I2 4 THE WEASEL 



Small size, i in. diameter, traps of this pattern, with spring of 

 lesser strength, are excellent for catching field-voles, either by 

 placing in their mossy runs, or at entrances to ground holes, also 

 for capturing field-mice. 



The Kent board-top steel spring mole trap (Fig. 78, E) may be set 

 at the mouth of rat-holes in the ground without exciting suspicion, a 

 little soil being taken out so as to admit the trap level with the 

 entrance, and in operation is humane, as are all the forms con- 

 figured, the animal caught being quickly strangled. 



Similar traps to the Kent with steel upward springs are the Climax 

 Mole Trap (after fashion of the board-top), Wood-board Mole Trap 

 (after the style of the tube), and the New Patent Self-acting Mole 

 Trap (tunnel fashion with open bottom), respectively 75., ios., 

 and 125. per dozen, supplied by Wm. Burgess & Co., Malvern Wells, 

 Worcestershire, and possess its advantages pre-eminently. 



Cast-iron and galvanized iron mole traps of " crab-claw " pattern, 1 

 procurable of ironmongers, prove more or less successful for captur- 

 ing moles. The improved double spring Fast-setter Mole Trap 

 (Fig. 79) is self-setting, and most suitable for deep runs, very 

 reliable and moderate price (55. 6d. per dozen), also supplied by 

 Messrs. Wm. Burgess Co. 



FIG. 79. IMPROVED DOUBLE SPRING FAST-SETTER MOLE TRAP. 



Moles have a decided objection to the smell of the green leaves 

 of the common elder (Sambucus nigra], therefore the very old prac- 

 tice of placing little bundles of these in the mole runs effectively 

 drives moles from the place. A more drastic measure is sometimes 

 employed, that of putting in their paths worms which have been 

 placed in a vessel containing a small quantity of carbonate of barytes 

 (a poison). 



WEASEL. This little animal must be regarded as an enemy of 

 the game-preserver and the poultry-keeper, inasmuch as its small- 

 ness is made up for by its savage and active masterliness over young 

 rabbits, leverets, and chicks of both winged game and poultry, 

 also dovecote. In the case of game coverts, rabbit burrows or 

 warrens, breeding coops and dovecotes, the weasel is an incorrigible 



1 "Model" and "Simplex." Mr. H. Lane, Eagle Works, Wednesfield, 

 Staffordshire. 



