VICTORIAN RABBITS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 642, 7 April 1870, Page 2

VICTORIAN RABBITS.

The following particulars respecting the Victorian rabbit fur are from the Melbourne Argus : abused rabbits, who havo hitherto shared with the sparrows" the execration of gardeners, appear now to havo some likelihood of proving not only a source of profit, but also an additional means of bringing under the notice of commercial Europe the capabilities of Victoria. Some time ago Mr M. Isaacs, warehouseman and importer, 2 Flinders lane east, sent home, as an experiment, 2000 dozen Victorian rabbit skins, which were consigned to Mr Louis Braun, 65 Wood street, London, and of these, half were sent over to France. By last mail a specimen felt hat, on a cork frame, was received by Mr Isaacs, the felt having been manufactured from the silk down under the rabbit fur, and though the felt appeared of a very good quality, it was stated that the next would be finer, this being the first hat made of Victorian rabbit fur. By next mail proper certificated testimonials from the largest houses in London and Paris will be received, showing in what esteem the Victorian rabbit fur is held. Machinery is now on the way out, which will cut the skins and blow the hair into assorted qualities. Advices received by Mr Isaacs state that the fur, if it were kept to the standard of the specimen lot, would reach the price of Ss per lb., and it was considered of a very superior description, and Mr Isaacs is confident that future lots would be in better condition. The skins are used for making "kid" gloves and the coarser part of the fur is utilised in cement making. The first shipmeut of hats made from the fur sent home will soon be in the market, per Argonaut, and will no doubt command a ready sale, being of the usual different colors."