hen taken from the doe, say at
eight, ten, or twelve weeks old, are turned out together till about
six months old, when it becomes necessary to take them up, and put
them in separate hutches, to prevent their fighting and destroying
each other. The doe at that age is ready to breed; her period of
gestation is about thirty-one or two days, and she produces from
three or four to a dozen young at a 'litter'. It is not well to let
her raise more than six, or even four at once--the fewer, the larger
and finer the produce.

"Young rabbits are killed for the table at any age, from twelve
weeks to twelve months old, and are a very acceptable addition to
the country larder. The male is not allowed to remain with the doe,
lest he should destroy the young ones.

"Hutches are made singly, or in stacks, to suit the apartment, which
should be capable of thorough ventilation. The best size is about
three feet long, two feet deep, and fourteen inches high, with a
small apartment partitioned off from one end, nearly a foot wide,
as a breeding place for the doe. A wire door forms the front, and an
opening is left behind for cleaning; the floor should have a descent
to the back of the hutch of two inches. All edges should be tinned,
to save them from being gnawed.

"Having now given the leading characteristics and qualities which
constitute a good 'fancy lop-eared rabbit,' and its general
management, allow me to remark on the striking difference observable
between Americans and the people of many other countries, as to a
fondness for animals, or what are termed 'fancy pets,' of and for
which we, as a people, know and care very little. Indeed, we
scarcely admit more than a selfish fellowship with the dog, and but
too seldom does our attachment even for this faithful companion,
place him beyond the reach of the _omnipotent dollar_.

"The operatives, mechanics, and laborers, in other countries, seem
to have a perfect passion for such pursuits, and take the greatest
interest and pride in breeding and perfecting the lesser animals,
though often obliged to toil for the very food they feed to them.
Here, too, home influences are perceived to be good, and are
encouraged by the employer, as supplying the place of other and much
more questionable pursuits and tastes."

We here present the elevation, and floor plan of Mr. Rodman's rabbitry,
together with the front and rear