MINOR FUR-BEARING ANIMALS. 



65 



Third in number of operators come the l);i e-lox farmers on islands, of which there 

 have been five attempts : 



In addition to the above, there have been numerous single animals confined in 

 hopes that mates for them might be obtained, usually resulting in the animal? dying, 

 being killed for fur, escaping, or being sold alive to others attempting fur farming. 



Skunks and raccoons have been introduced on "Brothers Islands," but nothing has 

 been heard of the matter recently, and it is not known as to the success. Considering 

 the price of these skins as compared with those of some of the native fur bearers, which 

 should be no more difficult to raise, no advantage can be seen in such a project unless 

 the saving in feeding in winter proves to be decided. 



The animals that are most available to the majority of persons in the region are minks 

 and martens. The latter can perhaps be successfully kept on small islands if they 

 do not fight among themselves too much. If they do prove to fight seriously when on 

 small islands it will of course be necessary to pen them. Minks, being daring swim- 

 mers, must be penned. There is not a portion of southeastern Alaska where food is 

 obtainable for these animals that is not suitable for them. 



The red fox, with its color phases, is commonly indigenous only to that portion of 

 southeastern Alaska west of Lynn Canal and north of Icy Strait, although they oc- 

 casionally approach salt water farther south on the mainland by following down some 

 of the larger streams and valleys. Of all southeastern Alaska only that portion in 

 which red foxes naturally occur is to be considered for red-fox farming, and of this the 

 section having the best combination of natural resources and advantages is the Chilkat 

 Valley. Some of these advantages are: A climate approaching that of an interior 

 country, in that it is clear and cold in winter and warm and dry in summer; the rain- 

 fall is the least of any portion of the district ; there is an easily accessible food supply, as 

 the fish are, or should be, abundant in the Chilkat River which flows through the 

 valley: there is perfect drainage by reason of the sandy soil: large and perm.anent pens 

 may easily be constructed because of the sandy soil underlaid at an average of about 

 3 feet by a hard subsoil of clay, through which foxes could scarcely dig out under the 

 fences; the valley is easy of access both summer and winter; it is the natural home of 

 the fox, and fortunately is in a region in which melanism is prevalent, thus produc- 

 ing a considerable percentage of dark individuals even fromred parents; the climate 

 while close to salt water is of an interior character which will produce fur of a superior 

 quality surpassing that possible on the coast and islands. 



As noted above, a recent attempt has been made to introduce red foxes on Sokoi 

 Island, near Petersburg, but at present it is too early to say with what success the pro- 

 ject is attended. The writer firmly believes that the islands are much too wet for red 

 foxes to do well and the salt atmosphere will certainly coarsen and dull the fur more 

 than is desirable. 



The arctic or blue fox is not native to any portion of the region, but seems to have 

 done well at every place it has been introduced so far as the climatic conditions and 

 food are concerned. Almost any of the small islands are suitable for the raising of 

 these animals, and the food for them may be the same as for the other animals save 

 that as they roam at large on the island they are able to pick up more or less food for 

 themselves from the beach and woods. 



Beaver and land-otter farming have not been attempted in the district and little 

 can be said regarding the subject. In regard to beavers, a peculiar terraine would be 

 necessary and fencing would prove to be expensive. Land otters would require 

 fencing, but they could be fed almost wholly from the sea foods to be had in such abun- 

 dance at almost every front door in the region. 



99805°— 19 18 



