58 FISH AND GAME. 



of whom are employed in caring for the birds, and given a 

 chance for work in the open, which is so beneficial to physical 

 and mental welfare. Since December, 1914, 168 patients from 

 all parts of the State, representing 75 different professions, 

 trades and occupations, have very cheerfully taken a keen 

 interest in this work. The average stay of each patient is 

 about six weeks, in which time a variety of knowledge per- 

 taining to wild life can be obtained. When they return to 

 their respective homes they are able to distribute at least a 

 part of this knowledge, and thus stimulate interest of com- 

 munities in fish and game conservation. This is the first 

 practical test of utilizing State land in conjunction with another 

 State Board, and we take this occasion to acknowledge the 

 hearty and harmonious co-operation of the trustees of the 

 Norfolk State Hospital and of the superintendent, Dr. Irwin W. 

 Neff. 



FUR-BEAKING ANIMALS. 



Within a few years it has been demonstrated that artificial 

 propagation of fur-bearing animals for their pelts is a most 

 lucrative industry. It is to be noted with regret that such 

 activities are for the most part made conspicuous in Massachu- 

 setts by their absence. Recently, indeed, we have heard tales 

 of the wonderful opportunities in rearing the silver black fox 

 in Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, and of the almost 

 fabulous profits accruing to the pioneers in this work. Nat- 

 urally we appreciate the fact that the raising of this animal is 

 a condition subsequent only to an ideal state of affairs, and 

 that the future success depends upon the market price. But 

 why forget the species indigenous to this Commonwealth, the 

 demand for which is growing steadily? 



The Lowly Skunk. 



Even the rearing of the lowly skunk has proved a source of 

 good returns for the capital invested. As a matter of fact, the 

 field in this part of the country has been so little exploited as 

 to assure a prospective breeder a profitable business. The 

 animal adapts itself readily to artificial rearing. By nature a 

 scavenger, the expense of maintenance need not exceed a 



