The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-02-23
A PECULIAR CLASS OF PETS.
Mice Of Many Breeds Entering "A New
Field Of Favor.

tFrom the Nevy York SUM
II is quite turning OF the tables when
the tiny little QuadFuped warred upon by
man and woman for centuries is elevated
10 the rank OF pet. becomes a feature at
shows and has large clubs formed IN its
interests. But IL is a fact that for the last
ten years mice have been reckoned among
the pets Of England and in 1895 mouse
club was formed consisting OF eighty-fve
members America followed this example.
and in 1856 some extra dne breeds found
their way across the Atlantic Now there
are a dozen or more exhibitors here and
the latest addition 10 the club element is
the American Mouse Club. which has
members Of all over the country. So in
stead Of having 10 imperil its life to gain
a little corner in the cupboard Master
Mouse now has a dainty little hutch and
IS fed on the fat OF the land. That is TO
say. some mice. for class distinctions In
the animal kingdom are Of quite as firm
character as those existing among human
beings.
Among the most interesting OF these
types are the Chinese mice very much
smaller than the common mouse, and Of
very beautiful and delicate colors. Then
there are the japanese mice, also called
the Waiting mice, because they seem new
er quite so happy as when dancing. Point
ing their little sharp noses 10 the ground,
they Whirl round and round on their four
feet a though life we're an unmingled joy.
There are also the singing mice with
their clear, soft whistle. Perhaps the rar-
est Of all are the Egyptian mice, which
have on their backs little quilts. There
are very few Of these mice in this country.
and unfortunately quite a little family Of
them on their way 10 the New World were
lost on Newfoundland only last month.
In raising these new pets a great point
Is made Of developing color There are the
standard and broken coIors- OF the former
the most valuable are the IuStrOus black
fellows with feet and tail TO match; then
there are mice with soft fur. bright eyes
and a gentle and playful disposition, which
are the especial favoIites Of children;
those with the pink eyes are not cOnsid-
cred so highly bred as those with deep
blue or black eyes; clear-cut chocolate
markings also add to their distinction.
Solid chocolate and fiwn with feet and
tails 10 match are other varieties highly
priced. The fad of the moment are the
cream and pale yellow mice one of the
latter having recently been sold for SIS.
Another very pretty specimen might be
called a symphony in grey since its body
is Of grey with light silver markings, and
its ears and nose of delicate pink.
W Nnt DfOheE 1oib4S inert are Aut IAetNh
and white. white and fawn, and yellow and
white. the value of the mouse depending
upon the evenness of the markings The
thoroughbred should have by rights a dark
patch over each eye and one at the tail; ,
and If il can boast a saddle in the centre
Of the back hanging lower on one side
than On the other. like the fox terrier, its
social position may be considered supreme
The chief charm in having mice for pets
lies in their intelligence. which is said TO
be Of a high order They can be taught
many tricks, even 10 climbing a pole to
bring down tiny flag They also show
great affection for their owners, following
them around, coming when called. and de-
lighting 10 climb up their clothes TO the
face or neck, where they nestle down and
purr with contentment. They are very
playful and becomel as attached to a piece
of string as a kitten. For the rest they
are quiet, clearly, requiring little care
and less room.
Their homes Gan be made OF almost any
box. although the demand for the pets has
so increased that artistic little hutches are
manufactured in considerable numbers
These are about eighteen inches square
with lid tops and two false bottoms which
are covered with enamel and fitted to run
like shelves an inch or two over the true
bottom OF the cage. These trays should be
removed each day, scrubbed. subiect esf~ to
a sun bath and strewed with fresh sawdust
For the exercise Of their little inmates
these homes are provided with a pole run
ming from floor to roof and standing on a
double pivot so as TO move easily. Two
inches from the ground is fastened to It a
circular Shelf. on which the nice run and
leap. their weight ca sing the pole 70 re-
vUlve
Nice should be fed with oats every day.
with now and then variation of bread and
MIX and fresh vegetables Cheese should
never be given them. A basin Of fresh wa
ter must be always at hand; after eating
they spend a good deal of time at their
toilet. pushing their sharp little noses deep
into the water. washing their faces
smoothing their ears and cleaning their
paws.
T. one starts with good stock and is care
ful in their treatment profit may be made
b. keeping mice, as the price varies from
" for fairly good specimen to so for a
prize wisner.