Ferret Facts and Fancies

the long version

Ferret Facts and Fancies is one of the Harding's Pleasure & Profit Books. It is a collection of ferret information from individuals raising them on a small scale, and large ferret breeding farms located mostly in or near New London (Ferretville), Ohio. The history of ferret raising in America is given, starting with Henry Farnsworth and his three sons, at Rochester, Ohio, and the practices of large breeders, such as Held & Anderson and Chamberlain Brothers, are described. The book explains hutches, feeding, diseases, breeding, and many uses of ferrets from hunting rats and rabbits to pulling line through long underground pipes for telephone companies. The use of ferret fur, and a prediction on the possible future industry, is also discussed. Ferret muzzles and harnesses are described and illustrated. Besides the author, other contributors to the work are Jules Burton, H. M. Staver of Stephenson Co, IL, Arthur N. Anderson of Boone Co, IL, and the US Government Bulletin on destroying rats. Letters from ferret raisers are included, such as G. W. Fradley of Canada, C. E. Wynn of Webster Co, IA, Clifford Martin of Webster Co, NE, P. H. Doss of West Virginia, Bert R. Northrop of Chenango Co, NY, and John C. Siburt of Marshall Co, WV.