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BULLETIN 301, U. S. DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 



The large den shown in figures 7 to 9 has advantages not found 

 in barrel dens. It has double walls, the interspaces being lined with 

 building paper and filled with sawdust. The exterior may be bat- 

 tened, shingled, or covered with tarred paper. It is large enough 

 to give the foxes lounging room outside the nest compartment, and 

 is arranged so as to be easily cleaned and disinfected. By leaving 

 the door open on fine days, the interior can be exposed to the drying 

 and purifying effects of sunshine. The door and the opening to the 

 exit chute should face southward, and the rear end should be raised 

 enough to give the floor a slant downward toward the door. The 



B209iM)6 



Fig. 5. — Vertical longitudinal section of barrel den. 



entrance to the nest compartment and the inner end of the chute 

 should be about 4 inches above the floor to prevent the cubs' getting 

 out before they are able to return. 



The corners around the floor of the nest compartment are filled 

 with a chamfered strip of board (figs. 7 and 8) to keep very young 

 cubs in contact with the vixen and thus prevent their becoming chilled. 

 To accommodate a large family of cubs running about the yard, 

 it is advisable to have extra dens improvised from barrels or boxes, 

 as, shown in figures 10 and 11. Such shelters increase the diversity 

 of the yard, and afford the animals a choice when seeking protection 

 from the weather. As to the proper location of a den, opinions differ. 



