6 BULLETIN 1151, IT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Among fur buyers it is well known that the pelts produced in 
northern localities are the more valuable, and while their experience 
teaches that certain areas are not too far south to produce valuable 
furs, their conclusions are only general. The average person can not 
judge whether his own locality is suitable for fox farming, especially 
if the wild fur animals have been exterminated there. It is neces"- 
sary, therefore, to ascertain definitely the areas within which foxes 
are known to produce superior fur. 
In general it may be said that silver foxes are being grown suc- 
cessfully in practically every one of the northern tier of States from 
New England westward to Washington and Oregon, and in the 
cooler parts of California, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illi- 
nois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Xew Jersey, and Massachusetts. 
Judging from figures that are as correct a representation as it is 
possible to obtain under existing conditions in the United States, 
it is estimated that in 1922 there were 500 ranchers raising silver 
foxes : that there were between 12,000 and 15,000 foxes in captivity ; 
and that the value of the investment was about $8,000,000. This 
information is based on replies to an official questionnaire sent out 
annually to all known fur farmers in the United States. There may 
be isolated ranches in contiguous territory, but owing to their failure 
to reply to the questionnaire the Biological Survey has no record 
of them. 
RECOMMENDATIONS TO BEGINNERS IN THE INDUSTRY. 
It is not wise for anyone unfamiliar with fox raising to start with 
a large number of animals. Many troubles and obstacles arise, the 
remedies for which can not yet be found in books, but must for the 
present be learned through experience. A number of people who 
started in this business on too large a scale, or who expanded too 
rapidly, have made a failure of it. The better method is to start 
with a few pairs of foxes and gradually increase the number as one's 
knowledge of care and management enlarges. 
Quality, not quantity, is the factor that counts in breeding silver 
foxes. On a small ranch the character, disposition, and breeding 
of individual foxes can be studied intelligently, but this is difficult, 
if not impossible, on a large ranch. 
Stock should generally be obtained during the fall in order'that 
the animals may become thoroughly accustomed to their new sur- 
roundings before the breeding season. The weather is sufficiently 
cool by the end of September to permit the shipment of foxes with 
safety. 
SELECTING A RANCH SITE. 
CLIMATE AND SHADE. 
The production of a fine quality of fur is closely related to climate. 
A long, cold winter with a fair amount of rainfall, particularly in 
spring, is conducive to the production of good fur. Hot summers 
are not detrimental if short and followed by a season of frosty 
Aveather, during which time the animals can renew their coats. 
It has been stated that excessive sunshine causes fox pelts to fade. 
When the pelt of a fox is beins; shed the food supply to the fur is 
