sses as well as fur, is one that will
always be open. Prices at which the carcasses sell will of course vary,
depending to some extent upon the supply of other meats, as well as the
times, etc.

When it is taken into consideration that the litters are large; that
they eat cheap food; their growth is rapid and that the pelt is extra,
does not this animal promise to lead as a money maker over some of the
other and higher priced fur-producers?

In the latitude of West Virginia, the young are born about the middle of
April. In two months, or by June fifteenth, they are about the size of
rats and always "gaining." Six months later, or December fifteenth, if
well fed and cared for, they will weigh from nine to fifteen pounds. By
this it will be seen that at only eight months old--born April fifteenth
and killed December fifteenth--they have attained sizes ranging from
medium to large.

The males should be kept by themselves, at least from the time the young
are born, until they are two months of age or older. The female, with
her large family, should be given plenty of food from the time the young
are a few days old until weaned, as she requires a great deal of food to
satisfy her cravings and to supply the numerous young.

As the severe weather is over by the time the young are born, very good
places for the old can be made in boxes, old logs and the like. These
should be so placed and constructed that food can be given to the female
handily, so as not to disturb her and the young more than necessary.

CHAPTER IX.

MUSKRAT RAISING.

The muskrat is one of our most common fur-bearing animals and is found
in greater numbers than any other animal, notwithstanding its fur is
very popular and is gradually increasing in value.

Muskrats are found throughout the greater part of the United States and
Canada, but for various reasons are more plentiful in certain sections.
Being water animals they are found in greater numbers in marshy places,
on ponds and lakes and sluggish rivers, but also thrive and are found in
fair numbers on the smaller and more rapid streams. They are very
plentiful in Western Canada and especially in the marshy country lying
west of Hudson's Bay. In the salt water marshes of Delaware and Maryland
they are probably found in greater numbers than in any other part of the
world. There, hundreds of the houses of these little creatures may be
seen in every direction.

It is said that the value of t