162 



Carnivora Fissipedia. 



In the chapter on Fur Farming considerable space is 

 devoted to Silver Fox breeding, but no mention is made of 

 successful attempts by different individuals to raise Blue 

 Foxes on the islands off the coast of Alaska. In a recent 

 announcement the Secretary of Commerce said that he 

 intended to lease twelve islands on the coast of Alaska for 

 five years, to the highest responsible bidders who would en- 

 gage in the business of rearing this species, and agree to 

 pay an annual fee of not less than $200.00. 



The islands which it is proposed to lease are those which 

 which had been leased by the Secretary of the Treasury 

 for fox propagation purposes prior to May 14, 1898. They 

 are Chirikof island, Long -island. Marmot island. Little 

 Koniuji island, Simeono'f island, Little Naked island, Carl- 

 son island, Middleton island, Pearl island, Elizabeth 

 island, Aghiyuk island and Chowiet island. 



Leases will only be given to American citizens, and com- 

 panies or corporations organized under the laws of a 

 state or territory, and detailed reports must be made by 

 the leasees annually to the Secretary of Commerce. Far- 

 ther particulars regarding the conditions that must be 

 complied with to secure a lease of one of these islands 

 can be obtained by addressing the Secretary of Commerce, 

 Washington, D C. 



White or Polar Fox in Summer Dress 



As the fur of the White or Polar Fox is much less valu- 

 able than that of the Blue or Arctic Fox, breeders should 

 always be careful to eliminate from their breed of Blue 

 Foxes any individuals that show any tendency toward 

 the white fox variety. 



