278 Practical Game Preserving. 



and scoop out the earth from underneath this flap. Now 

 try the trap to this form, remedy any little inequalities 

 that may exist, and hammer the ground flat in the square 

 where the jaws will lie. It will also be necessary to cover 

 the chain, which may be done by cutting a similar flap to 

 that described for the spring. When the place is con- 

 sidered quite suitable, set the trap and place it in its 

 position, which will necessarily bring the flap and catch 

 of it opposite the trapper, then insert under the side of 

 the plate, and over the jaws nearest, a small piece of 

 wood, or a twig, to prevent the gin from what is termed 

 springing or drawing. Of course, these vermin traps are 

 all made to discharge very easily, and with but little pres- 

 sure, and it is, therefore, advisable to observe that the 

 covering should be done in a most careful and light-handed 

 manner. As the trap is set in grass, it will be, of 

 course, necessary to employ grass or herbage for covering 

 purposes, and to do this effectually pluck some very short 

 grass, and sprinkle it all over the plate and jaws, .as well 

 as the top of the stake, which is up to the present unconcealed, 

 then with some small pieces of wood and twig gently 

 flatten down the grass, whilst carefully sustaining the 

 plate by means of the twig inserted beneath it. 



When made on plain earth or on ground with a very 

 scanty supply of grass, there must, of course, be some slight 

 variation in the manner of setting. Instead of the more 

 easily manipulated grass, earth has to be employed for 

 the covering of the jaws, and in such cases, having covered 

 the spring and chain in a manner which is too obvious to 

 need description, we generally form a square for them. We 



