FUR FACTS 255 



the top view and it will be noted that there are two notches in the 

 end, and the opposite end is tapered. The second notch is made 

 about four and one half inches from the first and is cut diagonally 

 across the stick (see illustration). The "^ ' 



pointed end is the end that holds the bait 

 and is really the trigger stick. Figure 2 is 

 the lever and you will note that it is wider at one end than the 

 gp/^A.-r fr other. Cut a notch across the wide 



FRONT 



nmmn ....... iiimifi end as shown in the illustration, and 



slope the opposite end. This piece should be about six and 

 one half inches long. If the stone used is a heavy one, the 

 notch should be not more than one inch from the end, other- 

 wise the constant tension on the notch would be greater than is 

 desirable and would have a tendency to bind and hold the parts 

 together too rigidly. Figure 3 is the upright post and is about 

 seven inches long, slightly forked at the bottom as shown in the 

 illustration. This is done to make it stand securely and prevent 

 it from twisting. The upper end is beveled from the front back- 

 wards at an angle. On the right side cut a long notch one 

 half the width of the wood, commencing the hollow slope of the 

 notch one inch from the lower end as illustrated and making a 

 square shoulder three inches from the bottom of the post. The 

 Figure Four is now ready for setting. Place the figure 4 upright 

 with its forked end standing on a piece of wood or a flat stone to 

 prevent it from sinking into the ground. Arrange the other two 

 pieces as shown in the illustration and bait the pointed end of the 

 trigger. Let the stone rest on the top end of the lever and arrange 

 the position of the stone or log so that the bait end will be near the 

 lower end of the stone. If properly made and constructed the figure 

 4 will be held firmly together by the weight of the stone, and yet the 

 slightest interference will displace the trigger and figure 4 will col- 

 lapse and cause the support to fall instantly. It is a good plan to 

 hollow the ground out somewhat under where the stone falls. See 

 that the bait is something that will flatten easily. The figure 4 as 

 described may be used as a support for any trap which catches by 

 falling, such as a large flat stone, a heavy log, a box, a coop, or a wire 

 net. 



For catching animals alive for breeding purposes or for pets, the 

 box trap is commonly used. One of the simplest, easiest made, as 

 well as the most efficient of box traps, is made in the following manner- 



