LEHER OF TRANSMITTAL 



U. S. Department or Agriculture, 



Bureau or Biological Survey, 

 Washington, D. C, May 28, 1908. 



Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith a report on the rearing 

 of silver foxes. As civilization encroaches on the breeding grounds 

 of wild animals the supply of fur steadily diminishes and the price 

 correspondingly advances. If furs as articles of use and adornment 

 are not soon to disappear from general use, methods must be devised 

 for raising fur-bearing animals in confinement. This subject is now 

 being investigated by the Biological Survey. The present bulletin 

 furnishes information as to the possibilities of the propagation of 

 silver, or silver-black, foxes and the best methods of conducting the 

 business. The silver-black fox is one of the highest priced of fur 

 bearers, and hence offers a tempting field for experiment. The busi- 

 ness of raising this animal is believed to promise fair if not large 

 returns for skill, experience, and the investment of moderate capital. 



I recommend that this report be published in the Farmers' Bulletin 

 series. 



Respectfully, C. Hart Merriam, 



Chief, Biological Survey. 



Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



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