﻿BLUE-FOX FARMING IN ALASKA 9 



The latitude, climate, and soil having been determined, the next 

 important consideration is the proper location for the ranch. Fox 

 ranches are now established on islands in every conceivable location. 

 Some are found many miles from civilization, where transportation 

 by regular means can not be had at reasonable intervals, where 

 it is difficult to obtain supplies, and where the rancher is practically 

 shut off from many opportunities for the sale of breeding stock. 

 Energetic, progressive men will not stay long under these conditions, 

 however, and this makes it difficult to secure the necessary labor. 

 On the other hand, an island used for fox farming should be at least 

 half a mile away from adjacent islands or the mainland, as the 

 animals may escape by swimming. 



HARBOR FACILITIES 



It is possible to operate an island fur farm which lacks a harbor, 

 but the disadvantages are extremely great. The value of harbor fa- 



FiG. 8. — A floating dock of the type illustrated can be built easily and cheaply and 

 is a great conYonienci- in landing supplies and tying up a boat in the harbor 



cilities can scarcely be overestimated. A harbor permits keeping 

 a boat for use in obtaining feed, in feeding, in the transportation 

 of skins and breeding stock, and in communicating with towns and 

 the mainland (fig. 8). 



FOOD SUPPLY 



Fish is the basic article in the diet of blue foxes; hence it is essen- 

 tial that it be readily obtainable throughout the year. Proximity to 

 a cannery is a great advantage, as the waste material makes excel- 

 lent feed. Seals and porpoises and members of the whale family 

 might well be more utilized than is noAV the case. It is essential that 

 the food be palatable, nutritious, and inexpensive. 



WATER 



The presence of fresh-water springs, streams, or ponds on an 

 i.sland is important. During the whelping season especially it is 



474.'J7''— 2;j 2 



