TRAPPING THE OrTER. 127 


pass easily over the trap. And for this chance for setting the 
trap, have a pole small enough for the ring to slip from its 
top to the bottom of it, where there should be left, a stub of a 
branch to keep it from slipping off entirely. Push the pole 
down beside the trap expecting it to freeze in, yet tie the top 
end in case of a thaw. 
Often a chance is seen where they can be caught upon the 
land when crossing from one stream to another separated by 
short distances, or leaving a small stream when approaching 
its outlet and travelling across a point of land, rather than 
follow its further windings, swimming among, and over 
tangled roots and low growing alders. Tracing their path 
from this stream to the most suitable level spot, we may lay two 
old logs at right angles, one upon each side of their path for 
a fence, leaving just room enough between the ends for the 
trap and three inches to spare, in order to have the pan of the 
trap a little to one side. Upon the iogs lay on some old 
brush the length of them. Coming to this they wrinkle their 
nose and snuff for danger, but scent nothing after a rain, and 
as they dislike to climb over if they can crawl under or walk 
through, they keep on right over the trap, thinking it is all 
right as they are frequently meeting with blow downs on 
their travels. Here also they must have a chance to swing 
round, or the tip-up, or spring-pole must be arranged for 
them as for the fisher. 
The otter have been known to catch and eat our wild ducks, 
both young and old, and are fond of the young musquash, as 
we have seen at different times on a still water stream, ample 
proof of their eating them, upon their playing places and 
fishing chances, on the points of the stream, usually upon the 
opposite side to the muskrats’ grounds. 
