File:The American Museum journal (c1900-(1918)) (17973606038).jpg

Title: The American Museum journal
Identifier: americanmuseumjo17amer (find matches)
Year: c1900-(1918) (c190s)
Authors: American Museum of Natural History
Subjects: Natural history
Publisher: New York : American Museum of Natural History
Contributing Library: American Museum of Natural History Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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Map of life zones in which fox farming is feasible in the United States, showing the Canadian Zone, where conditions are excellent, and the Transition Zone, in parts of which conditions are favorable (Farmers' Bulletin 795, United States Department of Agriculture) Why Not Raise Your Own Furs? A FEW FACTS ABOUT THE LITTLE-KNOWN INDUSTRY OF FUR FARMING By NED DEARBORN Assistant Biologist, Bureau of United States Biological Survey IN considering the factors which led to the exploration and development of the North American continent we are prone to forget the important part played by the fur industry. Since man first felt the need of protection against the elements, skins of animals have been in demand for clothing, and when no longer an actual necessity, be- cause displaced by woven materials, they still held their own in the esteem of mankind on account of their beauty. Marco Polo, the first great traveler, whose narration of his wanderings thrilled the world, told of furs, and the great trading companies then formed for the East were but the forerunners of others which came West. As the population of the world increased, the desire for furs kept pace, and a new source of supply was welcomed eagerly. French and English explorers in the New World soon discovered that the In- dians were ignorant of the value of furs, and hence an enormous profit was possible to the collector. They there- fore pushed boldly into the wilderness, braving all difficulties and paving the way for the less adventurous agricul- turist. Many of the first settlements iu North America were founded by the fur traders, to whom the Canadian prov- 551

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