33 Practical Game Preserving. 



chain to allow of the otter reaching the water, where it is 

 drowned from the weight attaching to its body. 



This gin is most suitable for the landing places of the 

 otter; and, when employing it, choose the most frequented 

 one, and having scooped out a suitable place for the reception 

 of the trap and chain (which latter should not be extended 

 but curled up beneath the gin), set the trap and place it 

 in position, when its complete covering must be carefully 

 effected by means of dry earth or sand, as the case may 

 be. All this most carefully done, obliterate entirely all 

 footsteps, and having obtained a bunch of broom or gorse, 

 soak it well in the stream and sprinkle the water it will 

 hold over the trap set and the ground where one has 

 been standing. Too much care in setting, and afterwards 

 in removing all scent and trace of the visit, cannot be 

 observed, and in order to lessen the chance of the otter 

 noticing the fact that human beings have been in the 

 neighbourhood, it is advisable to set any traps about midday, 

 so as to give some time for the smell to work off. 



Another place likely to be visited by otters is also suitable 

 for traps. After having searched for and found the deepest 

 holes in the stream, which would be likely to shelter the 

 fish when pursued, look well about the edge of the river 

 and upon the banks. If you are at a suitable spot evidence 

 of the fact will be patent from the track made by the otter 

 when leaving the water. On further looking round, a few 

 yards from the water's edge, you will discover a tuft of 

 grass of better and stronger growth than that surrounding 

 it. If this be the right place the dung of the otter will be 

 apparent amongst the grass of the tuft. Now, by some 



