74 FERRET FACTS AND FANCIES. 



that medium size are best for rats and rabbits. 

 On the other hand many small ones are used for 

 these animals. Those favoring the small say that 

 if they catch a rabbit underground chances are 

 that rabbit will come out with ferret clinging to 

 it; also that they can more easily follow small 

 rats in the dens. All seem to be agreed upon the 

 larger, old and more savage fighters for mink, 

 skunk, coon, gophers, prairie dogs, etc. 



A good type of the ferret is: Sharp or 

 pointed nose; long, slim, muscular body; short 

 legs ; good sweep in the turn of the animal's neck 

 and body. Blunt-headed, thickly-set ferrets, are 

 not of the proper type and generally of little or 

 no value. Ferrets must be strong, active, 

 healthy and hardy. These are the kind from 

 which to breed. Again do not breed weak or 

 sickly animals, nor bad workers, but bear in 

 mind that these or other traits, or pronounced 

 characteristics, whether good or bad, in the male 

 or female, will show in the young often to an 

 increased extent. Know your stock and by care- 

 ful breeding you can produce a strain showing 

 improvement with each generation. 



Owing to cold and late springs, of recent 

 years, breeding has been later than usual in 

 most of the ferret colonies. Ferrets cannot 

 stand severe cold and do not come in heat, even 



