FUR-FARMING IN CANADA 85 



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 suc- 

 cess 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, improvement of fur 

 by selection of breeders, and age and date when fur reaches its great- 

 est perfection, remain to be worked out. If the necessary experiments 

 can be carried to a successful conclusion, a valuable industry 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 ranches purposed to build larger 

 pens when the animals increased in numbers sufficiently. The increase 

 in all cases examined was an average of five 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 businessi in any reputable 

 neighbourhood on account of scenting. Contrary to popular expectation, 

 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. While they may be deodorized 

 by cutting into the scent glands when they are about* ten days old, the 

 operation is an unnecessary one, and may be even harmful to the animal. 



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

 skin ; as No. 1 with no stripes or very short ones ; No. 2, with longer 

 stripes, and No. 3 when the stripes extend the full length of the body. 

 The white part is cut off the pelts and only the black fur is used so 

 that there is a larger area of good fur on No. 1 pelts than on the whiter 

 ones. 



It is probable that the rapidly advancing prices of skunk in 1912 

 will give an impetus to the skunk-raising industry. No. 1 northern 

 skunk brings $4.25 at present and, if this price continues, there is a 

 large profit to be made in skunk-farming. 



Skunks can be kept in captivity under conditions similar to those 

 recommended for mink. On account, however, of the lower value of 

 the pelts and the less vicious and even harmless nature of the animal, 

 it is better to allow them a large run together. Th* males will not 

 injure the females, but the females will kill the males after mating if 

 they are kept enclosed with them. The females might be kept in pens, 



