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- 
