10 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



America, millions of dollars will be saved annually, as the use of this 

 lasting and handsome fur is increasing steadily. That the business is 

 regarded in Eussia as an important one, is indicated by the calling of 

 a convention of breeders at Moscow (October, 1913), at the Czar's special 

 request. As a possible source of future fur supply, the karakule crossed 

 with lustrous woolled sheep like Lincolns and Cotswolds appears to be 

 one of the most promising. Experiments made recently have produced 

 lamb skins of magnificent gloss and curl, 



_ . Despite the progress that has been made in breeding 



Domesticating ,.-,,. , , . ^ ^ . ^ . 



Fur- Bearers karakule sheep, it must be acknowledged that domestica- 

 tion of fur-bearing animals has, thus far, failed to supply 

 the demand for pelts which are highly valued for fur. The increasing de- 

 mand and the ever-decreasing supply of desirable fur pelts is producing 

 a state of trade that would be alarming were it not for the possibilities 

 of domesticating and breeding other fur-bearers. The time has come 

 when, on account of the high range of prices, every effort should be 

 made to domesticate all wild fur-bearing animals of considerable value. 



There is a broad field for activity in this direction. According to 

 Lantz' estimate, there are about five thousand species of mammals at 

 present inhabiting tbe earth. About twenty-three of these are in a state 

 of domestication, serving man as beasts of burden or furnishing food, 

 clothing, or companionship. 



The hoofed animals (ungulata) comprise: 



The Asiatic elephant, horse, ass, hog, camel, dromedary, rein- 

 deer, goat, sheep, yak, buffalo (two species), ox (two species), and 

 llama (possibly four species). 



The flesh-eating animals (carnivora) comprise: 



The cat, dog, ferret and cheetah or hunting leopard of India. 



The rodent animals (rodenfAa) comprise : 

 The rabbit and the guinea pig. 



The Arctic fox (vulpes lagopus) and the common fox (vulpes vul- 

 pes) may be classed as domestic, as for twenty years they have been 

 nurtured under man's care, and the rising prices of fur will probably 

 make the industry permanent. 



