MUSKRAT FARMING.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 160, 25 November 1926, Page 6

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 +han, even the mink or silver fox, the industry is assuming importance, writes Ceceile 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 ithe sedgy desolate tracts that pattern the spacious prairies and in the ColumbiaKootenay Valley it multiplies and thrives exceedingly. Six years ago there were in the dominion only five enterprising fur farmers who realised the possibilities. With them muskrat ranching is a profitable side-line, and not a dog dare disturb the little mounds that are the muskrat’s homes. There are others, young men loving the out-of-doors, who are keen on sport, and yet must find their bread and butter, devoting 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 be caught of the parents. When the cold is intense not a sign of life comes from the frozen mound.

The Peace River district in North Alberta is a fashionable happy hunting ground for prospectors. Over eight thousand acres of suitable soil were recently purchased Swan Lake, in British Columbia, for this purpose.