FERRETING 91 



or book, and looked attentively at it, the weasel im- 

 mediately ran upon her hand, and surveyed with an 

 inquisitive air whatever she happened to hold. 



But to return to the ferret. We have already 

 referred to the importance of preserving cleanliness 

 in the hutches if ferrets are to be kept in health. 

 The various diseases by which they may be attacked 

 result chiefly from inattention to this point. Dis- 

 temper or sweat, red mange or eczema, and foot-rot 

 generally arise from the animals being kept in a dirty 

 condition or in a damp situation. 



Three or four times a year the hutches should be 

 washed out and disinfected with Condy's fluid, and 

 then whitewashed inside. This is the best way to 

 keep them clean and sweet ; at the same time, of 

 course, attention must be paid to the bedding, which 

 should never be allowed to remain wet or musty, nor 

 should the ferrets be allowed to carry their food into 

 their sleeping place, for any that is left there will soon 

 turn sour, and become injurious. 



Ferrets do not require to be fed often ; once in 

 twenty-four hours should suffice ; for if given food 

 more frequently they are liable to get fat and lazy, 

 instead of being (as they should be) keen and active. 



It is not easy to compress into a few pages all the 

 points upon which it might be desirable to touch in 



