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METHODS OF CAPTURING MAMMALS. 



This paper contains brief descriptions of certain 

 methods which may be employed by farmers and poul- 

 try raisers to capture different species of mammals 

 which prey upon the inhabitants of their poultry 

 yards. 



It it not the intention of the writer to give in this 

 work an exhaustive account of the great number of 

 artful devices, etc., which skillful trappers and poach- 

 ers employ to catch wild animals. Those who desire 

 such information can get it by consulting books which 

 are devoted entirely to the art of trapping. 



While it is true that many kinds of good traps can 

 be made by hand, the best kind of a trap for general 

 use is a good steel trap. Experienced hunters and 

 trappers claim that none are superior to the celebrated 

 "Newhouse Steel Traps," manufactured by the Oneida 

 Community, Kenwood, New York. These traps are 

 graded by numbers. No. 1 has a spead of jaws of four 

 inches; it is designed, especially for Muskrats, Mink 

 and other animals of similar size. Size No. 2 is a little 

 larger; the spread of jaws is five inches. This will 

 hold a Fox, Raccoon or Opossum. It will also hold a 

 Wildcat, but for this powerful animal a No. 3, which 

 has a syjread of jaws of five and a half inches and pow- 

 erful double springs, is better. 



Many persons seem to think the pan of the steel 

 trap should be baited. The i)an. except in exceptional 

 cases, should never be baited. The pan is intended 

 for the foot of the animal, and the bait should be 



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