THE RAT 13$ 



trap must be set in runs or for holes in such position that the animal 

 cannot avoid passing through. On a plane surface make artificial 

 impediments, such as small stakes thrust in close and upright, 

 leaving apertures, and as soon as the vermin work freely through 

 set the trap or traps. 



For capturing rats alive various galvanized wire cage-traps are 

 in vogue. Alfred Clifford's Patent Trap (Fig. 88) has a trap-door 

 in the centre of floor and when set is perfectly level and cannot be 

 noticed. The bait only requires to be laid on the floor of the trap. 

 Immediately the animal puts its weight on the hinged floor the 

 doors close. It has a clear run right through, thereby causing no 

 suspicion whatever. Strongly made in galvanized iron and 



FIG. 88. ALFRED CLIFFORD'S PATENT TRAP. 



(Supplied by Mr. H. LANE, Eagle Works, Wednes field.) 



painted it is very serviceable. It is made in sizes suitable for catch- 

 ing rat, stoat, weasel, rabbit, cat, fox, badger, otter, and other 

 animals, also pheasants and all kinds of birds. 



Rats are easily poisoned. Take 2j quarts of Scotch oatmeal, 

 scald with boiling water ; drain. Form 2 oz. of white sugar 

 into a syrup with water, add J oz. powdered strychnine, stir 

 thoroughly until a thin paste is formed. Add this to the damp 

 oatmeal, and stir well for a quarter of an hour, then add half a pint 

 of powdered sugar, and five drops each of oil of rhodium and oil 

 of anise, stirring well. Bait with the preparation, without the 

 strychnine paste, two or three nights, and the rodents having been 

 well satisfied with it, will take the complete preparation. Take 

 care to exclude domestic animals and fowls, also to clear away the 

 remains the following morning. The preparation must be used 

 with every possible caution. It is a virulent poison. There are 

 several proprietary rat poisons, of which may be mentioned San- 

 ford's as thoroughly effective. 



