FUR-FARMING IN CANADA 21 
Thus, it may be concluded that, in a district where melanism 
occurs, or where black and cross foxes occur, or either, there are 
very few foxes bred pure as’ to colour. 
If the unit of union be regarded as of gametes which are produced 
by each parent in the proportion of its ancestors—red and silver—the 
results may be forecasted by a simple mathematical calculation, the Law 
of Probabilities governing the mating of the gametes. 
R.R. ae B.B. 
Red parent producing Black parent producing 
only red gametes only black gametes 
R.B. RB: R.B. R.B. 
(red, bastard (red, bastard (red, bastard (red, bastard 
type) type) type) type) 
R.B. + R.B. 
Producing half red and half Producing half red and half 
black gametes black gametes 
BeBe R.B. RB: B.B. 
R.B. + B.B. 
Producing half red and half Producing only black 
black gametes gametes 
R.B. R.B. B.B. B.B. 
It will be noticed that when the black colour (B.B.) appears the 
animal is always pure, while R.R. is pure red and R.B. is also red with 
darker points. 
It is well to bring out clearly the average results to be expected, 
as considerable speculation is indulged in as to whether or not certain 
foxes when bred to a silver will produce some silver pups. As much as 
$500 each has been paid for red pups that have one silver parent, be- 
cause it is expected that, if the pup is mated to a silver, the resulting 
litter will be composed of silver and red foxes in about equal numbers. 
The hopes are realized in most instances; but many chances of securing 
silver pups are lost because the breeder gets only red pups the first 
generation and becomes discouraged. 
