RABBITS AND POCKET GOPHERS 327 



" The trap is a box made of 6-inch fencing boards, old 

 ones being preferred. The box is about 21 inches long, 

 closed at the back by a board, but in front by a wire door 

 only. The door is hung from the top and swings inward. 

 A cleat at the bottom prevents its opening outward. The 

 trap is set and the wire door is kept open by a wire trigger 

 rod, held in place by two staples fastened to the top of the 

 box. This trigger is bent downward near the rear of the 

 trap and formed into a loop or a figure eight. As the rab- 

 bit enters the trap and crowds into the back part, it pushes 

 upon the loop, moves the trigger wire backward, and releases 

 the wire door. This falls and makes the rabbit a prisoner. 

 Bait may be used, but is not necessary, since the cottontail 

 is constantly looking for dark places to hide from enemies 

 or cold winds. Mr. Wellhouse uses about three traps per 

 acre in young orchards and many among the bearing trees. 

 They are regularly looked after by boys, and so effective 

 have they proved that no serious losses from rabbits have 

 occurred in his orchards. 



" The materials needed for making a Wellhouse trap are : 

 Four boards I by 6, 2 1 inches long ; one piece I by 6, 8 

 inches long for the back ; a short cleat for the door stop ; 

 28\ inches of wire to serve for the door ; 22 inches of wire 

 for the trigger ; four small staples for hanging the door 

 and trigger ; and nails." 



OBSERVATIONS FOR PUPILS 



1 . Write or tell a story with this title : What I know about Rabbits. 



2. Read: 



The Rabbit as a Farm and Orchard Pest, Yearbook Reprint 452; The Story of 

 Raggylug in Wild Animals I have Known* 



