10 
BULLETIN 1350, U. S. DEPARTMENT 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. 
ISLAND 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. 
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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 
