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BULLETIlSr 1350, U. S. DEPABTMEFT OF AGRICULTURE 



necessary that fresh water be supplied at or near the dens. It is 

 almost impossible to avoid carrying water to some extent, but the 

 problem is much simplified if the natural supply is well distributed 

 about the island. 



ISLANI^ AREA 



The number of foxes that can be kept on a given area depends 

 largely on the denning grounds, the number of feeding places, and 

 the attention given. When fed at various locations on the island, 

 foxes become accustomed to the feeding places and make their homes 

 not far away. Even on the larger islands the dens are found in 

 proximity to the feeding places. There is no immediate cause for 

 concern about overcrowding. It has been estimated by the ranchers 

 on the smaller islands — for example, those containing 40, 50, or 60 

 acres — that between 150 and 200 foxes can be maintained if properly 

 fed. 



Fig. 9. — Convenient arrangement of buildings for fox rancher. From left to right 

 they are dwelling, woodshed, smokehouse, and feed-storage house 



RANCH ORGANIZATION 



STRUCTURES 



The ranch site having been chosen, consideration should be given 

 to the location of the dwelling house, feed-storage, cook house, 

 smokehouse, and any other structure (figs. 9 and 10). For con- 

 venience the dwelling should be as near as possible to the harbor or 

 landing place. In order to look after the foxes properly on large 

 islands it may be necessary to construct one or more additional 

 dwellings or cabins. 



The feed-storage shed also should be built near the dock in order 

 to make the haul from the boat as short as possible. This structure 

 may be of roughly cut timbers, log-cabin style (fig. 11). For clean- 

 liness and sanitation dressed lumber should be used when prac- 

 ticable. It is not essential to construct vats in which to brine-cure 



