RODENTS 



Till] order of mammals known as rodents are nearly all small-sized 

 and are generally not valuable for their fur. They are distin- 

 guished by their chisel-edged teeth, of which they possess two in each 

 jaw. There are no canine teeth and a wide vacant space divides the in- 

 cisors from the grinders. The rabbit is an exception, having four in- 

 cisors in the upper jaw. 



For furs, the most useful animals of this order are the beaver of the 

 beaver family, the muskrat of the mouse family and the rabbit of the 

 hare family. None except the rabbit can be domesticated, but they can 

 be kept under control to a certain extent, especially the muskrat. 



MUSKRAT* 

 (Fiber Zihethicus) 



While muskrat is one of the lowest priced pelts, it has risen rapidly 

 in value in recent years. In 1911, the best northern muskrat cost the 

 furrier about 80 or 85 cents each, and, in 1912, the price of the best 

 skins was approaching $1.25 each. The price paid the trapper is, of 

 course, considerably less, being about 50 cents at the present time. The 

 demand has been increased by the new uses found for this fur. The 

 handsome and popular 'Hudson Bay seal,' which is made from the 

 muskrat, even in our own dressing and dyeing establishments, has given 

 the fur much of its present value. About ten millions of pelts are 

 used annually and the high prices are sure to spur trappers and hunt- 

 ers to greater efforts and, if the fur continues fashionable, may result 

 in the depletion of the species in some sections. 



Because of the ease of stocking a marsh and feeding the rat, it is 

 feasible for owners to take charge of their marshes, control the number 

 killed, improve the housing and nesting conditions and supply food 

 by planting suitable crops and feeding vegetables and fruits. 



In the salt marshes around Delaware and Chesapeake bays, on the 

 Atlantic coast of the United States, a good quality of rat is produced 

 and the marshes are protected by the owners. The 'ratting' privileges 

 are rented, usually for one halt of the catch. Use is made of the fur, 

 the flesh and the musk bags. The flesh, known as marsh hare or marsh 

 rabbit, is sold in large quantities on the Baltimore, Philadelphia, Nor- 

 folk and Washington markets and is said to be very agreeable in the 

 fall and early winter, but to be unfit for food in the spring because 

 of the musky flavour. The Indians consider it a splendid dish. In the 



♦For further information wi<h respect to the muskrat see Appendix VI. 



