FLORIDA FUR-FARMING. 



BY J. M. WTLLSON, JR. 



In discussing the water products of Florida fur-farming is worthy of consideration. 

 That Florida produces a fur of high grade will doubtless be a surprise to many, yet 

 thousands of dollars 7 worth of otter skins are shipped from the State annually. As 

 a subject for water-farming the American otter occupies a position distinct and wholly 

 his own. Terrestrial and aquatic, he is an interesting anomaly. 



From the beginning of time the skins of animals have contributed largely to the 

 comfort of mankind. The first garments ever worn by the human race were made of 

 skins and fashioned by the hand of the Creator. u Unto Adam also and to his wife 

 did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them." (Genesis iii, 21.) In latter 

 days the employment of so much fur for personal adornment has led to the wanton 

 destruction of the teeming millions of fur-bearing animals. From the constant reports 

 of the work of the deadly pelagic sealers and the consequent extermination of the seal 

 many questions arise and many theories are advanced as to the furs of the future. 



Leading furriers in New York say that the price of furs during the past few years 

 has advanced at least 150 per cent, and that the time is rapidly approaching when 

 seal will be a luxury which only the very rich can procure. Either the sealing-grounds 

 must be repleted or the future wearers of fine fur must pay fabulous prices for the 

 privilege of being kept elegantly comfortable, or else they must resort to cheaper skins. 



This is a scientific age and the domain of investigation is visibly broadening. 

 The main idea of the majority of mankind seems to be to discover new fields for labor 

 and investment, and the sequel to the "story of the seal-skin sack 7 ' is yet to be 

 revealed. 



The fur of the American otter ranks among high-priced furs, of which, too, any 

 quantity can be sold, quotations on Florida otter skins (cased) ranging from $5 to $8 

 each. In anticipation of a coming deficiency in the supply of fine furs the subject of 

 breeding the Florida otter for its fur has been investigated; and Florida, as the 

 natural haunt of the little animal, offers a field for experiment. The subject bewilders, 

 then fascinates. 



The Florida otter is fast being exterminated ; but in the swamps of the Everglades, 

 where none but the daring hunter or the stealthy-footed Seminole wanders, the little 

 animal is still found. Very little, if anything, of the habits of the otter is known to 

 science. Every effort has been exhausted in attempts to collect useful data on the 

 character of this quaint little denizen of the swamps. Scientific journals and the 

 encyclopedias add little to the research. From the trapper and from the hunter, who 

 in pursuit of their callings have observed the wary otter, the most valuable information 

 has been gleaned. 



OW 



F. C. B. 189724. 



