92 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 



these rodents are not naturally numerous, and 

 they persist in the midst of civilized districts 

 in a marvelous way. There would seem to be 

 no difficulty then in colonizing a new artificial 

 marsh or pond for the sake of rearing them. 

 Such a place, however, must have a natural or 

 planted growth of suitable food-plants lilies, 

 arums, sedges, etc. whose roots form their 

 winter subsistence. Among the principal of 

 these plants are yellow and white pond-lilies, 

 the golden clubhead or river-bulrush, a large 

 sedge whose fleshy tubers are nutritious, and 

 the lotus (Nelumbo). In summer they feed 

 upon a far more extensive list of aquatic plants 

 and shore grasses, vegetables and fruits, and 

 also largely on mussels, snails, crayfish, caddis- 

 worms, sluggish fish, like carp, and now and 

 then catch ducks and other small animals. 

 The feeding-habits of the wild muskrats of the 

 locality should be carefully considered. 



The highest usefulness of a "muskrat-farm" 

 would be gained, however, by improving the 

 stock in size and color. To do this selective 

 breeding should be attempted. The larger and 

 blacker the pelt the higher price it will bring. 



