SILVER-FOX FARMING. 
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The location of the tower depends on the topography of the land 
and the size of the ranch. The center of the ranch is often chosen, 
but any convenient place from which the foxes may be observed is 
satisfactory. It is questionable, however, whether the natural be- 
havior of the foxes 
can be observed to 
as good advantage 
from a tower inside 
the ranch as from 
one outside, for the 
presence of the care- 
taker going to the 
lookout puts the 
foxes on their guard. 
To save labor and 
material and to af- 
ford a better lookout 
it is well, where pos- 
sible, to place the 
tower on a rise in the 
land. Field glasses 
facilitate close ob- 
servation, but are 
not essential. If the 
ranch is spread out 
over a considerable 
area it may be neces- 
sary to construct two 
or more towers in order to obtain a view of all the foxes in all the 
pens. (See Figs. 35 and 36.) 
There are various types of watch towers, but the main point is to 
have a building of sufficient height to afford a good view of all pens. 
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Fig. 34. — Type of nest box ia common use but very imprac- 
tical from the standpoint of .sanitation and convenience 
in handling. 
Fig. 35. — Arrangement of watch tower (outside of guard fence), rancher's cottage, and 
outbuildings. 
It may be one, two, or three stories high, the top story only being 
used as a lookout. A desk, chair, and small heating stove are all 
the furniture necessary. The floors not used as a lookout may be 
used for storing tools, feed, feeding utensils, or other equipment. 
