THE REPORT UPON No. 36 



Muskrat. — Remarkable increase in number taken in 1929 as compared 

 with previous year does not correctly indicate conditions. Rather than improv- 

 ing its position numerically, this species is decreasing. 



Otter. — Catch practically stationary. Similar remarks as applied to beaver 

 would apply in this case. Otter are very scarce. 



Raccoon. — This species is no more than holding its own. Catch remained 

 stationary. 



Skunk. — Showing improvement in its position, though there was some 

 decrease in the catch. 



Weasel. — One of the few species which shows an improved condition as 

 evidenced by increased catch. 



The following table compares for the past six years, pelts of fur-bearing 

 animals, other than those which were ranch-raised, on which royalty was paid: 



1924 



Bear 1,399 



Beaver 50,233 



Fisher 1,910 



Fox (Cross) 1,082 



Fox (Red) 14,695 



Fox (Silver or Black) 167 



Fox (White) 362 



Fox (not specified) 28 



Lynx 2,332 



Marten 3,661 



Mink 82,466 



Muskrat 533,256 



Otter 5,096 



Raccoon 21,976 



Skunk 58,130 



Weasel 51,163 



Wolverine 12 



Total 827,948 814,935 691,372 723,922 790,886 999,495 



The value of these pelts to the trapper, amounting to $3,719,582.72, is 

 somewhat below the 1928 figure, though Ontario continues to lead the Provinces 

 of the Dominion as a producer of fur. 



In addition to the above, the total of ranch-raised silver and black foxes, 

 dressed or exported, on which no royalty is payable, and which were raised on 

 the Hcensed fur farms of the Province, was 5,767; 4,610 of which were exported, 

 and the balance of 1,157 were dressed in the Province. These pelts had a 

 value of $537,311.39. 



Fur Farming 



A reference to the subjoined table giving the numbers of fur farming licenses 

 issued by the Department annually for the past five years, will show that 

 activities in this connection during 1929 continued to extend, and as the interest 

 of the individual fur farmer becomes more firmly established the success obtained 

 in the raising of fur-bearing animals in captivity or semi-captivity is more 

 assured. Every fur-bearer, native of the Province, is now included in the list of 

 animals being propagated on these farms. 



