The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-02-04
NICE IS PETS.
Variety Of Color That Has Been Obtained
by Skilful Breeding.

ltiNquit n turning Of the tables when the tiny
little quadrupel varied upon by man and woman
Tor centuries ~ elevated 10 the rank II a pet, b-
comes a feature At shows and has large CLUBS
formed IN It's interests. But II is q fact that Tor
the last ten years nice have been rpckuued among
III" pets " England. and in 1895 a mouse club
was formed consisting Of eighty-fye members.
America followed this example and in 1896 some
extra fine breeds found their way across the At.
lantIc. Now there are n dozen or more exhibitors
here and the latest addition h. the club element
- the American Mouse Club. which has members
all over the country. So instead Of having to
Imperll its life To- gam little corner = IN the cupboard
Master Mouse now has a dainty little hutch and
~ fed on the fat Of the land, Tha, is 10 say, some
nice, for class diSNurtOnsin the animal kingdom
are II quite rs firm a character a. those existing
among human beings.
Among the mos, interesting Of these types
are the Chinese mice, very much smaller than the
common mouse, and of very bea utiful and delicate
colors. Then there are the Japanese mice, also
called III" Waiting nice, because they seem never
quite So happy as when dancing. Pointing their
little sharp noses 10 the ground they whIrl round
and round on their tour feet as though life were an
unm,ngl"d JOY. There are also The singing mice
with their clear soft whistle. Perhaps the rarest
-, al are the Egyptian mice, which have on their
backs little qulils There are very few Of these
mice IA tins country, and unfortunately quite
a htt'r family al them on their way To the new
world were lost oil newfoundland only last month.
In raising these new little pets a great poin, is
made Of developing color There are the standard
and broken colorS. W the former the most yalu-
abl" are the luslrous black fellows. with feet and
tail "a match, then here are mice with soft fur,
bright eyes and a gentle and playful disposition
which are the especial fayorlies Of children, those
NG1fl. Ih4 nInE aEaA IA. IA nat na,I 40 L.-kI-
bred MS hose with deep blue or black eyes, clear
cut chocolate markings also add 10 their distinc-
ton. solid chocolate and fawn 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 he latter having recently
been sold for Sl5 Another very pretty specimen
might he called a symphony in gray, since It's
body is Of gray, with light silver markings. and
lis ears and nose OF u delicate pink.
OF the broken Colors there are the black and
white, white and lawn, and yellow and white, he
value Of the mouse depending upon the even
ness oi the markings, The thorough bred should
have by rghtS n dark patch over each eve and
one Al the tail and fit can boast a saddle in the
centre Of he back hanging lower on one side han
on the other, like the fox terrier. its social position
may b. considered supreme.
The chief charm in having mice for pets lies
IN their intelligence, which ~ said 10 be NJ A high
order They can be taught many tricks, eyen
to Climbin a pole to bring down a tiny flag. They
also show great affection for their owners, follow,
ing them around, coming when called and delight.
ing 10 climb up their clothes To the face or neck.
where hey nestle down and purr with content
ment They ate very playful, and become as a..
thched tO a piece Of string As a kitten. For the
rest they are quiet, clranly, requiring little care
and less room
Their homes can be made Of almost any box.
although the dcT and for the pets has 50 increased
llat artistic little huiChes are manufactured I'M
considerable numbers These are about ~ inches
square, with lit tops and two false bottoms which
are covered with enamel and fitted 10 run like
shelves m inch or two over the true bottom VI the
Gag" These trays SHOULD I've removed each day,
scrubbed, subjected In n sun bath and streyrd
With fresh sawdust For the exercise II their
lltn" inmates, these homes are provided with n
prl' running from floor IN roof and standing
on a double pivot 50 rs IT, move easily. Two
inches from tc ground j. IA sened N il n circular
SN'lt. ON Which the mice run and leap, their
weight CHuSing the pole To revulve.
Mice should he led with oats every dav, With
now aud tI"u y variation ~ bread and milk aud
fresh vegetables therSr should never bn given
them \ haNlu 81 fresh water must 10 always
Ht hand. alter eating hey spend a good deal NJ
time Ht tlrlr tuI'i. pIe,lu g their sharp little noses
deep INTO Tire water, washing their faces. smooth.
nag their ears and cleaning their paws
II IN" ~tGrl, with gprd stock and IS careful in
Ih"ir treatment rroiit may I've made by keeping
mice, ~ the lrc" varies from So for a fairly
pAuI .fu.ftupp l., 500 ( ~ % urizc uinpor