FUR-FARMING IN CANADA 8& 
value. But the actual test has yet to be made «nd carried over a term of 
several years before a decision can be reached as to the degree of suc- 
cess and the profit to be expected. Many facts of vital importance, 
such as methods of insuring breeding, the rate and dates of breeding, 
the most satisfactory and economical food supply, improvement of fur 
by selection of breeders, and age and date when fur reaches its great- 
est perfection, remain to be worked out. If the necessary experiments 
can be carried to a successful conclusion, a valuable industry will be 
added to our national 1 esources.”’ 
SKUNK 
(Mephitis) 
No skunk-farms that were examined could be regarded as com 
mercial ventures, but two or three ranches purposed to build larger 
pens when the animals increased in numbers sufficiently. The increase 
in all cases examined was an average of five young for each female 
kept. One male was kept for each half dozen females. 
The question always asked when skunk-farming is mentioned, is 
concerning the difficulty of conducting such a business in any reputable 
neighbourhood on account of scenting. Contrary to popular expectation 
the skunk appears tobe least objectionable of all ranched animals, the fox 
being the most objectionable. One might pass alongside a hundred 
skunks and not observe any odour. They can beeasily handled as 
the accompanying photograph shows. While they may be deodorized 
by cutting into the scent glands when they are about ten days old, the 
operation is an unnecessary one, and may be even harmful to the animal. 
Skunks are graded according to the proportion of white hair on the 
skin; as No. 1 with no stripes or very short ones; No. 2, with longer 
stripes, and No. 3 when the stripes extend the full length of the body. 
The white part is cut off the pelts and only the black fur is used so 
that there is a larger area of good fw on No. 1 pelts than on the whiter 
ones. 
It is probable that the rapidly advancing prices of skunk in 1912 
will give an impetus to the skunk-raising industry. No. 1 northern 
skunk brings $4.25 at present and, if this price continues, there is a 
large profit to be made in skunk-farming. 
Skunks can be kept in captivity under conditions similar to those 
recommended for mink. On account, however, of the lower value of 
the pelts and the less vicious and even harmless nature of the animal, 
it is better to allow them a large run together. The males will not 
injure the females, but the females will kill the males after mating if 
they are kept enclosed with them. The females might be kept in pens, 
