THIS bulletin is intended primarily to show the 

 economic importance of the muskrat, or mus- 

 quash, our most valuable fur bearer, and to encour- 

 age further legislation for its protection. Although 

 injurious in some localities, it is for the most part an 

 inhabitant of places unsuited for agriculture. Its 

 growing value for fur and meat makes it desirable 

 to preserve and perpetuate this resource. To this 

 end the bulletin gives an account of the muskrat's 

 habits as well as of its commercial importance and 

 suggests the private utilization of ponds and marsh 

 lands for an increased production of fur and meat. 

 Though mainly an abridgment of Farmers' Bulletin 

 396, the text has been revised to a considerable ex- 

 tent. The protective laws given are those in force 

 December 31, 1916. 



