VERMIN CATCHING, ETC. 129 



One thing should ever be borne in mind, if it 

 be for elephant, lion, tiger, wolf, deer, jack all, 

 fox, badger, beaver, or anything else disguise 

 as much as possible the taint of the human 

 hand. 



I have seen hares and rabbits scores of times 

 go up and smell a wire in a hedgerow, turn 

 aside and pass through some other place ; they 

 left their accustomed run because they feared 

 the smell of the human hand. 



The greatest pains and precautions are taken 

 by good trappers so that the natural instinct 

 and cunning of animals may be foiled in this 

 respect, yet such is their sagacity and intelli- 

 gence that many methods are often resorted to 

 before the trapper can secure his victim. 



As regards jays and magpies, a very killing 

 plan is to make a nest in a hedge, or tree that 

 they frequent. Place your hawk trap in it, 

 which should be a round one, cover it slightly, 

 and then put two or three small eggs in it. 

 Bantam's are very good. 



Many have an idea they can kill the old mag- 

 pie or her young ones in the nest ; try it, and 

 you will soon be convinced to the contrary. 



9 



