128 ALASKA FISHERIES AND FUR INDUSTRIES IN 1915. 
In corrals.—Twelve pairs black foxes (in two of the corrals containing black foxes we 
have put a female cross as an experiment to see if the males show any tendencies to 
mate with more than one female); six pairs blue foxes; and one pair consisting of 
a cross male and a red female. (In respect to the last pair the female was born in 
captivity and the male was taken from the wild. Both were particularly tame and 
were mated as an experiment along the lines of breeding for disposition.) 
At large on the island.—Fifteen pairs blue foxes, together with whatever increase 
occurred last spring. 
The uncertainty of results likely to be attained from attempts to raise blue foxes in 
captivity has prompted us to turn so many loose on the island, retaining only a suffi- 
cient number of selected animals in corrals for experimental purposes. We know 
from past experience of the Semidi Propagating Co. that the foxes will thrive when at 
large, and then the expense that would be required for constructing inclosures to ac- 
commodate them is obviated. Should our experiments prove satisfactory, however, 
we will naturally increase our stock of this variety and provide additional corrals. 
LecIsLATIon.—Legislation covering the fur industry in Alaska is sadly lacking, and 
it is hoped that laws will soon be passed that will remedy the present conditions. 
The law now in force, the act approved April 21, 1910, being ‘‘ An act to protect the 
seal fisheries of Alaska, and for other purposes,’’ together with the various regulations 
promulgated by virtue of this law, has had a beneficial effect; but with changed 
conditions, demanding the hunting of fur-bearing animals for breeding purposes, 
legislation should be enacted to extend the authority now given the Secretary of 
Commerce. The act referred to grants permission to the Secretary of Commerce to 
promulgate certain regulations, but in order to protect this industry fully, a law 
should be passed giving him power to regulate every phase of it, and especially as 
regards the taking and shipping of live animals for breeding purposes. We think the 
following points should be carefully considered when enacting new laws or regulations 
governing the fur industry in Alaska: 
Season for killing.—We believe in a number of instances the open season provided 
in Department Circular No. 246, May 24, 1915, covers too long a period. No doubt 
districts should be established, according to their varied climatic conditions, but 
this should be done only after careful and intelligent field observations and an actual 
study of the condition of furs taken during the various months. Our recommendation 
for an open season for foxes in this section, including Kodiak Island and all terri- 
tory that lies south of it, and also possibly the Alaska Peninsula, is from December 1 
to February 1, a period of two months. Fox skins in this section positively are not 
at their prime before December 1, and if the open season extends beyond February 
1 the hunting of foxes will most likely interfere with the breeding season. Further- 
more, the fur has already commenced to decline by the latter date, and for this 
reason alone the animals should not be hunted later. 
Trapping for breeding purposes.—The trapping of wild fur-bearing animals for breed- 
ing purposes should be permitted in order that fur farms may be stocked, but this 
practice should be regulated by the strictest measures. Undoubtedly this privilege 
has been grossly abused, and we see in it, unless properly regulated, a means whereby 
the wild foxes, particularly of Kodiak Island, are likely soon to be exterminated. 
The method of trapping has also been anything but humane, and this is an important 
matter that should be given due consideration. In the promulgation of regulations 
governing the taking of wild fur-bearing animals for breeding purposes we think the 
following points should be considered: 
Season for trapping breeding stock.—The trapping of foxes for breeding purposes 
might safely be permitted from August 1 to December 1, and, of course, throughout 
the open season. If trappers are permitted to take foxes earlier than August 1, how- 
ever, there is going to be a great temptation to dig the pups from the burrows, and 
this is a thing that should be absolutely prohibited. As a rule the foxes here whelp 
