FOXES AND FOX-FARMING = 229 
such as prolificness, a strain may be obtained 
which will breed with the certainty of our do- 
mestic animals. This in time should produce 
a thoroughly domesticated race of foxes, a re- 
sult of inestimable value, amply justifying the 
utmost efforts. Although it may not be fully 
accomplished by those who begin it, every 
breeder should keep its importance in mind, for 
every slight improvement will be to his ad- 
vantage, and in the end the unqualified success 
of the business will be assured. 
Slight improvement of individual male an- 
imals not intended for breeding may be ob- 
tained by castration. This has been tried with 
red foxes, and found to yield an animal of 
somewhat increased size. In buying a young 
breeding-pair of silver foxes great care is nec- 
essary. Try to see the parents of the proposed 
purchase. October is the best month for buy- 
ing, and examination should be made in bright 
sunshine. An experienced breeder advises the 
use of a magnifying-glass in examining the fur 
to see if it is thick and glossy with a long dark 
under-fur and no trace of red, especially inside 
the ears. 
