REPORT OF ALASKA INVESTIGATIONS. 



121 



is exercised that no blood is allowed to remain on the fish, as this is injurious to the foxes. Among the 

 necessities for keeping foxes in good condition are bones, feathers, green grass, plenty of sunlight, and more 

 or less wind. I was fortunate enough to get good photographs of this ideal corral fox farm. 



There was another fur ranch that impressed me favorably, which, although small, was well conducted. 

 It is owned by Joe Voelke and Ben Wizamas. These men have constructed their corrals much on the line 

 of Lahey and Handley's. It is located on Chilkat River at 18 Mile Post. In addition to the fox corral, 

 they have constructed one for mink raising, and this is the only such corral that gave evidence of study 

 and practicability. It was built along lines that would insure the protection of these animals and their 

 breeding. Each pen was provided with running water. 



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MINK 



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Plan of corral for propagation of mink. 

 ILLEGAL FOX FARMING. 



Unfortunately some men are getting licenses with the intention and sole purpose of deceiving the 

 Government and defeating the spirit of the law. It must be understood that the regulations of the Depart- 

 ment allow only ranch-bred foxes to be shipped out of the Territory of Alaska, on permits issued by the 

 Secretary of Commerce and affidavits made by the shipper. No wild foxes, or foxes that have not been 

 born on licensed fox farms, may be shipped out of the Territory. Now, the prevailing manner in 

 which these unscrupulous, so-called fox farmers do their unlawful work is this : They buy from the natives 

 throughout the region in which they operate live foxes of all kinds and sizes that have been trapped during 

 the year, and perhaps they also engage in trapping themselves. Possibly they have already applied to 

 the Government for a license to conduct a fox farm, and when they think they have enough foxes for a 

 small shipment to Canada or the United States they make application to Washington, receive their permits, 

 make affidavit that they have ranch-bred foxes, and send them out of Alaska, when, as a matter of fact, 



