GEOMYID^ 143 



oug'hly. It will thus be more apt to be eaten. A ''smoker" 

 has been advocated and sold for the purpose of suffocating 

 Gophers. This implement works well with ground squirrels 

 but is not often effective with Gophers on account of the great 

 length of the runs and the difficulty of forcing the smoke far 

 enough. Bi-sulphide of carbon is moderately effective with 

 Gophers. To use it pour two tablespoonfuls on a, bunch of rags, 

 waste or cotton and place it in the main run where fresh mounds 

 show the recent presence of the animal. Close the opening thor- 

 oughly to retain the fumes. Remember that the fumes are ex- 

 plosive. The most effective of all methods where it is practic- 

 able is drowning by flooding with water when thoroughly done. 

 For many people the main reliance must be on traps. 



Trapping is most effective in the rainy season. The soil 

 is then in the best condition to work and the Gophers are more 

 active and less suspicious. By persistent trapping a place may 

 be cleared of Gophers; afterward one must continually watch 

 around the borders of the place to catch the immigrants as they 

 begin to work in. Neighbors joining in the work can make 

 it most effective. Two or three kinds of traps are needed for 

 different conditions in trapping. Some persons prefer one style, 

 others another, there is considerable choice and several efficient 

 styles. I prefer the "C V" trap supplemented with the common 

 steel trap, Newhouse pattern. No. O size. The small size of 

 "C V" is most useful as the large size is too large for most 

 runs. If cats have the run of the place the traps will need 

 staking or they may be carried away; a strong cord can be used 

 on the "C V" traps. The "C V" traps as usually made have 

 the triggers too far from the entrance. If they are of the 

 pattern having sheet iron triggers set the trap and push the 

 trigger toward the entrance, bending it considerably, so that the 

 trigger will be pushed before the Gopher gets so far through 

 the entrance. The other implements necessary are a shovel, a 

 bit of heavy hoop iron bent in a fish-hook shape for widening 

 the opening and drawing out the earth, some bits of board for 



