The Daily Alaska empire., 1928-02-07
SHIPMENTS OF FUR LAST YEAR
 GAIN IN VALUE
Game Com mission An nounces Total Fur Value
 of $3,69o ,707. 50, 1927

Furs shipped from Alaska dur ing 1927, exclusive of seal skins and fox pelts from the Govern ment operations on the Pribilof Islands, were valued at $3,657,- 940.6S, according to figures made public today by the Alaska Game Commission which is conducting its fourth annual meeting in this city. Tn addition fox belts were shipped from the Pribilof Islands valued at S41,766.S2, making the total for the year $3,699,- 707.50.
 The total value of the commer- cial shipments was $1,30S, ,300.4S larger than in 1926 while the number of pelts fell from 296,- 136 to 29O,960. Higher prices prevailed on most of the pelts which accounted for the larger returns from the catch, it was stated.
 OuCCkluS Op Ootth
 Since it met yesterday, the Commission has been studying the records of catches since 1925, when it was organized and issued its first regulations. Particular attention is being given to varie- ties of fur-bearers that have been taken in steadily decreasing numbers, note being made of the localities where the greatest de- clines have taken place.
 Attention was drawn to the muskrat situation which is con- sidered unhealthy. In 1925 the gross take of that animal was 359,142, with an average price of s5 cents per skin having a total value of $335,s70.70. In 1926 the take fell to 1S3,320, averaging $1.40 per skin for a total value of $24S,64S. Last year the catch fell to 155,041 animals, while the price jumped to an average of $1.95 and the total value to $302,229.95.
 Mink also showed sharp de- crease in the number taken dur ing the same three-year period. In 1925 there were 49.504 Of these animals taken, averaging ST per skin. Tn 1927 there were only 45,46G caught. The average price, however. had increased to $14.52, bringing the total value to $660, ,166.32.
 Leads in Value
 Mink furs shipped outside led Iall varieties in value. Blue foxes. Romposed mainly of shipments -from ranches rank second. The number shipped was 10,293 with an average value per pelt Of $61.9l, totaling $637,239.63.
 Beaver shipments were in third place. There were 24,602 belts shipped from the Territory aver aging s25.79 each for s634,- 4S5.58. This does not repre- sent the entire take as the Com mission and its agents have seal ed 3O,252 pelts legally taken dur ing the 1927 season.
 Red fox also showed an in- crease in value. slight decrease in the number taken as compared to 1926 and slightly more than in 1925. The skins averaged $2S.1S each and the total value was $618.410.10.
 Considers Recommendations
 Innumerable communications containing recommendations as to seasonal dates and other sub jects to be taken up at the cur rent meeting have been received, briefed and were in the hands of the Commission today. They are being carefully studied and in formation contained will figure to some extent in the recommenda- tions for regulations for next year. it was said.
 "The Commission is highly grtified with the spirit of CO., operation which is generally ex- hibited in the letters we have received" said President c. T. Gardner today. Tt is evident that people generally, and trap