PROFIT FROM THE MUSKRAT 91 
be developed, even though on a smaller scale; 
and it is a very suitable investment and occupa- 
tion for men and boys who might organize 
small local companies to carry it on effectively. 
As it is winter work, little time useful for any- 
thing else would be needed. The chief require- 
ments are protection for the animals during a 
close season, and from poaching in winter; and 
a suitable limitation of the number taken, based 
upon local circumstances. 
In their natural haunts no feeding is re- 
quired; and it may often be advisable in places 
to enlarge the area suitable to the animals by 
damming the outlet so as to flood a wider area. 
‘The rats increase rapidly when encouraged, 
though the varying testimony on the subject 
seems to show that they differ in this respect 
in different parts of the country. Seton says 
that in Manitoba there are commonly said to be 
three litters a year, of four to nine each, and 
that the first litter of the year themselves have 
young in the autumn. The period of gestation 
is about 30 days. 
Suitable places and proper care. There are 
few swamps and marshy streams in which 
