222 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 



ets and beetles. At certain seasons berries 

 are eaten in large quantities. Meat, therefore, 

 is only a part of their natural diet, and if fed 

 exclusively is likely to have ultimately a bad 

 effect. It is much better to supply the foxes 

 with a mixed diet, including, besides meat, such 

 food as bread, milk, table-scraps or dog-bis- 

 cuits, all of which are relished. There is less 

 danger in any particular food than in too large 

 quantities at irregular intervals. Over-feed- 

 ing produces fat, sluggish animals, that do not 

 breed well, and it has been responsible for some 

 expensive failures. The normal weight of a 

 fox is from six to nine pounds, so animals 

 weighing over ten pounds are too fat. A reg- 

 ular daily ration is the proper method, both for 

 the sake of their stomachs and because it tends 

 to a more constant and friendly relation be- 

 tween the keeper and his charge. It is a good 

 plan, nevertheless, to give them bones with lit- 

 tle meat on them, now and then, upon which 

 they may gnaw indefinitely. Occasionally they 

 may be regaled with tidbits consisting of small 

 wild mammals, as rabbits, woodchucks, rats, 

 mice and other animals likely to be captured 



