FLORIDA FUR-FARMING. 
By J. M. WILLSON, Jr. 
In discussing the water products of Florida fur farming is worthy of consideration. 
That Florida produces a fur of high grade will doubtless be a surprise to many, yet 
thousands of dollars’ worth of otter skins are shipped from the State annually. As 
a subject for water-farming the American otter occupies a position distinct and wholly 
his own. Terrestrial and aquatic, he is an interesting anomaly. 
From the beginning of time the skins of animals have contributed largely to the 
comfort of mankind. The first garments ever worn by the human race were made of 
skins and fashioned by the hand of the Creator. “Unto Adam also and to his wife 
did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Genesis iii, 21.) In latter 
days the employment of so much fur for personal adornment has led to the wanton 
destruction of the teeming millions of fur-bearing animals. From the constant reports 
of the work of the deadly pelagic sealers and the consequent extermination of the seal 
many questions arise and many theories are advanced as to the furs of the future. 
Leading furriers in Hew York say that the price of furs during the past few years 
has advanced at least 150 per cent, and that the time is rapidly approaching when 
seal will be a luxury which only the very rich can procure. Either the sealing-grounds 
must be repleted or the future wearers of fine fur must pay fabulous prices for the 
privilege of being kept elegantly comfortable, or else they must resort to cheaper skins. 
This is a scientific age and the domain of investigation is visibly broadening. 
The main idea of the majority of mankind seems to be to discover new fields for labor 
and investment, and the sequel to the “story of the seal skin sack” is yet to be 
revealed. 
The fur of the American otter ranks among high-priced furs, of which, too, any 
quantity can be sold, quotations on Florida otter skins (cased) ranging from $5 to $8 
each. In anticipation of a coming deficiency in the supply of fine furs the subject of 
breeding the Florida otter for its fur has been investigated; and Florida, as the 
natural haunt of the little animal, offers a field for experiment. The subject bewilders, 
then fascinates. 
The Florida otter is fast being exterminated; but in the swamps of the Everglades, 
where none but the daring hunter or the stealthy-footed Seminole wanders, the little 
animal is still found. Very little, if anything, of the habits of the otter is known to 
science. Every effort has been exhausted in attempts to collect useful data on the 
character of this quaint little denizen of the swamps. Scientific journals and the 
encyclopedias add little to the research. From the trapper and from the hunter, who 
in pursuit of their callings have observed the wary otter, the most valuable information 
has been gleaned. 
IP. C. B. 1897—24. 
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