Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1929-04-11
SILVER FOX RAISING
REQUIRES ABILITY
Continued from Page ~

(COnClnuoQ from rage -
in its determination not to sell any
foxes for breeding purposes, and
placed some on the market. To
those on the outside, this was con-
sidered the time to make a fortune
in fox farming. Promoters took the
matter up and organized fox ranch
companies. School teachers, fisher
men, farmers, merchants, students,
clerks, traders, and professional men
began to promote fox ranches. Prices
advanced from $4,000 pair in 1910,
to $4,000 in 1911, $4,000 in 1912, while
more than $4,000 a pair was asked
and paid in 1913. Fox ranch corpora
lions paid big dividends, some as
high as 100 per cent. But with the
coming of the World war, the boom
collapsed, and once roseate methods
OF winning a fortune were but a
memory. Those remaining in the
business developed a saner attitude.
A great lesson had been learned and
the growth of the business continued
on sounder basis.
Must Be Understood.
Fox farming, wherever it is under
taken, is similar to that of all other
businesses. 1t must be thoroughly
understood, if it is to succeed 1t is
undoubtedly success in Prince Ed
ward Island, but they learned their
lesson through bitter experience,
which taught them what they could
do and what they could not do. You
can find optimistic statesmen who will
try to prove to you with convincing
arguments that fox raising is an easy
stepping stone to opulence, that any
one can succeed at it. "See what
others have DONE" There are some
declarations that are not true. There
is no easy road to success. 1t re-
quires hard, intelligent work to sue
coed at anything. Fox raising is no
exception.
| met farmer while crossing on
the boat from the main land to the
Island. One discovered very soon that
he was no ordinary individual. He
was not of the smart" variety, but
OF that wholesome, intelligent, solid
makeup that is both convincing and
pleasing. We spent about three hours
in conversation. Inquiry about this
man amply fortified me in the belief
that l had measured his standing
and ability accurately. When, in
Maryland, l spoke of making his &C
quaintance and the friend with whom
| was talking, mentioned his name at
once, proving that his reputation had
extended at least half way down the
coast. From this successful farmer.
| obtained valuable information about
the Island, and about fox farming in
particular, and this information.
therefore, l consider authoritative.
Art i'm Their Care.
There is an art in the care and
feeding of foxes. They do not just
naturally develop fur that is of the
finest quality. That may come hap
hazardly, but is unusual and can not
be counted on. 1t is first a matter
OF having well bred foxes to start
with, and following with intelligent
care and feeding. AS in dairying you
must have a good animal to start
with. Then by proper care and feed
ing you are able to produce definite
results. The value of a fox hide de-
ponds upon the quality of the fur on
1t. The fur may be very fine and
delicate, pleasing and satisfying to
s-& &c
coarse bristles. 1t may be very valu-
able or almost worthless. The de-
velopment of a high grade pelt is al
most wholly within the control of the
wise breeder and caretaker."
If l contemplated going into fox
raising, l certainly would go to
Prince Edward Island to study the
business. l wouldn't just make the
Island a visit of inspection but l