Chapter V 

 Swimmers Concluded 



Muskrat 



FEW people, probably, realise that if the 

 muskrat were suddenly to become extinct, 

 it would mean a clear loss of something like half 

 a million dollars annually to this country and 

 Canada. For that is the estimated value of the 

 year's crop of raw skins, which has not varied 

 materially in amount since the country was first 

 settled, as the muskrat refuses to be driven off 

 by the most constant persecution, and though at 

 times considerably reduced in numbers in certain 

 districts, a single season suffices to bring them 

 to their former abundance. Wherever there is a 

 stream or pond with reed-grown shores, and yellow- 

 lily roots or clams to be had by diving, muskrats 

 are sure to be found ; and their numbers usually 

 depend more on the food-supply than on free- 



153 



