Working With A Purpose 43

short-lived and he was returned to his pen to await the time when his pelt would become thick and glossy. When the pelts were prime, usually in early winter, the foxes were killed and the pelt was cleaned, stretched and dried. This work was expertly done by Roy Simmons at a charge of $5. per pelt.

As time passed and breeding stock became available at a reasonable price nearly every farm in Wilmot Valley had a fox ranch. It was a pro- fitable venture for most farmers and when the market for the furs faded away the loss was a blow to the economy.

Although fox ranching is making a comeback in the 1980’s, there are no foxes in Wilmot Valley at the present time.

um Va. rs. F axes in the Ranch owned by Floyd C use/8y.