FUR FACTS 



121 



the barrel it is absolutely pitch dark. An opening is then sawed in 

 the top of the barrel and hinged so that it can be opened and closed. 

 The advantage of this is that the entry way can be blocked up and 

 the lid of the house raised, and the barrel opening Ufted, so that the 

 fox can be taken out and handled, which it is necessary to do at 

 times in order to sprinkle the fox with insect powder in the summer 

 and to examine it at other times. As an insulation the space between 

 end of the barrel and the box and the space on the side is packed 

 with shavings and sawdust. The idea is that the entire structure 

 will exclude moisture and light, deaden sound, and protect the foxes 

 from the extremes of heat and cold. 



During the breeding seasons when the animals are unusually 

 nervous, and when the cubs cannot stand extremes of heat and 

 cold, these features are especially important. 



The supports for the wire are wooden posts set in the ground at 

 intervals of ten or twelve feet. A trench is dug about twenty four 

 or thirty inches deep after the posts have been placed in order that 

 the wire may go down into the ground, so that the foxes can not 

 dig under the wire and escape. Wire netting of about 16 gauge and 

 1 J^ inch mesh is generally used. The height of the fence depends some- 

 what on the depth of the snow fall, the usual height being about 

 ten feet, but in some cases as much as twelve feet. As foxes climb 

 wire fences readily, an inward overhanging of about 18 to 24 inches 

 in width should be placed on the top to prevent escape. This is 

 done by nailing a two by four cross arm on the top of the posts ex- 

 tending inward and laying wire netting along the top of these cross 

 arms. In addition to the inward overhang, it is well to have an outer 



overhang of barb- 

 ed wire to keep 

 out dogs and 

 other intruders. 



Provision is 

 also made for 

 ventilation, which 

 is done by cutting 

 a small hole in the 

 top of the barrel 

 and nailing a piece of heavy wire screen over it. The idea of having 

 the roof of the house hinged is so that it can be easily raised and 

 lowered, in order to properly disinfect and clean the house when 

 occasion requires. 



