Ground Vermin Traps for Rats. 417 



released, and the springs, acting on the levers, close the 

 exit. Fig. 31, where the same lettering is followed, shows 



FIG. 31. FKOST'S RAT-TRAP (FRONT VIEW, SHTTT). 



a front view of the trap when shut. It is sold at Frost's, 

 Pilgrim-street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and the price is 55. 6d. 



A trap much on the same plan as the common spring 

 box trap we have also known prove itself very successful 

 as a rat catcher. This trap is about 3ft. long, made of 

 plain deal, about 6in. high, and Sin. wide, inside measure- 

 ment. It is provided at each end with a spring flap door, 

 each held suspended by a catch arrangement, acted on 

 by a treadle in the centre of the floor of the box. When 

 a rat attempts to run through, its weight passing over 

 this releases the catch, and the ends are each closed in an 

 instant. The mode of employing this is similar to that 

 of most traps the two ends must be fastened up and 

 the trap placed by the side of a wall, adjacent to well- 

 used rat holes. In a very short time the vermin become 

 thoroughly accustomed to it, and run backwards and forwards 

 through the trap without fear ; as soon as this desirable 

 result occurs, it can be set and the rats caught in such 

 numbers as luck may determine. We have had four 



