POLARORARCTICFOX 67 



A considerable number of blue foxes were imported into Canada 

 during the season of 1912. Possibly a hundred or more were brought 

 into the Maritime Provinces from Alaska, where feeding is now dif- 

 ficult because the killing of seals is not permitted. One consignment 

 numbered thirty-two and arrived in very fair condition. 



As no increase whatever was obtained from those imported in 1912, 

 not more than 40 or 50 blue foxes had been imported into Prince Edward 

 Island up to December 1, 1913. No authenticated instances of whelps 

 of blue foxes being raised to maturity are recorded. Statements were 

 made that a number of litters had been born, but investigation proved that 

 very few, if any, of the young were seen by the ranchmen and they sim- 

 ply surmised that birth had taken place because of the actions of the 

 vixen. It is difficult to understand why blue foxes have not produced 

 young in the Maritime Provinces. This failure can hardly be ascribed 

 to the removal of the animals to more southern latitudes as, in many 

 instances, common red foxes imported from Alaska have bred in Prince 

 Edward Island. The southern latitudes would hardly affect their 

 fecundity, though it might lessen their fur-value — particularly in 

 weight of fur. The probability is that the facts concerning the feed, care, 

 and general management of blue foxes are not yet known. In Alaska 

 they are rarely, if ever, ranched in pens, but roam wild over the islands. 

 It is probable that those now ranching blue foxes, who have spent 

 considerable time studying their habits in Alaska will succeed in rearing 

 young in the spring of 1914. 



The blue fox is a better climber than the red and an overhang wire 

 of 36 inches is required. Otherwise, the pens are built similarly to 

 those of the common fox. 



The following account of blue fox farming is taken from 

 F^J^fng^ "Fur Farming for Profit," published by the Fur News 



Publishing Co., of New York. 

 "For some years past the blue fox has been successfully raised 

 in rather large numbers on several small islands off the coast of Alaska, 

 and for a shorter period on the mainland. The blue fox thrives and 

 multiplies in captivity, and can be raised with rather more satisfaction 

 than the other members of the fox family, as it is more tractable and 

 easily managed. An island makes an excellent blue fox farm for 

 various reasons: there is no large outlay in cash for fencing; as the is- 

 lands are surrounded by the sea, the water does not freeze over in 

 winter and the foxes cannot leave the farm; no danger is to be appre- 

 hended from the intrusion of other animals; a considerable supply of 

 food may be obtained from the sea, which is to a considerable extent 

 self-supplied; crabs are found along the shore, fish are washed up on 



