132 



THE OTTER 



prevent foxes from getting foot in the trap, though from the small" 

 ness of the jaw of run-traps foxes are insured against serious injury 

 should they spring the trap, even the Small Dorset Vermin Trap, 

 which, though designed for the capture of stoats, weasels, etc., is 

 largely in demand for rabbit catching in fox-hunting districts. 

 This trap (supplied by Mr. H. Lane) has 3 in. jaws, and is fitted with 

 brass catches. 



FIG. 83. VERY STRONG SPIKED OTTER TRAP. 



(Supplied by Messrs. WM. BURGESS & Co., Malvern Wells.) 



OTTER. To have otters inhabiting a reach of river and to keep 

 up a stock of fish therein is generally regarded as an incompatible 

 condition of affairs. Nevertheless, trout are often found abun- 

 dant near the haunts of the otter, where it may do some good by 

 destroying big fish that are wary of the wiles of the angler and are 



