PROFIT FROM THE MUSKRAT 91 



be developed, even though on a smaller scale; 

 and it is a very suitable investment and occupa- 

 tion for men and boys who might organize 

 small local companies to carry it on effectively. 

 As it is winter work, little time useful for any- 

 thing else would be needed. The chief require- 

 ments are protection for the animals during a 

 close season, and from poaching in winter ; and 

 a suitable limitation of the number taken, based 

 upon local circumstances. 



In their natural haunts no feeding is re- 

 quired ; and it may often be advisable in places 

 to enlarge the area suitable to the animals by 

 damming the outlet so as to flood a wider area. 

 The rats increase rapidly when encouraged, 

 though the varying testimony on the subject 

 seems to show that they differ in this respect 

 in different parts of the country. Seton says 

 that in Manitoba there are commonly said to be 

 three litters a year, of four to nine each, and 

 that the first litter of the year themselves have 

 young in the autumn. The period of gestation 

 is about 30 days. 



Suitable places and proper care. There are 

 few swamps and marshy streams in which 



