on these subjects.

"Rabbits kept for profit in the vicinity of a city, and where there
are mills, may be raised at a very small cost; and when once known
as an article of food, will be liberally paid for by the epicure,
for their meat is as delicate as a chicken's, and their fat mild,
and very rich.

"I am surprised they are not more generally kept, as a source of
amusement, and for the purposes of experiment.

"There is, I think, in many, a natural fondness for animals, but not
easily indulged without more room than is often to be found in city
residences. Fowls, and pigeons, trespass on our neighbors, and are a
frequent cause of trouble. This objection does not hold good against
the rabbit, which occupies so small a space, that where there is an
outhouse there may be a rabbitry. _English_ children are encouraged
in their fondness for animals, as tending to good morals and good
feelings, and as offering a _home_ amusement, in contradistinction
to _street_ associations."

[Illustration: Drawn from life, by Mr. FRANCIS ROTCH.]

Mr. Rotch continues:

"I have just finished the enclosed drawing of a 'fancy rabbit,'
which I hope will answer your purpose, as an illustration of what
the little animal should be in form, color, marking, and carriage,
according to the decisions of the various societies in and out of
London, who are its greatest admirers and patrons. These amateurs
hold frequent meetings for its exhibition, at which premiums are
awarded, and large prizes paid for such specimens as come up to
their standard of excellence. This standard is, of course,
conventional; and, as might be expected, is a combination of form
and color very difficult to obtain--based, it is true, on the most
correct principles of general breeding; but much of _fancy_ and
beauty is added to complete the requisites of a prize rabbit. For
instance, the head must be small and clean; the shoulders wide and
full; the chest broad and deep; the back wide, and the loin large.
Thus far, these are the characteristics of all really _good_ and
_improved_ animals; to which are to be added, on the score of
'fancy,' an eye round, full, and bright; an ear _long_, broad, and
pendant, of a soft, delicate texture, dropping nearly
perpendicularly by the side of the head--this is termed its
'carriage.' The color must be in rich, unmixed _masses_ on the body,
spreading itself over