HISTORY OF THE BELGIAN HARE
This is an edited excerpt from a book "Rabbits,
Cats,
& Cavies" written by Mr. C.H. Lane in the year 1903 and
printed
by Colston & Coy, Limited, Edinburg. Mr. Lane, from Great
Britain,
described his impressions of the Breeding and showing of these species
"over there in the colonies." His remarks printed here on the "Belgian
Hare Boom" in the U.S. during the late 1800s and the early 1900s are
particularly
enlightening. Note his mention of the "American
Association
of Belgian Hare Breeders" (sic) and their TWO standards of
excellence,
one for exhibition and one for meat. It should be noted that this
information is almost 100 years old and is thought to be in the public
domain.
THE BELGIAN HARE
C.H. Lane
As far as I am aware, no variety of the Rabbit family has
been so persistently' boomed," of late years, as the Belgian Hare, and
the sensational sales at high figures, many of which have been noticed
in the papers, have attracted notice beyond the usual fanciers'
circles.
There seems to be a general consensus of opinion, that
the variety was first brought to any degree of perfection in Belgium,
and
that country if rightly credited as its place of origin, but it is
doubtful
if, at the present time, there are not more high-class specimens to be
found in this country and America, than anywhere else.
It is stated that until eleven years since, Belgian Hares were
practically
unknown in America, and were first introduced into the New
England
States by same importations from Great Britain, but gradually spread
westward,
They were most fully appreciated upon reaching Los Angeles, California,
which district claims to have the largest Rabbitries in the world,
mainly
devoted to the production of Belgian Hares.
Great expense and care have been incurred, by many
enthusiastic
fanciers in that district, to obtain the best specimens
obtainable.
The climate seems to suit them admirably, and, from some statistics I
have
seen, the results appear almost incredible.
In 1898, a few pamphlets and newspaper articles appeared,
and some advertisements announced the arrival of some Belgian Hares at
Los Angeles, and within two years afterwards, it was stated, there were
no less than six hundred Rabbitries there, large and small, mostly
carrying
from fifty to seventy-five head of stock; many exceeding
one
hundred, some with two hundred, and a few with more than a thousand
each!
It was further stated that, without exaggeration, there were in 1900,
the
latest date of which I have obtained particulars, over 60,000 Belgian
Hares
in South California alone, and the number constantly on the increase !
Up to that time the development had been chiefly from
the fanciers' standpoint, but the merits of the variety, in a
utilitarian
respect, were receiving more attention, with reason to expect
substantial
commercial returns.
"The American Association of Belgian Hare Breeders" is an
influential
incorporated body of fanciers, which has done much for the rapid growth
of the fancy. It held an Exposition, Mart
and Feast, in Hagard's Pavilion, Los Angeles,
California,
on 8th, 9th and 10th February 1900. It was perhaps the only,
certainly
the largest, Exposition ever seen anywhere confined to one variety of
Rabbit.
I understand there were seventy classes at the show for
Belgian Hares, with prizes varying from two and a half to a hundred
dollars
in value, besides a great array of specials of all sorts of things,
offered
by friends interested in the breed.
The very fact that a successful Exposition was held
goes to prove what a firm hold the Rabbit Fancy has obtained "over
there."
The Association of American Breeders of Belgian Hares
makes no secrets of its objects, which are to advance the best
interests
of the Belgian in every way. To secure the best strains of blood in the
world, crossing them with their home-bred stock, and thus obtain not
only
individuals of the highest excellence, but of best possible types. To
this
end, the Association has drawn up a carefully worded scale of points
and
description, which is divided into two sections, one
for exhibition, and another for table purposes.
They express their intention to protect the public, so
that each purchaser of Belgian Hares shall get just what he wants, and
is willing to pay for; to produce hares that shall be worth long
prices,
and have great merit as beautiful specimens. They also keep
in view the commercial side of the industry, and realize that
ultimately
thousands of hares will be bred and sold for the food supply.
They mean to use their influence towards fairness and
honesty in dealing, so that, whether a buyer wants stock for show
purposes,
or cheap stuff for table use, he shall receive just and fair treatment.
For this purpose, they will aid, assist, and advise all
breeders whom they find worthy of confidence.
They consider the climate of their country is well suited for the
objects
of their fancy, and although they have been, at the outset, at
considerable
expense and risk, in importing so many high-priced specimens from Great
Britain, a heavy percentage of which have been lost, or suffered from
their
long journeys by sea and land, they are of opinion that the careful
crossing
of new blood with their native strains, assisted by their mild, open
climate,
will produce as good and hardy specimens of the variety as can be found
anywhere.
It is their hope, and conviction, that their country may
become as celebrated for its Belgian Hares as it has been for its Race
Horses, and that they may be able to send over here specimens to
compete
for International Prizes at our best shows.
They state that they have every resource at command for
breeding Belgian Hares on a wholesale scale, as a commercial commodity,
and have reason to believe such may be done with all prospects of
success.
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