Evening star., 1939-08-13
silver fox and the bloodthirsty mink
have been domesticated.

silver fox and the bloodthirsty mink
have been domesticated.
THE most phenomenal develop
ment in the field of fur-animal con-
servation in recent years." said DR..
Gabrielson. "is the production Of fur
animals in captivity. 1t has been
proved that the quality of fur de-
veloped in this manner is superior
to fur taken in the wild.
"The most spectacular and i'm
portant fur animal production en-
terprise is silver fox farming. This
development has taken place during
the last 80 years, and, though brief,
the history of the industry is sensa-
tional. The annual production OF
pelts sold in the United States is
estimated to have increased from
5000 in 1923, to 225,000 in 1887. In
Canada for 1923, the sales of silver
fox pelts produced on farms were
slightly greater than in this country,
but during 1887 about 100000 skins
were sold.
Mink farming continues to de-
velop at rapid rate, and is now
the popular phase of fur farming.
The production of ranch-raised
mink pelts Is now estimated to be
in excess of 125,000 skins annually.
The average quality is considered
superior to those pelts taken in the
wild, principally because breeders
can control the stock and make
selective matings."
An interesting feature of the fur
animal industry Is that the farmer
can indulge in it at a profit. Small
producers are now marketing more
than 5000 pelts year, while
large producers contribute only Co.
600 or 10000. The raising of fur
bearers fits in we'll as side line to
general farming because it can uti-
lize parts of the farm not suitable
for growing other crops. 1t pro-
vides a wintertime occupation and
brings revenue at season when It
is greatly needed. 1t has been
found that the cost of production to
the farmer is less than to his large
competitors.
Permanence Gained.
Government officials familiar with
fur producing assert there is no
doubt that this comparatively new
industry has now become a perma-
nent part of American agriculture.
1t has met with relatively more
success in recent years than most
other branches of farming and
promises much greater development
when freed from artificial restraints
and handicaps that now retard its
progress.
The Biological Survey, through
its fur division, is supplying infor-
nation to all who request it for fur
farming, selling or manufacturing
: Thousands of inquiries are received
by the bureau and they are promptly
! answered.
Silver fox and mink farming have
: proven profitable. Skunks are eas.
:. lily raised, but not at profit. The
] Government is experimenting witt
martens. fishers, raccoons, skunk:
: and opossums in captivity. 1t ha.
} discovered that without extensiv,
: controlled experiments, all breedin,
and feeding practices are of hit.
= or-niss nature"
I'VE are only commencing to real.
ize the task ahead of U.S." DR.. Ga.
brielson said, "and to understand
that the very future of the Ameri
: can fur business depends on oul
> ability to maintain and increase ou
> supply of wild fur animals and ex'
tend our fur breeding on farms anc
ranches.
o There is no doubt that this is {
q most promising field for the resto'
e ration of a natural crop and the
S development of an artiflcially pro-
o duced crop Of reaching impor'
. tance to the American farm popu'
lation."