FOXES AND FOX-FARMING 221 



even their best known and kindest attendants, 

 these foxes do not quarrel much among them- 

 selves, especially where properly fed. 



So far as known, fatal disease has been so 

 rare as to be negligible in any general con- 

 sideration of fox-raising. Here and there an 

 animal has died of some unknown internal 

 complaint, but no particular disease has mani- 

 fested itself. Nothing in the nature of an epi- 

 demic has thus far appeared, and even minor 

 diseases have been exceedingly few. Fleas 

 occasionally have proved troublesome, and, no 

 doubt, foxes may contract mange and other 

 diseases to which dogs are subject, but if kept 

 in cleanly quarters and fed properly they are 

 reasonably safe. 



Cold weather has no terrors for them, and 

 they delight in snow, but should not be per- 

 mitted to lie upon it when it is alternately 

 freezing and thawing, as their fur, by freezing 

 to the crust and then being torn loose, will be 

 injured. 



Food and feeding rules. Wild foxes eat a 

 great variety of food, including mice, rabbits, 

 birds, and insects, such as grasshoppers, crick- 



