SILVER FOX FARMING. 



9 



surface is to be avoided, but a subsoil of clay or hardpan is an advan- 

 tage, as foxes will not dig ground hard enough to require a pick to 

 break it up. Gravel affords excellent drainage, but foxes burrow 

 deeply in it and thus are difficult to manage, even though they may 

 not escape. 



INCLOSURES. 



A model fox ranch has three kinds of enclosures : Dens, where the 

 animals are sheltered and in which the young are born; yards or runs, 

 where they may have sunshine and shade and sufficient exercise to 

 keep them in good health; and a guard fence surrounding the entire 

 ranch, for the double purpose of preventing intrusion from without 

 and escape from within. 



DENS. 



The walls of a fox den should exclude moisture, deaden sounds, and 

 protect the occupants from extremes of heat and cold. During the 



Fig. 4.— Horizontal longitudinal section of barrel den. 



breeding season, when foxes are unusually nervous, and when the cubs 

 can not withstand exposure, these features are particularly impor- 

 tant. Provision should also be made for ventilation without admit- 

 ting light or drafts. The barrel den shown in figures 3 to 6 is 

 merely a clean barrel, having a smooth interior, surrounded by dry 

 sawdust, within a wooden box. In one head of the barrel is an 

 <nt ranee hole 8 inches wide and 10 inches high. A similar opening 

 is mafic in the upper side for inspection, cleaning, and ventilating. 

 Above the barrel a screen door is hinged to preclude escape when 

 tlie coveris raised. A sheet of burlap lacked to one side of the screen- 

 door frame and spread over the netting when the covers arc raised for 

 ventilation will keep out air currents and light. At the entrance hole 

 is ;ni elbowed spout, 2\ feet in the shorter arm and feet in the longer. 

 5238° Bull. 301 15 2 



