MUSKRAT FARMING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19939, 5 November 1926, Page 4

MUSKRAT FARMING.

FROM WILDS TO WOMEN'S SHOULDERS. Muskrat ranching is a novel way of earning a living, but it is an occupation that becomes increasingly popular in Canada, and. since this little creature, when ranch reared, yields greater revenue to the fur farmer than even the miuk or silver fox. the industry is assuming importance, writes Ceecilc Bunn in the Daily Mail. Muskrat fur, in the form of musquash, is well known in England. The muskrat is a native of the North American Continent. In the sedgy desolate tracts that pattern the spacious prairies and in the Colnmbia-Kootcnay Valley it multiplies and thrives exceed ingly. Six years ago there were in the dominion only live enterprising fur farmers who realised th e possibilities. With them musk-rat ranching is a profitable side-line, and not a dog dare disturb the little mounds that arc the muskrats’ homes. There are others, young men loving the out-of-doors, who are keen on sport, and yet must find their broad and butter, Dvoting all their time to muskrat ranching. Winter is the creature's breeding time, and therefore close season. The houses in which the babies are reared are built of earth, reeds, and roots —little domes rising from the ice that all the winter surrounds them. On very brilliant days a brief glimpse may bo caught of the parents. When the cold is intense not a sign of life comes from the frozen mound. *Tlic Peace River district in North Alberta is a fashionable happy bunting ground for prospectors. Over eight thousand acres of suitable soil were recently purchased at Swan Lake, in British Columbia, for this purpose.