the back, side, and haunch, but breaking into
spots and patches on the shoulder, called the 'chain;' while that on
the back is known as the 'saddle.' The head must be full of color,
broken with white on the forehead and cheeks; the marking over the
bridge of the nose and down on both sides into the lips, should be
dark, and in shape somewhat resembling a butterfly, from which this
mark takes its name; the ear, however, must be uniform in color. Add
to all this, a large, full dewlap, and you will have a rabbit fit to
'_go in and win_.'

"The most esteemed colors are black and white; yellow and white;
tortoise-shell and white; blue and white, and gray and white. These
are called 'broken colors,' while those of _one_ uniform color are
called 'selfs.'"

It will be observed that Mr. Rotch here describes a beautiful "fancy"
variety of "lop-eared" rabbits, which he brought from England a few
years since. They were, originally, natives of Madagascar. He continues:

"The domestic rabbit, in all its varieties, has always been, and
still is, a great favorite, in many parts of the European continent:

"In Holland, it is bred with reference to color only, which must be
a pure white, with dark ears, feet, legs, and tail; this
distribution has a singular effect, but, withal, it is a pretty
little creature. The French breed a long, rangy animal, of great
_apparent_ size, but deficient in depth and breadth, and of course,
wanting in constitution; no attention is paid to color, and its
marking is matter of accident. The White Angola, with its beautiful
long fur and red eyes, is also a great favorite in France.

"In England, the rabbit formerly held the rank of 'farm stock!' and
thousands of acres were exclusively devoted to its production;
families were supported, and rents, rates, and taxes were paid from
its increase and sale. The '_gray-skins_' went to the hatter, the
'_silver-skins_' were shipped to China, and were dressed as furs;
while the flesh was a favorite dish at home. This was the course
pursued in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and many other counties, with
their light sandy soils, before the more general introduction of
root culture, and the rotation of crops, gave an increased value to
such land. Since then, however, I remember visiting a farm of Lord
Onslow's, in Surrey, containing about 1,400 acres. It was in the
occupation of an eminent flock-master and