INTRODUCTION 



How little we know and how much there is to learn. 

 Research and investigation along any given line 

 show how incomplete is our knowledge even of the 

 things with which we are most familiar. There is 

 nothing new under the sun, but there is always some- 

 thing we do not understand about the subjects to 

 which we have given the most thought and study. 

 The scientist who knows all about the origin of a 

 species, sometimes has the least knowledge as to how 

 it can best be conserved, or of its real worth to the 

 community, while the breeder who thoroughly under- 

 stands propagation problems, and the dealer who 

 can exactly estimate the value of the products of fur 

 bearing animals, often know little about their origin, 

 nature, habits and habitat. 



The object of this volume is to bring within the 

 reach of each of these classes the information pos- 

 sessed by the others ; and to give to students of na- 

 tural history and the general public a synopsis of 

 everything of value that has been written by others 

 upon this subject, together with many facts that 

 heretofore have not been matters of general infor- 

 mation. 



The author has not attempted to write a new his- 

 tory of any part of the Animal Kingdom, but to 

 present in condensed form and simple language 

 authentic information regarding the structural 

 formation, external appearance and distinguishing 

 features of the more important fur-bearing animals ; 

 and to show by comprehensive charts and tables the 

 proper grouping, and the relations and affinities each 

 to each, of the different species. Attention has also 

 been given to Fur Farming, and the commercial 

 value of the different skins; the quantities of each 

 used annually by furriers in pursuit of their calling ; 



