Ground Vermin Gins for Rats. 411 



trap, well made and finished, exceedingly easy to draw, and 

 fully equal to the first-named, at i2s. 6d. the dozen. There 

 is, in fact, little to choose between the two. Shave also 

 makes a bow-spring rat trap, with 2jin. jaws, a shade less 

 highly finished than the 3in., but still a good article, at ys. 6d. 

 the dozen. These are certainly the best we know of, and 

 if they be used as well and handily as they are made, no 

 one can wish for better. These gins require, unless when 

 employed within doors either of a barn or similar house, to 

 be provided with a stake, suitable in size and make as 

 already directed in a former page. Before commencing 

 operations the gins should be dipped for, say, ten seconds 

 in boiling water, not longer, a stick being employed to lift 

 them out. This operation removes any scent of oil or 

 handling left upon them, and they will, moreover, dry of 

 their own accord in a few seconds. Then, when all have 

 been thus treated, remove scent from the hands by means 

 of some oatmeal and aniseed oil, in order that a free use 

 of one's fingers can be made without spoiling the chances 

 of success. The several parts of each gin requiring it should 

 now be oiled with a mixture of neatsfoot and aniseed oils, 

 and the traps be everyone fastened open by binding wire 

 over the spring close to the jaws. One can then go round 

 the buildings which it is intended to work in, and place the 

 traps all about where the rats mostly commit their depre- 

 dations. 



In about two or three days the vermin will have become 

 sufficiently acquainted with the iron engines introduced in 

 every direction, and one will be able to notice them running 

 indiscriminately over the now harmless gins, which can 



