CASTOROLOGIA. 1 69 



a crop of beaver pelts representing the approximate increase based 

 on the known habits of the animal. This triennial hunt is con- 

 ducted in the most orderly and scientific manner, so as not to dis- 

 turb the colonies, and those who have accompanied the parties give 

 astonishing accounts of the condition of things witnessed, the beavers 

 having almost completely lost their fear of man, and their works 

 assume the most elaborate proportions. The time will soon come 

 when these reserves will be worked over, and then the limitations 

 will bring about the inevitable result, a sudden disappearance of the 

 busy hosts. If a single family of beavers, captives on the Isle of 

 Bute, felled 187 huge forest trees, besides a great quantity of small 

 bushes, within ten years, imagine the destruction which must follow 

 the work of a colony of beavers in a well chosen and thoroughly ad- 

 vantageous localitj'. 



For over a thousand years men have discussed and experimented 

 upon beaver farming. The accompanying clipping is a very com- 

 prehensive and typical proposal : 



A BEAVER RANCHE. 

 To the Editor of the Mail : 



Sir, — A good deal of attention Has been drawn to the beaver rancbe project 

 at Sudbury, and the practicability of the enterprise is generally conceded. The 

 profits, if successful, will be large ; and the country will be saved the disgrace 

 of allowing the most intelligent and domestic of the inferior races to become 

 extinct, as will be its certain fate unless protected by mankind. 



The cost of the attempt will be comparatively small, and the result will be 

 to develop an industry as extensive and interesting as bee culture has already 

 proven. Some legislation will be required to protect the "infant industry," 

 and we trust no undue delay will prevent the success of the enterprise next 

 spring. In connection vdth the subject I might suggest the suitability of the 

 Sudbury district for fish culture — abounding, as it does, in small lakes and 

 streams, which, if stocked and protected, would satisfy both the sportsman and 

 the political economist — an inviting field for health, sport and profit. 



Yours, etc., H. S. S. 

 Sudbury, Feb. 2, '87. 



It will be clearly observed that sentiment is at the bottom of this 

 scheme, and that no new treatment of the animal is proposed. The 



