6O NATURAL HISTORY ESSAYS 



the same trap in the short space of four hours ; but 

 of some kinds of traps, at any rate, the animals are 

 suspicious enough, and may leave them alone all the 

 winter, although set near a regular and well-frequented 

 track. Sometimes the fox is sharp enough to steal 

 the bait without paying the penalty; " It is a common 

 occurrence," observes Dr. Rae, "for the fox to make 

 a trench up to the bait, seize it, and permit the charge 

 to pass over his head." 



