Rabbits, cats and cavies : descriptive sketches of all recognized exhibition varieties with many original anecdotes

Front matter

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

RABBITS CATS

Preface

Having been from his earliest remembrance a lover and fancier of many kinds of pet animals, the subjects treated of in these paces 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

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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 dearlybought 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

Preface ..•••• vu RABBITS

i. Introductory 3 iii. The Belgian Hare . . • • • 3°

iv. Standard of Excellence for the Heavy Weight Belgian v. The Black and Tan Rabbit . . . .48

Index

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Group of British and Foreign Cats . • • Frontispiece

Headpiece to Rabbit Section — Group of Rabbits . • 20

Lop-eared Rabbit— “ Ch. Mayfield Surprise.” Owners, Messrs

Chadwick and Tuckett . • • • 24

Lop-eared Rabbit— “Ch. Coronation.” Owner, W. C. E.

Belgian Hare Rabbit— “Ch. Fashoda.” Owners, Bonanza

Rabbitry, Los Angeles . . • • -33

Belgian Hare Rabbit— “ Ch. Dash.” Owners, Meadowbrook

Belgian Hare Rabbit— “ Ch. Priory Prince.” Owner, E. H.

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 . 44

Black and Tan Rabbit — “Ideal.” Owner, Rev. W. Mathias . 48

Blue and Tan Rabbit — “ Ch. President Lincoln.” Owners

Messrs Ovenden and Fawcett . . • *4®

Japanese Rabbit — Typical Specimen . . • -5®

Patagonian Rabbit — Typical Specimen . • • 5^

Polish Rabbit — Great prize winner. Owner, Geo. Dickinson . 64

Polish Rabbit — “ Lord Richard.” Owner, C. H. Lane . 64

Siberian Rabbit — Typical Specimen . . • 7 2

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

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xii

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*.

Angora White Rabbit— “ Ch. Quality.” Owner, E. J. Sands 90

Angora White Rabbit— “ Ch. Elegance.” Owner, Miss W.

English Rabbit — “ Ch. Matchless.” Owners, Messrs Cunliffe

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.

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 Oueen.” Owners, Messrs

Barkham and Stone . . . . . 112

Silver Fawn Rabbit — “Ch. Lincoln Hero.” Owner, T. A.

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 . . . . • I33

Long-haired Black — “Ch. Neptune.” Owner, H. W. H.

Long-haired Black Cat — “ King Lear.” Owner, C. H.

Long-haired Blue Cat — “Ch. Wooloomooloo.” Owner, Mrs

Long-haired Blue Cat — “Ch. Holmwood Skittles.” Owner,

Long-haired Blue Cat — “ Ch. Mabel of Lozells.” Owner, C.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xiii

PAGE

Long-haired White Neuter Cat — “Laurel Shah.” Owner, C.

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

Long-haired Tortoiseshell Cat — “ Laurel Lulu.” Owner, C.

Long-haired Dark Smoke Cat — “Ch. Backwell Jogram.”

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.

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.

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,

Short-haired Neuter Cat — “ Laurel Leonidas.” Owner, C.

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

Short-haired Neuter Red Tabby Cat — “ Lord Rufus.” Owner, C. H. Lane ......

Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat — “Ch. Jimmy.” Owner, Mrs George Herring . . . . .

Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat — “Ch. Laurel King.” Owner, C. H. Lane ......

Short-haired Silver T abby Cat — “ Ch. Laurel Queen.” Owner, C. H. Lane .....

Short-haired Brown Tabby Cat — “Ch. Fulmer Xenophon.” Owner, Lady Decies .

Short-haired Brown Tabby Cat — “ Laurel Quar.” Owner, C. H. Lane ....••

Short-haired Spotted Tabby Cat — “Tiddles.” Owner, R.

Short-haired Narrow-Striped Tabby Cat — “ Silver.” Owner, Mrs Fossett ......

Short-haired Smoke Cat — “ Laurel Luke.” Owner, C. H. Lane .......

Short-haired Black and White Cat — “ Laurel Rector.” Owner, C. H. Lane ' .

Short-haired White and Black Cat — “Laurel Magpie.” Owner, C. H. Lane

Short-haired Tabby and White— “ Laurel Silver Star.” Owner, C. H. Lane ......

Short-haired Male Tortoiseshell Cat— “ Ch. Ballochmyle Samson.” Owner, Lady Alexander Short-haired Female Tortoiseshell Cat— “Ch. Ballochmyle Bountiful Bertie.” Owner, Lady Alexander . Short-haired Tortoiseshell and White Cat — “Ch. Ballochmyle Otter.” Owner, Lady Alexander Short-haired Male Tortoiseshell and White Cat — “Laurel Lothair.” Owner, C. H. Lane

Short-haired Manx Tabby Cat— “ Ch. Bonhaki.” Owner, Mrs H. C. Brooke . . • • • *

Short-haired Manx White Cat— “ Lord Luke.” Owner, C. H.

Short-haired Abyssinian Cat— “Queen Jumbo.” Owner, Mrs George Herring . • • • ’

Short-haired Siamese Cat— “Ch. Wankee.” Owner, Mrs M. Robinson .

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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

British Wild Cat — Typical Specimen. Owner, late Lord

Short-haired Narrow-striped Tabby and White — “ Lord

Stanley.” Owner, C. H. Lane . . .219

Headpiece to Cavy Section — Group of Cavies . . .282

Peruvian Cavy, Self — “Ch. Grand Duke.” Owner, W. A.

Peruvian Cavy, Self — “Ch. Lily-White.” Owner, S. Newlove 289

Peruvian Cavy, other than Self — “Lord Sultan.” Owner, C.

Peruvian Cavy, other than Self — “Lady Irene.” Owner, C.

Abyssinian Cavy — “ Ch. Bosco.” Owner, J. Thompson . 292

Abyssinian Cavy — “ Ch. Hull Lady.” Owner, J. Thompson . 292

Abyssinian Cavy — “ Ch. Florence Second.” Owner, J.

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.

Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self — “Ch. Black Bess.” Owner,

Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self — “ Black Boy.” Owner, C. H.

Smooth Golden Agouti Cavy — “Ch. King of the Yukon.”

Owners, Messrs Wright and Ford . . . 302

Smooth Golden Agouti Cavy, “Sister Laura.” Owner, C. H.

Smooth Grey Agouti Cavy — “ Greyfriar.” Owner, C. H.

Smooth Tortoiseshell Cavy — “Ch. Surefoot.” Owner, J.

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ty/\

Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cav/— -“Ch. Lady Sarah.” Owner, J. H. Lilley .

Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy — “ Ch. Elegance.” Owner, J. S. James . . . . .

Smooth Tortoiseshell Cavy — “ Sir Lucius.” Owner, C. H. Lane ....'..

Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy — “Ch. Galtee More.” Owners, Messrs Bousfield Bros.

Smooth, Any Other Colour — “Lord Piebald.” Owner, C. H Lane ..... — -rr"'

Cavy, Any Other Colour — “Lord Blaze.” Owner, C. H Lane ......

Smooth Dutch-marked Cavy — “ Ch. Klondyke.” Owner, T Blackburn .....

Smooth Dutch-marked Cavy — “Ch. Monarch.” Owner, J H. Lilley .....

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RABBITS

Chapter I

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 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.

There may be several reasons for this, one being that they are supposed to require warmer quarters than any other varieties of 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, gready 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 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 providing 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 background.

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 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 popularity 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 satisfactory 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 prescribed black markings, comprising a mark much like a butterfly on the nose, hence its old name, a trace down the 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 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 awaie 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-

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ence of it, but will furnish some more details respecting 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 specimens, 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 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 triend, 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 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-haned.

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, Chinchillas, 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

H 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 substantial 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 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.