Evening star., 1900-11-08
HOUSE fSEs5 f2E2:5 ST. e. 901 1903 9TH oM.W.

the islands is nearly the same. Each island
has a keeper and one two native assist
ants. The food is put up during the sum-
mer, and consists of unmarketable .,sh.
blubber and oil and a goodly supply of
cOrnmeal to cook with the native foods
feeding taking place each day at regular
intervals They soon begin to learn their
keepers and come for their food like other
domestic animals. but are shy on the ap-
proach OF strangers. Selected foxes are
marked by clipping the tip of the tail to
prevent recounting of stock saved for
breeding, and a record of all foxes released
is kept, as well as those killed.
Most Of the islands used as fox ranches
are leased from the government at an an
nual rental of 800. This amount has un-
doubtedly prevented many of the natives
from engaging in the business, as most of
them can secure but little more than
enough to support their families. VINO
might, were the rent reduced one-half as
has been recommended, be able to start in
the industry in small way at first by Sc
curing few animals, which in a shor, time
would give promise Of an assured income
and prevent their becoming dependent upon
the government for support. The propaga-
tion of foxes will in brief period undoubt-
edy leau to the domestication of many
other fur-bearng animals. and eventually
be source of considerable return from
islands now unused and worthless for any
thing else
When it is remembered that all the foxes
with which the industry was begun cost
from $50 to 5000 pair, and that the work
has been going on fifteen years or more
and that up to date there has been prac-
tcally no return, 1t will be seen that 1t
represents good deal of hard cash and
large amount of hard work
The original project was to propagate the
silver gray fox chiefly, the fur being more
valuable than that of the blue fox-the diff
ference being at least four to one Expert
ence has shown that the schems was i'm
practicable, mainly on account of the fero-
cious. untamable character of the animal
which made 1t impossible to domesticate it
The silver gray fox is perhaps afterward
more wolf than n fox in its instincts =
single island was discovered where they
are now to be found in any number
The little blue fox Is now the only kind
raised for its FUR. and the island of Attu.
where 1t originally abounded in vast num-
bers Is today almost depleted. The Pribilo.
Islands being government reservation, no
live animals are permitted to be taken
away except on special permit and un-
derstand that skins by the natives are up
to the average compared with those taken
In former times: They are compelled to sell
to the North American Commercial Com
pany. which holds the selling lease. anu re-
cetve. am informed, IS per pelt
1t is thought by experienced fur men that
1t might be entirely feasible to introduce
the Russian sable and other of the more
valuable marten species into Alaska for
propagation on the same lines as the fox
experiment. and whatever the government
can do in the direction of encoura etne the
development Of fur raising will be a sten
well and wisely taken. In one instance an
island is occupied by a party who thinks
there Is money In raising BEARS