/ 



104 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



wide and four inches high, of No. 11 wire is used. This is not easily 

 climbed and is very strong and secure. The iron uprights are double 

 straps one inch wide by { inch thick, one on each side of the netting 

 and riveted together. 



" Otters do not dig extensively and are not inclined to burrow under 

 a fence. They do not usually climb trees, but can climb up a rough 

 barked or leaning tree to above the top of a fence. 



"It seems highly probable that, under favourable con- 

 Conclusions ditions, otter can be raised for fur at a profit, and that, 



in course of time, a breed can be established combining 

 in the same animals quiet and domestic dispositions with fur of great 

 beauty and value. But the actual test has yet to be made and carried 

 over a term of several years before a decision can be reached as to the 

 degree of success and the profit to be expected. Many facts of vital 

 importance, such as methods of insuring breeding, the rate and dates 

 of breeding, the most satisfactory and economical food supply, improve- 

 ment of fur by selection of breeders, and age and date when fur reaches 

 its greatest perfection, remain to be worked out. If the necessary 

 experiments can be carried to a successful conclusion, a valuable in- 

 dustry will be added to our national resources." 



SKUNK 



(Mephitis) 



No skunk-farms that were examined could be regarded as com- 

 mercial ventures, but two or three ranchers purposed building larger 

 pens when the animals increased in numbers sufficiently. In 1913 

 reports of numerous successful skunk-ranches were received. The 

 increase in all cases examined was an average of five to six young for 

 each female kept. One male was kept for each half dozen females. 



The question always asked when skunk-farming is mentioned, is 

 concerning the difficulty of conducting such a business in any reputable 

 neighbourhood on account of scenting. Contrary to popular expecta- 

 tion the skunk appears to be least objectionable of all ranched animals, 

 the fox being the most objectionable. One might pass alongside a 

 hundred skunks and not observe any odour. They can be easily 

 handled as the accompanying photograph shows. Concerning the 

 practice of cutting into the scent glands, Mr. Ernest Thompson Seton 

 says: "Skunks are commonly deodorized or disarmed when from one 

 to two months old, and the operation consists of cutting out entirely 

 the two scent glands. An expert can disarm twenty skunks in anhour."* 



Skunks are graded according to the proportion of white hair on the 



*Letter from Mr. E. T. Seton, April 9, 1914. 



