CAPTURE OF ANIMALS. 



73 



are large pouches, in which to carry earth, food, &c. The 

 Gopher digs paths or galleries of an oval form, several inches 

 in diameter, a short distance below the surface, coming to the 

 surface once in about a rod, where the excavated earth is de- 

 posited in little hillocks. These galleries ramify in all direc- 

 tions. When the animal has brought to the surface in one 

 place as much earth as its sense of economy dictates, it closes 

 up the hole, and begins a new deposit further on, so that noth- 



The Gopher and its Burrow. 



ing remains but a neat little mound of earth, large enough to 

 fill a half bushel, more or less. Gophers are great pests to 

 the western farmers, injuring and destroying the roots of their 

 crops, and infesting their fields and gardens. They may be 

 trapped in the following manner : Carefully cut away a 

 square section of sod on a line between the two most recent 

 deposits. On finding the gallery, excavate down till a trap 

 will set on a level with the bottom of the passage. Place the 

 trap there ; then lay a piece of board or shingle across the ex- 



