210 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



it is covered. This will prevent the covering material from 

 getting under the pan and packing so as to stop the trap from 

 springing. 



A trap should be set so gently that it will spring at the least 

 pressure on pan or trigger. In setting, the fingers should not 

 be used to depress the pan; a rolled-up paper wears better, 

 and if the trap springs on it, it will not bend the wire. 



Catching the Experienced Rat. — Every one who has trapped 

 rats knows that sometimes after most of the rats in a building 

 have been caught there remain a few cautious old rascals that 

 successfully defeat all efforts to entrap them. These may be 

 taken without great difficulty if their food supply, other than 

 that furnished by the traps, can be completely shut off, other- 

 wise they may continue to defy all efforts to take them, but 

 if the trapper is persevering they will be captured or driven 

 away in time. 



The steel trap (if covered and its odor disguised or con- 

 cealed) is one of the best devices with which to deceive rats. 

 Some experienced rats are almost as cunning as a fox. Indeed, 

 some of them are so much wiser in theii; way than most people 

 who attempt to trap them that trapping often is given up in 

 disgust. 



A close study of the habits of the rat is necessary for success- 

 ful trapping. The trapper should remember that the rat always 

 goes barefoot. When a cautious rat, in its nocturnal rambles 

 in search of food and led by delectable odors, places its bare 

 foot on cold, clammy iron or steel, the touch no doubt strikes 

 a chill to its very marrow and raises an instant alarm. Also, 

 if the trap is fully exposed to view it may arouse the rat's 

 suspicions before dark. Hence the rat catcher covers the trap. • 



When the steel trap can be set under water it gives out no 

 odor, and if the rat cannot see it readily, particularly at night, 

 he is easily caught and drowned at once, which puts an end to 

 his suffering. The trap may be set on a stone or a clod under 

 water, and the bait may be attached to the pan so as to show 

 above water. When the trap springs, the rat, caught by the 

 head, springs with it, goes into deep water and is held down by 

 the trap and drowned. A trap set under water in a little run 

 leading into a fish hatchery pond caught a rat every night for 

 nearly two weeks. 



