RW 



MICE AND VOLES. 133 



For seed-stores, a good trap for mice may be formed by a 

 vessel full of water, over the edge of which a piece of w r ood or 

 platform on which the bait is fastened is balanced. The mice 



Fig. 53. Q nat. size}. 



climb up a slanting piece of wood on to this platform, and 

 going to the end of it to get at the bait, upset the balance of 

 the platform and fall into the water. 



c. Smolcing-out. 



Smoking-out mice is not possible in forests, owing to the 

 nature of their holes amongst grass and dead leaves, and also 

 on account of the danger of firing the forest. 



(L Poisoning. 



Poisoning is the most effectual method of destroying mice. 



In poisoning mice in forests there is, however, great danger 

 of killing useful animals, such as weasels, foxes or owls. 

 Such a method can therefore be employed only after every 

 precaution has been taken against danger to useful animals, 

 and in cases where the mice have increased enormously in 

 numbers. 



Poisoning may be done by means of phosphorus, arsenic, 

 strychnine, corrosive sublimate, or carbonate of baryta. Of 

 these, strychnine is the most effective. Wheat, oats or barley 

 grains, celery or radishes may be used with the poison, the 

 grains being first steeped in water, and then placed in the 



