FUR-FARMING IN CANADA 45 
In 1912, vague reports were circulated among the 
Dangerous Fox breeders of Prince Edward Island that a contagious 
Diseases Saree - : 
parasitic disease was being introduced by blue foxes 
imported from Alaska. A definite warning was furnished the Commis- 
sion of Conservation by an eminent United States authority that such 
a dangerous disease exists and would prove fatal to the fox industry if 
introduced; but few details of the disease were presented. A letter of 
inquiry was sent to Mr. George M, Bowers, Commissioner of Fisheries, 
Department of Commerce and Labour, who has charge of the conserva- 
tion of foxes and seals at certain points in Alaska. The reply under 
date of November 25, 1912, is as follows: 
“The Bureau has not been informed of any particular para- 
sitic disease as existing among the foxes of Alaska. So far as 
known, fatal disease has been so rare as to be negligible in the con- 
sideration of fox raising. Improper feeding, accidental poisoning 
and tuberculosis have been known to cause the death of individual 
foxes, but nothing in the nature of an epidemic has been reported.’’ 
Capturing As already stated, the capturing of escaped foxes presents 
Escaped little difficulty provided they do not get outside the exterior 
ae fence. They will often, of their own accord, return through 
the open door after a few hours. Or, in the cases where escape has been 
over snow banks, they will usually return when hungry. They may be 
driven into the alleys from the outer enclosure when a temporary fence 
of meshed wire is stretched across from the pen to the outer fence. 
They can also be caught in the box traps, or in steel traps which have the 
jaws wrapped with muslin so that the limbs will not be injured. A live 
hen or rabbit makes excellent bait. The latter method will often prove 
effective when the fox has escaped to the woods, as they are likely, 
especially if ranch-bred, to remain in the vicinity of the ranch. 
The ownership of an escaped fox is a disputed point. Many people 
contend that a fox roaming at large is game for anyone, but, if the 
ranchman can identify the live fox or the skin, he can recover it as his 
personal property. 
Ranchmen have given serious study to the question of 
Marking for marking for identification. A numbered aluminum tag, 
Indentification é : : . 
which may be seen at a considerable distance, is often 
fastened into the ear. In some way, however, the fox manages to get 
it off. Marking the teeth by filing or tattooing them is also resorted to, 
and has, at least, proved practicable. But the disadvantage of not mark- 
ing the skin is obvious. A possible method, not yet attempted, is to 
tattoo the skin with the owner’s number or brand, which could be 
