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-secraps 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 
