NOXIOUS VERMIN. 69 



down late at night, and removed at early 

 daylight. No bait is necessary. In a place 

 where these animals have been known to 

 visit, put one or more eggs on the ground, 

 and in a small circle around it lay down 

 half a dozen steel traps, fastened together. 

 The skunk is a stupid animal, and in its en- 

 deavours to reach the egg walks over the 

 traps, and is thus easily captured. 



Muskrats are not often very injurious, but 

 it is sometimes necessary to get rid of them. 

 This is done by ascertaining the mouths of 

 their burrows, which are always beneath the 

 surface of the water. Place opposite to this 

 a long square box, open at each end ; the 

 open ends are furnished with sharp-point- 

 ed wires directed inward, and just large 

 enough to permit the animal to squeeze 

 through. Two, and occasionally three, are 

 taken at a time in this way. 



Cats are to be summarily disposed of 

 whenever they are caught in the act of de- 

 stroying eggs. 



Rats are great egg destroyers, and re- 

 quire our greatest precautions to guard 



