32 



farmers' BULLETIN 795. 



The value of breeding stock has fluctuated greatly in the past. In 

 general, it will depend on the current demand for silver fox skins; 

 and, in particular, on the character of the fur of individual animals. 

 Prolific animals belonging to choice strains, in which a superior color 

 and quality of fur have been fixed, are worth for breeding purposes 

 as much more than ordinary stock as pure-bred horses are than 

 common horses. 



As has been pointed out under the subject of improved strains, 

 crosses and reds derived from silvers throw a proportion of silver 

 cubs. It is feasible, therefore, if one is willing to sacrifice the time 

 required, to obtain a stock of silvers from these more common foxes, 

 which cost comparatively little. 



INCOME. 



The profits from silver fox farming have generally been large. 

 Prior to 1910 they were derived almost wholly from pelts, but since 

 then they have come mainty from the sale of breeding stock. Fol- 

 lowing the decline of the speculative phase of the fox industry, 

 ranch-raised silver fox pelts reappeared at fur sales, and brought 

 e' °ouraging prices, a few going as high as $1,000 each. January 

 quotations for first-grade skins during the 12 years from 1905 to 

 1916 average about $600 each. Out of a miscellaneous collection 

 of silver fox skins, principally wild, disposed of at auction early 

 in 1916, 60 were sold at an average of $550. Many wild skins are 

 necessarily imperfect, being unprime, worn, or not well colored, but 

 those from selected domestic animals killed when their fur is at its 

 best may be confidently expected to rank as first-class goods. 



The supply of silver fox pelts must always come from cold climates 

 beyond the more thickly settled temperate regions. They are not 

 likely, therefore, to become overabundant. Red fox skins have been 

 marketed for many years. Their numbei's, while fluctuating con- 

 siderably from year to year, on the whole have remained approxi- 

 mately constant. Their average value, however, has increased. But 

 the supply from wild foxes can never be greater than it is now. 

 Already red foxes can be raised and their pelts sold without loss, 

 and it may be probable that before many years the rise in fur values 

 and the introduction of more economical methods of ranching will 

 result in making the raising of red foxes profitable. The silvers 

 are of superior beauty and many years must pass before they can 

 become common. 



WASHINGTON - : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE '. 1917 



