than a $50.00 cow, with proper care and attention. Establishments are being created for the culture of these little animals that will rival the broiler and squab raising plants of this country. THE RABBIT. 43 One significent fact that has made such success possible to Rabbit and Hare culture in this country, is the hearty co-operation of breeders, in improvement and management of the industry, let this continue and we will not have to send to England for our exhibition rabbits, they will get them of us, and let the people once get educated to the to the taste of a properly reared Belgian, and we will pro- duce as many tons as they do in England. Tores Grove, Pa. POULTRY SUPPLIES. New Yorkand Export Agents for Prairie State Incubetors and Brooders. We carry a full line of Mann’s, Wilson’s, Chapmann and Dandy GREEN BONE AND VEGETABLE CUTTERS. Price $5.00 to $350.00 each, according to style and size of machine. NOTICE.—AS AN EGG PKODUCER OUR BANNER EGG FOOD AND TONIC CANNOT BE EQUALLED. It does exactly whatever we say it will do, as thousands of poultrymen can tell you Price, 1 lb. can 25c.; five 1-lb. cans $1 00; one Case of two dozen 1-lb. cans $4.00. AGENTS WANTED. Discount to the Trade- CHICK MANNA. If you feed it to your young chickens, you can raise go per cent. of your production up to maturity. Price, 10c per lb.; 5-lb. package 40c.; 15-lb. package $1.00. NOTICE.—We are sole Agents for New York City and vicinity for LAMBERT’S DEATH TO LICE, POWDERS AND OINTMENTS. Large stock always on hand for immediate shipment. OUR IMMENSE ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE FREE. It tells yon what you want in the line of General Supplies and for successful’ Poultry Raising. CORRESPONDENCE. SOLICITED. ADDRESS— EAUELSIOR WIRE & POULTRY SUPPLY C0, WM. V.RUSS, Prop. 28 Vesey St., NEW YORK CITY. HEADQUARTERS FOR ALL KINDS OF Wy oe Sa 7 ies eee: Cf. a CY ~~ See SSS RABBITS, SQUIRRELS, CAS, MICE, MONKEYS Guinea Pigs, and other small animals, etc. Arm FOR SPRATT’S PATENT POULTRY FOOD AND MEDICNES, Prarie Crissel, Poultry Food, Ground Meat, Granulated Bone, Oyster Shells. EDW. S. SCHMID, WASHINGTON, D. C. NORTHWESTERN - RABBITRY. The above cut represents a Flemish Giant Doe which is one of our own importa- tion, bred directly from Crystal Palace prize winners of London. We breed Belgium Giants from the best English and German crosses, also Belgian Hares of the finest quality. Rabbits all extra large size in their own type, and of Standard color. We breed Peruvian, Abyssinian, Angora and English Cavies; in solid black, red, white* and mixed colors, some of which are imported from England. We are the proprietors and manufacturers of Mrs. H. Cronkhite’s Purely Medi- cated Green Mountain Soap. The greatest cleansing and healing soap that has ever been offered tothe public. Celebrated as a specific for the cure of sores of every description and all Humors of the Skin. Also her Green Mountain Salve, which when applied to pains, bruises and swellings is asure conqueror. Her Veg- etable Tonic also is unsurpassed as a Blood Purifier, and the best known remedy for Worms. Send stamp for circular and testimonials. We are agents for all the different kinds of Pet Stock Books publishedin England. Send stamp for list and information. C. F. KINGMAN & C2., WOODSTOCK, ILLS. OUR GREAT OFFEK OF 07,070: OvO. O02 OnO The great success of THE FEATHER enables us todo things which seem startling, to say the least. We believe we will astonish you when we say we will give you— One year’s subscriptionto THE FEATHER, - - £440 Cenis. Onc copy of The American Fancier’s Poultry Book, - 50 Cents. One copy of The Feather Companion and Directory, - 10 Cents. Total value oftheabove~ - - - - 1.10 OUR PRICE FOR ALL IS 5Q_CENTS This is undoubtedly. the best offer for the least money that has ever been made, and it will only stand for a limited time—for this reason we require all orders to be accompanied by the coupon which appears herewith. Weare confident that thousands of our readers will take advantage of this offer while it lasts. This is a saving of 60cents. HE F Is a modern Poultry and Pigeon journal. It isan authority on all subjects relating to the Poultry and Pigeon industries. The read- ing matter is selected with a view to interest the “people,” and not a few fay ored ones. The illustrations are new, original, and unique. Itis just the sort of paper that the live man wantsto be abreast of the times. | 0 Isa large octavo vo} E AMERICAN FANCIER’S POULTRY BOOK sine trestingon vcr. thing pretaining to practical and successful poultry kee ping. The book is worth double the price asked for it. Thereis no other book publi§hed on the subject that contains one- half the information it does, that can be had for twice its cost. THE BOOK HAS 192 PAGES. WITH 200 ILLUSTRATIONS. It.is printed on highly calendered paper and substantially bound in an artistic cover, making it a volume that. would grace any library. The book contains chapters on the following : The Poultry Industry. General Management. The Ege. Incubation. The Chick. Receipts for Feeding. Feeding for Eges. House Building. Keeping Eggs. Caponizing. Diseases. Turkeys. Ducks. Geese. Swans. The Standard Varicties of Chickens. Space is to limited to tell in detail the contents of the book, or to enumerate the long list of illustrations. It must be seen to be appreciated. Remittances should be made by P. O. Money Order, Registered Letter, or Express Order to GEORGE E. HOWARD & CO., Publishers, 504 11th Street N. W., Washington, D. C. ~BOVIER’S SPECIFIC FOR -SNOERFLES.. Will cure Snuffles, Influenza and Catarrh in hares and rab- bits. No drops, douche or dope,——just a powder to mix with the feed. Rabbits eat itreadily. It stops Snuffles quickly and acts as atonic, which at once improves general con- dition of the afflicted animal. If you try it once you will never go back to old methods, and Snuffles will annoy you no longer. Price 25 cents. For sale by dealers in fanciers supplies, or sent postpaid with full directions. for use upon receipt of 35 cents by CHAS Bi: BOVIER: 3063 Lake Place, Highland Station, DENVER, COLO. NIGNLAND - RABBITRY, 3063 Lake Place, DENVER, COLO. CONDUCTED BREEDERS BY OF a a j Belgian Hares, Lop Ear, Golden Fawn and Hima- layan Rabbits. Breeder Of_-|:- ~ French Lop Eared Rabbits, Himalayan Rabbits, © White Cochins and Homing Pigeons, ROSEDALE j POULTRY AND | PET STOCK YARDS, Peruvian, Abyssinian and Short Haired Guinea Pigs. ORR E ORANGE, N. J. A. REINHARDT, PROP My stock won at Boston and Madison Square New York. The Western - Pigeon - Review, The best Pigeon Journal now Published. It is sent in 33 different States Subscription price only to regular subscribers. 50 cts. a Year. Agents Wanted. Published at Topeka, Kansas by J. P. Lucas. We breed and ship all kinds of Pet Stock, such as Dogs, Cats, Rats, Mice, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Hares, Poultry, Piseons,-etc., etc, Great-Dane’s our specialty, and we can nearly always fill orders for good puppies; they are the coming dog. We now have a grand lot of good Homers for sale, and if you want fancy Mice, plain or spotted, write us. J. P. LUCAS, TOPEKA, KANSAS. A. H. TOPPING, IMPCRTER AND BREEDER OF Flemish Giant Rabbits AND BELGIAN HARES. MOODNA, Orange Coy; ING ee. Send Stamp for Circular. Willow Spring Farm. PRODUCES BEbGIAN HARES THAT ARE MONEY MAKERS. SIVONng, healthy stock, bred for show and dollars, for sale. ARTHUR W. KIRK, FOREST GROVE, Bucks Co., PENNA. The Wesfern Reserve habbitry, WAKEMAN, OHIO. SELES BELGIAN HARES’. AND FLEMISa GIANT - RABBIDS GES TRIiGdh YeON= hee MERITS. WRITES BOR PRICES. H. M BRENENSTUL MGR GILMAN'S | Belgian = Hare - Rabbitry, Sound reliable stock. Exhibition specimens and young stock always for sale at reasonable prices stor suit the Amateur or Exhibitor. | have at stud that magnificent hare ‘‘Champion Yukon’’ imported by myself July 18098. . He possesses wonderful rich color all over, splen- did shape, grand limbs, correct ticking and very rich hind feet. He iscertainly a wonder- ful sire. [| have made three importations this year and my stock is composed of the choicest that England can produce. For prices address, A. W. GILMAN. Care Brown Palace Hotel. DENVER, COLO. Elmside Rabbitry, HANCOCK, N. H. ©x.s STANDARD BRED &@® SF Xa, BELGIAN HARES CRI GY WY Dd BIRST-GLASS “STOCK: THAT 15-sUREAT?@ PEBASE FOR SALE Al ALL TIMES “AT- REA; SONABLE PRICES. wWwmM. P. WESTON, P. O, Box 198. HANCOCK, N. H. Columbian Rabbitry, COMMENCED BUSINESS IN 1892. G. W. FELTON, Mgr., Barre, Mass., U. S. A. Its inmates were direct from the best ever imported from Eng- land, and have been improved from year to year, both by the very best that could be purchased, also by the best blood from over the Great Pond. Have never lost Ist to date, Oct. 15, 1898. In’96at Boston, Mass., Ist, 2nd and 4th on Buck; rst, 3rd and 4th Doe; again at Boston, ’o8, Ist, 2nd, 3rd and 4th; no young shown _ Special for best Hare in show both years. I breed my winners and hundreds for others. Thanking my friends for past favors, I await further orders. —IMPORTERS, BREEDERS & SHIPPERS OF— Thoroughbred Belgian Hares AND FANCY POULTRY. My stock of hares 1s being constantly improved by importations and cannot fail to win in any competition. 1 have received single first class rates for hares to all points reached by the United States Express Company. Send for circular, J. Sibi. Box 4 , DAKOTA fers REQUA BROS., BREEDERS OF IMPORTED BELGIAN HARES We aim to produce that rich fawn, with black ticking at end of each hair. Enclose two-cent stamp for information and circular. REQUA BROS., Highland [lills, N. Y. ORANGE COUNTY BELGIAN HARE FARM. Members American Belgian Hare Club. W.W.KULP, POTTSTOWN, FA. ’ Is the MAN who has some of the best BELGIAN NARES IN AMERICA. Stock healthy, large and standard color. Prices Low, Rose and S. Brown Leghorns and White Rocks, pro- nounced by Editor Curtis to be the best he saw yet. All three won 13 firsts in New York City. Barred Rocks, (Ringlet strain). S. C. White Leghorns, (Whiting stock), second to none. Black Langshans, (Robinson). White Wyandottes, (Dustin). Buif Leghorns, (Arnolds). Pekin Ducks, (Big) Eggs $1.00 pe setting; 75 eggs $5.00. Catalogue. We are reliable. We win in Winter show on all breeds. Great Layers. OHIO POULTRY JOURNAL, A thoroughly practical and instructive guide in Mating, Breeding, Hatching and Rearing Fowls, Pigeons and Pet Stock. ONLY 50 CENTS PER YEAR. Address: ROBERT A. BRADEN, Dayton, 0. BELGIAN HARES A SPECIALTY. Noted for large size and standard color. Old and young stock always for sale and prices way down. Write us what you want, before you buy and we will quote you prices on some very fine stock. We always try to please our customers, and generally do. Satisfaction guaranteed. C. A. STEVENS & CO., Wilson, N. Y. sEANDARD BRED HARES: New house for hares 50 feet Jong. H.L. Kel er, judge of hares says:—It is ahead of any house he hasseen. Over 40 hutches in other buildings. At Ashley .O., 1897, in hot compe- tion, took ist on display; Ist, 2nd old doe; Ist young doe; 2nd young buck. Leading prizes at other shows. Hares scored by H. L. Keller. ‘ Sixteen Ist prizes on Light Brahmas, at Cleveland, Ohio, 1894-1897; Delaware, O., 1898. 29 Brahmas scored from 92 to 9514, Ist cock 9434, 1st hen 9514, 1st pullet 95%, Ist pen 189%, 2nd pen 1883¢. FINE STOCK OF WHITE HOLLAND TURKEYS EXTRA FINE LARGE PEKIN DUCKS Send for Circular of Prices. Prices Reasonable, Fair Treatment Guaranteed, H. R. SMITH, Leonardsburg, Delaware Co., Ohio, Big 4 Ry. = oe = Senn armen mig hime nn > ea on Batam C= see ee KIMBALL & GRAHAM, ~ - 1541 and 1543 Blake Street, Denver, Colo. BREEDERS OF BELGIAN HARES, Buff Plymouth Rocks, Buff Wyandottes, Buff Leghorns, Barred Plymouth Rocks and Imperial Pekin Ducks. Agents for STRATTON & OSBORNE’S BONE CUTTER, LEE’S LICE KILLER. Manufacturers of K. & G. LICE KILLER, ALUMINUM LEG BANBS. FOX TERRIER DOGS GREATEST RATTERS ON EARTH. WILL PROTECT YOUR CHICKS. ALSO FERRETS AND GUINEA PIGS. Worm Powders for Dogs, 25c. by mail. W. G.SMITH, BOX11, | MANSFIELD, OHIO. ALMON E. RIBBE, MAY VILLE, = a ty BREEDER OF —— + Buff Wyandottes, Pit Games, ‘+ HOMING and FANCY PIGEONS, GUINEA PIGS, all kinds, BELGIAN HARES, ANGORA and LOP-EARED RABBITS. LOPS A SPECIALTY. “THOUSANDS OF RABBITS — BRED ANNUALLY . AT — THERE ALEXANDER RABBITRY, 38 Carroll Street, Binghamton, N. Fiemish Giant, Belgian Hare, Angora and ite English are some of the varieties generally bred. W. R. ALEXANDER, MANAGER. aE = “GEORGE BENNETT & SON, BID IONE GS (O19 Imported Belgian Hares. Our Aim is to breed the best Prize Winners wherever shown. GEORGE BENNETT & SON, BINGHAMTON, N. Y. ©®D THOROUGHBRED ©\9 BELGIAN «+ HARES. I have them of all ages at very Reasonable Prices. Write for my Price List before you buy. Gee Ee wets OO T.., 3250 Hayward Place, DENVER, COLO. S. A. HYLE & SON, NEW MOOREFIELD, CLARK Co, OHIO. Are Breeders of First Class —— Light Brahmas, Black Langshans, Buff Pekin Bantams, Also BELGIAN HARES that are winners. EGGS IN SEASON—$1.50 per 15 eggs. ’ Nothing but First Class Stock shipped. Write your wants, correspondence promptly SuSWered. Prices at all times reasonable. Ao BEBERSTEIN, PRINTER and STATIONER. —Breeder of—— Six Leading Varieties of Fancy Poultry BeLGIAN HARES: Wholesale aud Retail Dealerin Poultry Supplies. Catmgene ic for Selene Box 4, FLANAGAN, ILLS. Wows STHMARd ——-BREEDER OF— BELGIAN HARES FROM IMPORTED STOCK. $3.00 to $5.00 per pair. -$2.00 to $3.00 each. 199 Third Street, ALBANY, N. Y. C. HAMMERSCHMIDT, South Buffalo Poultry Yards, SOUTH BUFFALO, N. Y. — HEADQUARTERS FOR THE— B EE LiGshACN El AY eas of large size and standard color. Old and Young Stock for sale at all times and Prices way down. Write me what you want before you buy and get my Prices. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. ROSEDALE RABBIT and POULTRY YARDS, B. M. LEBBY, Prop’r, Box 162, SUMTER, S.C. Angora, Belgian, Polish and Lop-Eared Rabbits AND BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCKS EXcLuSIVELY. Eocos—$1.50 per setting of 15. Best Equipped Rabbitry and Poultry | ‘Send for Descriptive Circular and Yards in the South. Price List. MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BELGIAN HARE CLUB. I make a specialty of breeding the largest strain of BELGIAN HARES anp FLEMISH GIANT RABBITS attainable. My stock is from the best American Im- porters not related. And can furnish young not akin. Send stamp for circular. L, E. CLARK, 38 Carroll St., Binghamton, N. Y. BELGIAN + HARES. THE jONLY +-BREED. O TRUE TO COLOR, WEIGHT AND SHAPE. O CHAS. G. DOTY, MipDLETOwN, OHIO. BREEDERS DIRECTORY. R. L. WHEELER, Lowell, Mass., Pigeon and Pet Stock Supplies. P. J. KIRK. Fremont, Pa., Thoroughbred Belgian Hares for sale. EKNEST L. WILSON, Union City, Pa., Belgian Hares. Dr. J. GREEN, Whitewater, Wis. J. W. McNEIL, 2938 California Street, Denver, Colo., Imported Flemish Giant Rabbits and Belgian Hares. W. L. POWELL, Arkansas City, Kansas, Belgian Hares, Light Brahmas and Pekin Ducks. Me Gp LONE, Waverly, Pa. BREEDERS CARDS. ROSEN KRATZ, Hatfield, Pa., breeder of Belgian Hares, Hom- e ing and Dutchess Pigeons. oR SALE —High-class Lop-Eared and Angora Rabbits, also Belgian Hares, Peruvian, Abyssinian and Smooth Coated Guinea Pigs. WM. Anderson, Palmerston, Ont., Can. ELGIAN HARES, standard bred stock for sale. Book on the Management of the Hare, 25 cents.- I also have steel tested Pit Games for sale. WW. B. Dieffenback, Angola, N. Y. B. RICHMOND, Columbus, Wis., breeder of Belgian Hares e and Lop-Eared Rabbits. Choice stock not related, for sale at all times at moderate prices. Also Fantail, Jacobin and Pouter Pigeons. ED CREEK FARM, Lockport, N. Y., pays special attention to the breeding of Belgian Hares. Facilities for producing them of high quality unsurpassed Prices reasonable. 17. A. Nicholls, Lockport, N. Y. LLIOTT SMITH, Port Chester, N. Y., breeder of High-class Lop-Eared and Flemish Giant Rabbits. We breed and import the best money can buy. Won prizes at New York and Boston. Cavies 1n variety. ERMAN HARE, heavy weight stock. Young stock always for sale—$1 oo to $3.00 per pair. ‘The Rabbit Book on the Man- agement of the Hare,” by W. N. Richardson, Price, 25 cents. Lous EE. Schlaeppi & Son, Canton, Ohio OSEPH REMM, Box 566, Greenwich, Conn., breeder of Standard’ Belgian Hares, Flemish Giants of Steel-Gray color, and English. Lop-Eared Rabbits. Send for price list. AKE NOTICE and read this! Send for circular with descrip- tion and low prices of Belgian Hares and Himalayan Rabbits. also 9 choice varieties of Fowls, large and small, Oyster Shells, Mica Crystal Grit, etc. red Lown, Cuba, N. Y. pe aie HARES of English standard weight and markings three months old $1.50 per pair. Also Bronze Turkeys, Pekin Ducks, Light Brahmas, Barred P. Rocks and S.C. Brown Leghorns for sale. Geo. O. Anderson, Homer, Rush Co., Ind. L. OSBORNE, Greene, N. Y., breeder and importer of Belgian « Hares, English, Lop-Eared, Angora and Flemish Giants, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets. All] varieties of Bantams. All stock as represented or money refunded. Circular free. Write your wants. C. STAPLES, breeder of Belgian Hares, Jersey Cattle (Com- - . bination strain‘, and Partridge Cochin fowls. Stock shipped in light crates on receipt of price. Also Agent for “The Rabbit,” by mail postpaid, price 25 cents. Reference: Westbranch State Bank. ELGIAN HARES from premium stock from $1.00 per pair, up. R Homing Pigeons, $1.00 pair; Pouters, $1.50, pair. Special prices for large orders. Enclose stamp for special prices. Wanted to buy or trade for pair Egyptian Rabbits. Geo. F. Main, Hagerstown, Md. TOP! LOOK! And Read our Advertisement of all Varieties- choice Poultry, Fancy Pigeons, and the true German Hares. Prices the lowest, according to times. Finely illustrated, colored, 60 page Book of worth-full imformation, to above, only 10 cents. /. A. Bergey, Telford, Pa. ELGIAN HARES, $1.00 per pairand up Barred and White Plymouth Rocks, Light Brahmas, Partridge Cochins, Silver Hamburgs, Black Minorcas, Silver Wyandottes, S. C. White and Brown Leghorns, Pekin Ducks, Toulouse Geese. Eggs in season. - Geo. A. Altizer, Waldinger, Ind. RED RIGHT and Marked Right is the Stock sent out by C. /.. Armand, Madison, Ind., Improved Chester Pigs, 12 Varieties Poultry, Pekin Ducks, Toulouse Geese, Angora and Belgian Hares. Circular free. Satisfaction guaranteed. Inspection invited. AIT? correspondence cheerfully answered. These machines meet a long felt want among poultrymen. They make possible the feeding of green and succulent food in y the dead of winter when every spear of grass and green thing is killed by frost. They convert all kinds of roots into fine par- ticles like angle worms that are greedily eaten by all o- fowls, big and little. The.feeding of vegetables thus he prepared doubles the egg product and saves fully 50% of the grain feed. It makes hens lay in winter when eggs are worth the most money. _ Endorsed by all lead- ing poultrymen of the country. Buy one and make money from your fowls this winter. Made in four sizes, Price, $1. and up. Write for free circulars. Be On : 3 EVANS MANUFACTURING CO., Dept, C, YPSILANTI, MICH. % + ¢ ee ane “RABBITMEN will find this Root and Vegetable Cutter just right for cutting up Bere food for Rabbits, bela Cavies, ete. | ey a “a 4 a fe ~ POO Je|NILIO. payeljsnyqyi Joy duivjs puss ‘soinsy a[qe -UOSBAl ]¥. SURIS[O¢] uoniqiyxs AduRI os[® ‘Slapaaig sno010 -BIA ‘y90}s Sun x ARARARINARAN es rr, * ee a Oe teu? ye oe eK > i Pas : as oe oP % > . —AO ALUHAAOUd— *(qoyed JaAo[or® Ul OITGM 9jJ]T WULOIy poydris010Ug) ‘ANVH NVIDIA GUVANVLS HSITIONYD 4 | ‘ | - : | : | | ———- VLA ‘ALID 3NV7 LVS ‘HONWH WOOHS AHL VNU ‘0000 ¢g sn }SOO yey} ssouutm oaziid puvis aay pur[suy wo, }a1Ip paiod -UlT JABY BAK ‘YIO4}S ino dAoidul OF VARA -SOUBL] URIS[Og psBpUuB}S YSIsug oN