CANADIANOTTER 99 



to be quite successful as far as conducted, the animals being quite tract- 

 able and in good condition. The owners are confident of final success, 

 but no young have yet been produced. 



The fisher is about two feet long and has a large bushy tail. At 

 first sight, it resembles a black cat, and hence has received that name 

 locally. It is the swiftest and fiercest of the weasel family and can 

 catch a marten in an open chase, jumping from limbs even 30 or 40 

 feet high to the ground. When it is known that the marten can catch 

 the squirrel, the significance of this feat can be appreciated. 



Ranching methods should be the same as for marten, but on a scale 

 of twice the dimensions. Mating takes place about March 1. Young, 

 numbering from one to five, are born about May 1. It is believed by 

 many that they pair in the wild state, but it is probable that one male 

 will serve for several females in ranches. 



The rapidly rising-prices of fisher pelts make the possibility of 

 rearing this valuable fur-bearer the more interesting. In March, 1914, 

 best dark Northern Canada skins sold at fiom $20.00 to $40.00. 



CANADIAN OTTER 

 (Lutra Canadensis) 



The otter is very easily tamed and may even be given the run of 

 the premises without deserting its owner. The natural method of ranch- 

 ing described for mink, where a whole pond is enclosed and kept stocked 

 with fish, would certainly succeed with otter, especially if arrangements 

 were made to care for the female and the young. 



About the time the young are expected, the mother could be caught 

 in a box-trap with a meshed-wire bottom and examined. If she is found 

 to be about to give birth to young, she could be placed in a pen similar 

 to that used for mink, and the young reared successfully. The quiet 

 disposition of the otter and skunk will allow of such treatment. No 

 otter ranches were examined, but the docility and good health of those 

 kept in zoological gardens make it quite evident that it will be 'easy 

 to rear them when we only know how,' 



Though the otter is found almost everjnvhere, the Canadian otter 

 is most valuable. The Fur News Magazine for March, 1914, quotes 

 large No. 1 otter from Eastern United States and Canada at $20.00; 

 medium at $15.00 any small at $10.00. In January, 1913, large No. 

 1 otter from Eastern Canada was quoted at $25.00. 



A large, easily available supply of fish is necessary for success with 

 these animals if profits are to be made at the above-mentioned prices. 

 As there is undoubtedly a strong demand for live animals for parks and 



