FUR-FARMING IN CANADA 



21 



Thus, it may be concluded that, in a district where melanism 

 occurs, or where black and cross foxes occur, or either, there are very 

 few foxes bred pure as to colour. 



If the unit of union be regarded as of gametes which are produced 

 by each parent in the proportion of its ancestors — red and silver — the 

 results may be forecasted by a simple mathematical calculation, the Law 

 of Probabilities governing the mating of the gametes. 



R.B. 



R.B. 



R.B. 



B.B. 



R.B. 



Producing half red and half 

 black gametes 



+ 



B.B. 



Producing only black 

 gametes 



R.B. 



R.B. 



B.B. 



B.B. 



It will be noticed that when the black colour (B.B.) appears the 

 animal is always pure, while E.R. is pure red and R.B. is also red with 

 darker points. 



It is well to bring out clearly the average results to be expected, 

 as considerable speculation is indulged in as to whether or not certain 

 foxes when bred to a silver will produce some silver pups. As much as 

 $500 each has been paid for red pups that have one silver parent be- 

 cause it is expected that, if the pup is mated to a silver, the resulting 

 litter will be composed of silver and red foxes in about equal numbers. 

 The hopes are realized in most instances, but many chances of securing 

 silver pups are lost because the breeder gets only red pups the first 

 generation and becomes discouraged. 



