18 BULLETIN 1078, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



thickets of aspen and pin cherry have sprung up as second growth. 

 Such land is generally considered almost worthless, but it might 

 support a large beaver population and could be successfully handled 

 on either a large or a small scale. A small fur farm, where detailed 

 attention can be given to the animals, is likely to prove most success- 

 ful at first and it can be extended when management practices are 

 fully mastered. 



Should beaver farming on suitable areas prove a 

 profitable enterprise, it would make remunerative 

 considerable areas of now unproductive lands where 

 such an industry would be valuable. The possi- 

 bilities of success in beaver farming under proper 

 conditions render this an attractive field for well- 

 managed experiments. 



A small natural pond or lake, or a small creek that could be fenced 

 above and below to hold the beavers, would make a good site for a 

 beaver farm, but if such sites are not to be had, a small artificial 

 basin scraped out and filled with water from a spring, or even pumped 

 from a well, would do for a beginning. The two essentials are water 

 and food. A long section of stream valley, the headwaters basin 

 of a stream system, or a lake or chain of lakes would afford ideal 

 locations for extensive beaver farms. 



FENCING FARMS. 



After the location has been selected, an inclosure must be prepared 

 that will hold the beavers and protect them from outside enemies. 

 The specifications for fencing given under the heading Beaver Con- 

 trol (p. 11), will apply here equally well, but the more valuable the 

 animals become the more difficult will it be to prevent losses from 

 theft. In some localities only short sections of beaver-proof fencing 

 will be required, but in others, a fence strong enough to exclude 

 poachers and dogs will probably be necessary. Care and watchful- 

 ness will always be required, however, and the method of turning 

 beavers loose to multiply without further effort or attention on the 

 part of the owners will generally prove disappointing. 



CAPTURING BEAVERS ALIVE. 



Catching the young. — For domestication it is better to start with 

 young beavers. They may be taken and raised at any time after 



