RODENTS 
HE order of mammals known as rodents are nearly all small-sized 
and are generally not valuable for their fur. They are distin- 
guished by their chisel-edged teeth, of which they possess two in each 
jaw. There are no canine teeth and a wide vacant space divides the in- 
cisors from the grinders. The rabbit is an exception, having four in- 
cisors in the upper jaw. 
For furs, the most useful animals of this order are the beaver of the 
beaver family, the muskrat of the mouse family and the rabbit of the 
hare family. None except the rabbit can be domesticated, but they can 
be kept under control to a certain extent, especially the muskrat. 
MUSKRAT 
(Fiber Zibethicus) 
While muskrat is one of the lowest priced pelts, it has risen rapidly 
in value in recent years. In 1911, the best northern muskrat cost the 
furrier about 80 or 85 cents each and, in 1912, the price of the best 
skins was approaching $1.25 each. The price for the trapper is, of 
course, considerably less, being about 55 cents at the present time. The 
demand has been increased by the new uses found for this fur. The 
handsome and popular ‘Hudson Bay seal,’ which is made from the 
muskrat, even in our own dressing and dyeing establishments, has given 
the fur much of its present value. About ten millions of pelts aire 
used annually and the high prices are sure to spur trappers and hunt- 
ers to greater efforts and, if the fur continues fashionable, may re- 
sult in the depletion of the species in some sections. 
Because of the ease of stocking a marsh and feeding the rat, it is 
feasible for owners to take charge of their marshes, control the number 
killed, improve the housing and nesting conditions and supply food 
by planting suitable crops and feeding vegetables and fruits. 
In the salt marshes around Delaware and Chesapeake bays, on the 
Atlantic coast of the United States, a good quality of rat is produced and 
the marshes are protected by the owners. The ‘ratting’ privileges 
are rented, usually for one half of the catch. Use is made of the fur, 
the flesh and the musk bags. The flesh, known as marsh hare o1 marsh 
rabbit, is sold in large quantities on the Baltimore, Philadelphia, Nor- 
folk and Washington markets and is said to be very agreeable in the 
fall and early winter, but to be unfit for food in the spring because 
of the musky flavour. The Indians consider it a splendid dish. In the 
proper season, canning companies will purchase as much as can be 
put up. 
