ces, and, by 1898 had two well-organized profitable fox ranches in -ration. In the next year or two a single pelt was reported to have 1111ght $18,000. Thus their animals were in heavy demand for breeding

p31 poses. Prices of breeding stock soared and, as rapidly as possible, a yin} ber of other Islanders got into the business.

By 1913, the market value of a mixed pair of older stock of proven -} undity had reached a maximum of $35,000. During the war the prices drastically, but following the war prices became more. stable. Progress n , s steady in the 1920’s and the peak of production was reached in 1929 ' w» h a total of 727 fox farms in operation on P.E.I.

The extent of the fox ranching industry on Prince Edward Island car} be gauged from a report in a Montreal newspaper several years ago, that, per capita, Summerside was the wealthiest town of its size in North Algierica. This was directly as a result of the fox industry.

Through the 1930’s and 1940’s several farmers in this district

h-rsed foxes but none on a very large scale. Ranchers, at this time, would reeive from $40 to $50 for a pelt of good quality fur. After about 1945 tre was a sharp decline in the business, until today very few foxes are

fifred in captivity.

11 '

SPORTS

Although Augustine Cove has no recreational facilities there are,

has been, many sports enthusiasts in this community down through 1% years.

In the 1920’s, and before, as soon as the mill pond froze over in

6; el'ly Winter, the young —— and not so young — people would spend many htfiipy hours skating and playing hockey. If a snow storm would spoil

‘ fun, all would pitch in to clear off the snow so their favourite sport “f ld be continued. There being no shelter of any kind at the pond for 9"? skaters, they would take advantage of the warm kitchens of the farm .es nearby for putting on their skates, and, many times, thawing out 1r almost-frozen hands and feet after the game.

In the late 1940’s an outdoor rink was built in the field back of home of George Ceretti. Although the activities which took place

Ie were much enjoyed by many, the rink only functioned for a couple ears.

$1 t ! lll t 1 )r o if :0 '

t Through the years from the 20’s to the. 50’s the hockey players,

a host of their fans, would travel by horse and sleigh, or any mode OnVeyance necessary to get to rinks in Victoria, Bedeque and Bor- ‘ ~ In all kinds of roads and weather.

The following were some of the Cove boys who played on champion-

1 hockey teams: Brent Clark, Claud, Frank and Bruce MacWilliams, Cutcliffe, Eldon Dawson, Vernie Webster, Wendell MacFadyen, GOT- MacFarlane, Gerald MacFadyen.

" t Many 0f the younger generations have had this honor also, but it

1 ‘ hbe pointed out that the opportunities for playing, travelling, etc. are Improved over the olden days.

39