310 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 



peka, Kansas. This trap is a box of old six- 

 inch fencing-boards, two feet or less long and 

 10 inches square, closed at the back by a door, 

 but in front by a wire door only, which hangs 

 from the top and swings inward. The trap is 

 set and the wire door is kept open by a wire 

 trigger-rod, held in place by two staples fas- 

 tened 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 

 rabbit 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 pris- 

 oner. 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 bear- 

 ing trees. The materials needed are: Four 

 boards 1 by 6, 21 inches long ; one piece 1 by 6, 

 8 inches long for the back ; a short cleat for the 

 door stop ; 2Sy 2 inches of wire to serve for the 

 door; 22 inches of wire for the trigger; four 

 small staples; and nails. 



