16 



INTRODUCTORY 



since equally good reasons might be given for almost any 

 other combination of the various elements of which the 

 series is composed." 



As regards the means adopted for the capture of Mice, 

 Voles, and Shrews, I may mention that I use a small trap 

 known as the " Cyclone mouse-trap " an American patent 

 and find it most effective. It consists of a metal plate about 

 two inches square, to which are attached two strong spring 

 "jaws " of single wires, which, when the trap is unset, rest on 

 the edges of the foot-plate, so that the whole instrument 

 occupies very little space, thus permitting of a number being 

 carried in the pocket without inconvenience. When exposed 

 to damp they are apt to become rusty, which impedes the 

 action of the springs, but this is easily obviated by the 

 application of a little oil or vaseline. For bait I have 

 generally used cheese, cake of any sort, or a piece of apple, 

 but on the suggestion of Mr W. D. Roebuck of Leeds, I 

 have lately tried powdered aniseed, and find it remarkably 

 attractive to most of the micro-mammals. 



