The Stoat 



passage. Hence the gunner in many instances fails 

 to detect the movements of the creature. To trap a 

 Stoat is by no means a difficult matter. If one of 

 these animals is killed and left upon the ground, the 

 smell will generally attract any of its kind that may 

 be in the district. In trapping, the contents of the 

 bladder should be poured over the ground and the 

 trap set in its place. Where, however, the surrounding 

 ground has been over-disturbed it is wise to leave the 

 spot for a time, as this upheaval seems to act as a 

 warning to these carnivorous creatures. 



In the hilly regions of our island. Stoats are perhaps 

 the worst enemies the game-preserver has to contend 

 with. Being powerfully built compared with their size, 

 they are admirably fitted to capture and kill. Any 

 living creature weaker than themselves they do not 

 hesitate to slay ; the amount of game even a single 

 Stoat will kill in a month must be enormous. There 

 is, indeed, some excuse for the gamekeeper who smiles 

 complacently to himself as he nails the Stoat's carcass 

 to the cross, amongst the thieves and robbers of the 

 woodlands. 



Throughout the length and breadth of the British 

 Isles the Badger is now seldom seen. Yet year after 

 year scientific and sporting journals print paragraphs 

 anent the Badger's appearance in localities where the 

 creature's presence had never been previously noted. 

 This is one of the most peculiar features of the life- 



37 



