JULY 2. 1949

........-...-.. as“ ‘Uh ,___ \‘_I‘.,‘_ ,. _ N,

o

y crqywmygon-oo ‘_ 1mm IIMES on rurlcs g

M

In our report of the annual meet- mg of the Canadian National Sil- ver Fox Breeders’ Association the number of pelts marketed was shown as 4,500. It should have been

r

as

In our last week's notes We gave a brief account of the Canadian Fur Auction Sales Company, Ltd. ranch mink sale. This is a more Intended one . . . 21.512 skins were nffered. 70% sold. New York deal- lrs furnished most of the buying but Canadians were also active. barge sizes appealed particularly to ihe New York group and compe- lition for them was often keen. l‘he collection was regarded as a iair average for the season. All lypes were represented and in- rluded Clairval strain and half- uloods. Top price for mink was $19. ior XL-L, extra dark, Yukon type half-bloods. Other prices included dark Ontario type $12. to $12.50; ball-bloods $15.75 to $16.25; 01;“. val strain. extra dark brought $15.25 to $18.00; Quebec type $14.75; some Ontario types from $6.25 to $11.00 and other Yukon types from $825 to $10.25; Quebec TYPE $0.50 to $6.75; Nova Scotia type $5.50 to $7.50. These were all 1 pt. and 2 pt. dark. Some interest was shown by Canadians and Americans in Silverblu mink of which 05% was reported sold. Prices though re- maining low were estimated 10% above May sale. Above 75% of a lpeciai offering and dressed muta- lion mink changed hands as did I096 0f Royal Koh-I-Nur and 5% of miscellaneous mutations. A very small offering of pastels was completely absorbed. No price com- parison was made on these items.

The Silver Fox and mutation fox bffering which followed mink and other furs was unchanged to 5% tower and 28% was sold during the two day event. A few European urdera for limited quantities re- lulted in a slightly higher average af standard silvers. A proportion If the white-marked skins were withdrawn. New York dealers bought platinum and local dealers, some buying for European ac- counts, were responsible for the rest of the buying.

The report of the Canadian Na- tional Silver Fox Breeders‘ Associa- tion made by George A. Callback on the above sale states:— "De- lnand has been weak and price levels have shown no sign of im- proving. Export demand for fox furs has dropped to a very low level. Reports indicate that E1110- pean and other foreign countries are anxious to secure Canadian fox but that due to existing internu- tional currency problems and high taxes are unable to do so. The re- port in brief states that of the 4.783 good and ordinary platinums offered, 30% sold at an average price of $12. Of the ordinary and fnferlors 3,274 were offered with fi% sold at an average of $8; 30% of the 110 pearl platinums offered cold at an average of $10.50, while 20%‘0f the 1,541 white-marked sli- vers sold for an average of $8.35; 31% cf 1.208 half‘ to three-quarter silvers sold at an average of $12.08; 85% of 1,298 selected fulls sold at

, ‘GOHIEGTED WITII Silver Fox and Mink Farming

i

an average of $14 and 26% of 3.055 regular fulls sold for an average of $11.50; 35% of 2,902 low grades sold for an average of $8. Regarding the Canadian Fur Auction Sales -Com- pany atandard ranch mink sale. the Association reports 70% sold with prices advanced 10%; 05% of the silverblus were sold also at an advance of 10%.

_ National Fur News of Denver, Colorado. in an editorial says: "A push by the manufacturers and re- tail stores at this time would be most helpful. The time is ripe right now. There are a mere 45.000 fox skins today in Canada and perhaps 100.000 of carryovers in the United States. As we used to know quantities in the old days this is merely a drop in the buc- ket. Added tn this is the 60.000 pelts that will be raised in Canada this year and 40,000 in the United States and you have almost what amounts to a scarcity of goods con- sidering ihe fact that Europe is again beginning to take some quantities of fox pelts. There is the additional fact that the pelts that will be taken off this year will be more top quality specimen pelts. No longer can there ‘be ex- cuses that the quality is poor, Men in the fur trade. how about it? Isn't it time to put on the steam? There are many beautiful new styles being created in silver fox today. My lady never did stop lik- ing silver fox. If you fellows will b98111 dishing it up to her again you can put some extra dollars in your pockets. You can save what is left of a good industry that should be saved because it is part of your bread and butter. Let's all put our Shoulders to the wheel, right now is the time."

Edward Fromm, who is head of the largest fox ranching company in the world, in a recent published statement says: “If the present policy of allowing unrestricted im- Ports of furs into the United States continues and the 20% excise tax on domestic furs also continues. it will be only a few years before the American ranch fur industry will be non-existent. Mr. Fromm explained that only 20% of m; fox industry is left and that within one year by a similar unfavorable situation in the mink industry, that Industry suffered a 20% reduction. Th“ 511F108 at the Fromm ranches fox pup production has been good, Mr. Fromm noted. but pointed out that the total crop of fox pups in the United States would be only lbw! 50.000 compared with from 250,000 to 300,000 formerly produc- ed for fall pelting.

It may come here — that is to say a heat wave may strike this Province in August, s0 it would be wise for ranchers not only of mink but also of silver fox. to take ne- cessary precautions so that ade- quate supplies o! water can be used to fill the receptacles two or if necessary three times a clay. Just recently a heat wave struck Mil- waukee, Wisconsin. and resulted in the killing of an estimated 30 to 35 per cent mink kits on member

ranches of the Great Lakes Mink

s».

i. L“; w" the cherry tree in the garden of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey uwgon cg Nut-walk, Ohio. had a fine crop of blossoms. It had a fine crop of fruit, too; but the Lawsons didn't get enough to make a solitary

pie. For the

birds stripped the tree as

clean as Mother Hubbard‘-

ia cheese- cupboard. This year Mrs. Lawson took steps. She made th

cloth shroud that ericlosu the entire Ilfihhzlld it! 11a rtéakseeean ffizilgeiad Houdini to purloin a single cherry. The Wlon

mlrlng their handiwork.

ATTENTION FARMERS

IGZJOARRYINSTOCKATALLTILIEQ . arvannnvnor "

mssxmonms and rtmctcmus Both Duct and Spray Including the famous Weed No lfo-zc Weed Killer Ab!) BLUESTDNE-nllll LIME

For your Bprny IIIG DUI requirements contact!

II. B. WILLIS INC.

OIIABIUITETOWN. P. E. I.

‘nigger,

é - NEWSY

THE IIUMMINGBIID

a

We have but one representative of u very numerous and brightly colored family of birds, most of which inhabit the tropical or sub- tropical regions. Our bird 1's the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a summer visitor which nests here, but winters in Florida and south- ward.

“Tho Ruby-throat (Troohllua colubril)”. says Francis Bain. "is the only one that wanders so far from the floral riches of the tro- pics. Its upper parts are golden green. sides green. a metallic gor- get on its throat reflecting rich ruby red. wings and forked tail purplish, below white. It comes in May, dashing.’ like an emerald meteor, through the early garden walks, and staying while the late September blossoms distil nectar along the faded borders. The tiny nest. with two diminutive white eggs, is placed on the upper side of a naked limb, and formed of the snowy down of the prairie willow. but stuccoed outside with the lichens peculiar to the limb on which it is built, so as to com- pletely conceal it from observa- tion. This jewelled mite. so ner- vous and delicate that if merely taken in the hand it may die of fear, defends its nest with the ut- most bravery. dashing. like a mad hornet. at the head of the intru- der. and screeching with its sharp squeaky voice as it rushes to the assault."

It is a sight to see two female hummingbirds fighting! They feint.

that the eye can scarce follow

tubular flowers the services of the "hummers" are extremely val- uable. When they search for nec- tar and insects among such blos- soms. their foreheads sometimes become so thickly covered with pollen that the natural color is hidden. By transferring the pol- len to other blooms cross-fertili- zation ls effected. with all the re- sulting benefits to the seed.

1t is the commonly lwflllled idea that these birds ‘live on the nectar." Actually every stomach

Association. The average produc- tion on these ranches is 4 p111! 01 kits, but. this has been out to no more than two or at most two and a half average by the extreme hea- which killed the mink. Ill some in" stances ranches reported entire lit- ters killed off and elshl- finches reported total loss of puppy mink.

Switzerland seems to have caught the chinchilla fever and we notice a photograph reproduction in the National Fur News, Denver. of two pair of chinchilla: being shipped from Redwood. California. to Switzerland. While there is con- siderable trading and selling of chinchilla. by vigorous organiza- tions yet we have not noticed for years where any chinchilla pelts “have been disposed of at fur auc- tions. Just what is done with the pelts taken off we cannot find out.

B, Graham Rogers, who has been a silver fox breeder probably as long as anyone in the Province — or in Canada for that matter —

he had an average of four from the twenty-four females he had kept. This ls a great deal better than any report we have had from any other source. Asked what he fed during the winter, he said he had fed s. lot of ground flat fish. which were plentiful in Summer- side and vicinity. Chunk horse meat and cubes made up the bal- ance of a ration which has given him a large increase and a very fine bunch of pups. With the low price of fox furs and mink furs too. it will be necessary for many of us to scrutinize our feed pro- grams and find out ii’ there is a better way. We will be glad to hear from any ranchers who have ac- complished good results with more economical feeds than We have been using.

Artificial insemination for mink is being advocated as a logical rou- tine procedure. It has not yet been determined how many females can be serviced from one breeding of the male, but it should be pract- ical to lnseminate two additional females with each service of the male. By such a procedure using the best males it is possible to im- provo’ quality much more rapidly than otherwise.

We have Just received a report from the New York Auction Oom- pany of their recent mink muta- tion sale. Royal Pastel - A col- lection of 5,498 dressed Royal Pas- tels was 95% sold with a mp price o! $47.50 for males. A amall offer- ing of Breath of Spring pastels was included and was 100% aold. An initial offering of a new type of mutation. Stewart mink. con- sisting of I68 skins, was sold with a top price of $01. realized for a bundle of male and female skins. The dressed Sllverblu offering of 50.000 skins was also equally com- peted for and 80% cold. These were Stewart typo and ranged from a top of Ill. to lowa of $21. 2,000 Koh-I-Nln; raw pelts were 50% sold at an average of $4.00 and 0.0m Bluo Frost raw polls was U1; sold at a top price of 00.00. Whites reached a high of I42. and aold at a low of $6.15; regular Silverblu f-aw brought a top of M. and a low for off-colored females of $6.75. We have the complete list of catalogue prices should any breed- sa- desire more information.

Bert Avery. one 0f the b"! known breeders in the United States has an article in the J1me American For Brcedcr Icntitled. "Breeding for Quality in the Sliver and Mutation ha.” 1h um week's laaue we will give a rsfuma of this very interesting story which has

its genesis in a trip to Prince Ed- ward bland in 1H.

thrust. and parry, with a swiftness r

then tired out, rather than iniur-‘ ed, one of the pair takeato ‘flight. i As agents for the fertilization of

told the writer the other day that »

THE GUARDIAN, CHARLOTTETOWN

-.rv.

NOTES - J

time. "Y era'-

‘Man

examined was full of small in. sects.

lllby-throated Hummingbird. AOU. 428. Fairly common summer resident-Will, Male. Above bril- lwfli livery green. _wings and tail 4118K)’ with purplish reflections; fhroabwith a gorget of beautiful metallic ruby red, bordered on the breast by whitish; the rest or the under-parts dusky. Bill long. slen- der. Female similar but throat whitish. no red. Length of adult 3.5 inches. ‘

Note on Pit Props

On several occasions 1 have no- flced that cargoes of “pit,props" have been shipped from this Pro- vince. As the name implies. these rough posts are used to support the roof of the artificial cavern made by the abstraction of the coal. If the props were not used. the floor and the roof would ‘Tree?’ (as the term runs) and gradually come together to close the "working." Sometimes indeed a portion of the roof will detach itself and fall, in spite of DPOPS. Many a poor fellow has been killed by such falls.

The pit props seldom last longn and replacements are often neces- sary. The conditions in the mine, darkness, moisture

the dry-rot fungus. Merullus lach- l rymans. which soon reduces

I timber to what is called "punk."

i A good description of the Mcru- Q i llua appears in the “Magazine of =

i Science" for Aug. 11. 1839; and al- hough somewhat quaint. it is ulfe accurate. "The dry-rot is. |alaS. foo common on the inside of wainscottings where there ls inot a free circulation of air, in the hollow trunks of trees, beams, ships‘ timbers, etc. It first appears like a soft. very light. rnass. of white color; afterwards it throws out yellow or orange- coloured veins. which at last be-

it were. drops of water,

or seeds, which. by the liquid, are conveyed to other parts of the trunk,and ihus the dreadful con- tagion ls propagated far and wide. and the original timber (is) brok-

frucfion being occasioned not merely by the growth of the plant (fungus) itself. but accelerated by the moisture thus introduced.“ The old writer finds that "nothing but a solution of corrosive sublimate is found to answer" (as a preven- tive of the rot.) The subiimafe is now called Bichloride of Mercury. and it would be too costly to treat _the thousands of props with it. So. as long as coal is mined there will always be a market for pit props. Hymns and Records

While the writer does not_wish to pose as a musical critic‘, it is time that somebody called atten- fion to the way that hymns have been treated by those who make the records.

The record-maker always selects good hymns, those with popular tunes such as “There were Nine- iy and Nine that safely lay 1n the shelter of the fold"; and those of a higher class where both words and music are immortal!

St. Bernard of Clairvaux,‘ in the 12th century, wrote a fine Latin poem "Jesu dulcis memoria," which treats on the delight cf the true believer in Christ. This poem wasJranslated. about seven cen- turles later. into English by the Rev. E. Caswall. You will find it ln most. if not in all hymnals in Canada. The first verse is:-

Jesu, the very thought of thee With sweetness fills the breast; But sweeter far thy face to see, And in thy presence rest.

The Rev. John Bacchus Dykes, a notable hymn-tune writer. read these words in the year 1866, and straighfway composed the tune known as St. Agnes (Durham) "Hymns Ancient and Modern.“ the English hymnal in which the tune

first appeared. wisely kept it ic _St. Bernard's words, as if it were traditional. Canadian hymnals "cheapen" this tune by getting it to words for which it is not ap- propriate.

l heard a recorded version of this hymn over the radio not long ago. The first verse. in four part harmony, was just about perfect. The next verse was a surprise-a

the a

en up into perfect dust, its des- . jtraditional tune "Adeste, fideles"

and warmth. i are all conducive to the growth of .

any .

- all I have heard. the tune Nicaea,

cottony ‘

come reddish-brown, and dlstil. as , _ filled ‘ with minute fcrruginous sporules.

llarvastlalg Device Sam More llltamlas

Newest device for harvesting livestock feed is the invention of a SW55 1197151118101‘. which saves 00 per cent. of vitamins as compared with 50 per cent. saved when grass is sun dried as hay. Peggy Wai- son (left). on faihefs farm near Guelph, Ont., shows what chopped gra=1s looks like when it goes into machine. which can handle both cereals and clovers. At right, Gavin Watson demonstrates how grass comes out. Equipment, along with harvester and tractors, cost his

- father about $25,000.

soprano solo. in an unrelated '*key", several notes above the original pitch. Astonishment thrust away. out of mind, the beauty of the words. At this juncture I was called from the radio, and did not hear the conclusion. Perhaps a descant next. whose effect is to drown both tune and words; or a line or two on the bells’! Finish- ing up with that queer fuzzy har- mony consisting for the most part of overtones? Oven-elaboration is the bane of most hymn records. Of

"Holy, Holy, Holy." has suffered least from this kind of desecra- lion.

The use of tunes for words oth- er than those for which they were composed, is very common in this country. l have heard the practice extolled as saving busy people the trouble of learning other tunes! So Melita (another of Dr. Dykess tunes) always sung "for those in peril on the sea," in the Old Country— is used for four different hymns in the book call- ed the Hymnary and for two dif- ferent hymns in the Hymn Book. In some hymn books the fine old

has been used for ‘fl-low firm a foundation" — but two at least. of the hymnals have seen the light and found other tunes for ihose words.

Bird Notes

Prof. D. C. Schurman of the Ex- perimental Station. Charlottetown. writes:— “Dear Agricola. I have always been interested in your column in The Guardian and plan- ned _to write to you regarding the Sapsucker or Yellow-bellied Wood- pecker. About four years ago I saw one in the grove here at the Farm, and last summer I saw one in ihé woods at Valleyfield. When a boy at home I used to shoot this species as they girdled the ripple trees in the orchard. The distinctive note of this bird was always a signal i0 drop work and run for the gun. At present I do not believe that the girdling ever didmuch harm to the apple trees. though it is possible that the gird- ling of some forest trees may be

so severe as to mar the lumber. Yours very truly." I

I am glad to have these further records and tender my best thanks . to Professor Schurman. It would- seem that the Sapsucker, while’ not to be listed as common, ls still present in fair numbers.

On June 14th I heard, the pecu- liar note of the Cuckoo. and on the following day the bird was seen in the orchard. From the description l’ judged it to be the Black-billed Cuckoo.

On June 17th I was gratified by the sight of three large birds- eaglcs-sailing away to the south- east. They kept close together in a triangular formation. and flew sieadilv and slowly. l supposed them in be immature Bald Eagles. Were thcv observed in other parts 0f the Island?

YARMOUTH. England — (C?)- The British Legion objects to sending medals by mail because. said one member. they "mean as much in people who get them as Aunt Fanny's Christmas present.“ lt was suggested they should be presented at public functions.

Drumsticks Plus

This three-legged chicken ia really a shopper stopper. The unuaual bird arrived in a shipment to a Cleveland. 0., poultry shop but won't end up on aomeonfla dinner table. She's on display in the atora window iand owner Andy Hocevar aaya he'll keep the hen as a pet.