CHAPTER FOUR THE WILD CAT 



ber of traps on his shoulder, than when he carries his gun 

 always with him. It is no bad amusement occasionally to 

 accompany an intelligent and experienced trapper on his 

 rounds, and see his plans to deceive and entice the fox and 

 the otter, the hawk or the raven. 



In catching all these animals, the spot to be selected for 

 trapping should not be near their abodes or nests, but in 

 that part of the outskirts of the covers where they wander 

 during the night time in pursuit of prey. Almost every kind 

 of vermin hunts in the open country and fields, wherever 

 they may lie concealed during the day: for knowing that 

 rabbits, hares, and the other animalswhichform their prin- 

 cipal food, resort to the pastures, the corn-fields, or the 

 waterside to feed during the night; to these same places do 

 their hungry enemies follow them. Hawks and crows too, 

 who feed in the day-time, are perfectly aware that they 

 have a better chance of seeing and catching their prey in 

 the open country than in the woods and covers. Besides 

 which, a hungry fox or hawk hunting for game, is less on 

 his guard than when prowling quietly and cautiously 

 through the woods. 



""^^^-t ■r^r'^ 





fi.A. ^-- 



