eir coat needs careful
attention.

Abyssinian.

This, like the Peruvian, is also a fancy breed. It has longer hair than
the short-haired, and it stands out in curious little rosettes. These
are more hardy than the Peruvian and are more common.

The Kind to Raise.

If you expect to raise Cavies for commercial purposes the English is the
kind that should pay you best. They are easier to take care of than the
long-haired varieties. For laboratories, experimental purposes, etc., it
is the smooth-haired Cavy that is in most demand. If you are a Guinea
Pig fancier or are raising them for pet purposes it is merely a matter
of taste and choice. The long-haired ones are usually more expensive and
sell for more, as they are scarcer and are generally sold for pet and
fancy purposes. It is usually well to have a few Abyssinian among your
stock if you are raising many, as many people prefer them for pets.

CHAPTER III

USES OF GUINEA PIGS.

There are three main uses to which Guinea Pigs are put, as food, as pets
and for experimental purposes in laboratory and medical research. By far
the largest demand is in the last named field.

Scientific Uses.

There is possibly no animal so well adapted for scientific experiments
as the Guinea Pig. In the testing and analyzing of serums and antitoxins
and for experimental purposes generally the demand is enormous,
thousands and thousands of them being used every year. Many of the large
hospitals and laboratories have been compelled to establish breeding
pens of their own in order to be sure of a constant supply. The demand
here is steadily increasing and many more would be used if they could be
obtained at a reasonable price. A United States Bulletin says, "Guinea
Pigs sell at various prices dependant on supply and demand. The average
price for several years has been about 75c, but laboratories now report
that suitable stock is short and that they have been paying from $1.00
to $1.50 for their supply of animals." For these purposes they are used
all the way from nine weeks to six months or more old or when they weigh
from 9 ounces and up. The cost of rearing them to this age is very
little and a good profit is therefore assured the raiser.

As Pets.

The demand for Guinea Pigs as pets is very large. They are so widely
used in the medical field that the pet stores have a hard time keeping
enough on hand to supply the local demand for pets. They are very
interesting