The Gun-trap of the Guiana Indians. 203 



habit of passing along the trail is obtained by carefully clearing over- 

 night dead leaves and debris from a small patch in the centre of the 

 trail. Next morning, if an animal has passed that way it will surely have 

 left a footprint on this cleared portion. Distinction between the two 

 animals is thus made. Other animals are similarly distinguished in 

 combination with certain other obvious indications. 



A definite track which gives good promise having been secured, the 

 next business is to erect the trap. A spot is usually chosen where the 

 undergrowth is fairly open though close enough so as not to make the 

 trap itself too conspicuous, It must be borne in mind that in nine cases 

 out of ten the trap will be sprung during the hours of darkness. 



At the opposite side of the track from which it is proposed to erect 

 the gun a piece of stick about a \ " in diameter and 9 " in length is pushed 

 into the ground to a depth of about 2 A inches. Six inches from the 

 ground level a small snick is made on the bark of the stick so as to show 

 the wood beneath. At this point, also, the string which serves to release 

 the trigger of the gun (if setting for labba) is attached. 



This string is composed of thin pieces of the external skin of a large 

 sedge (known locally as Bizzy-Bizzy) usually found growing in the 

 vicinity of Indian settlements. These pieces are carefully stripped and 

 when joined together, produce a string of surprising strength. About 

 four such pieces are used each section being from 3-4 feet in length. 

 That section which is fastened to the piece of stick to which we have 

 just referred is about as thick as coarse cotton thread, the next section is 

 slightly coarser and so on, and the final length is comparatively coarse. 

 That section which is joined to the stick and which will come in contact 

 with the animal whilst passing alon^ the trail is carefully rubbed with a 

 handful of soil so as to remove any trace of human scent. In the draw- 

 ing this string is marked AAA. This stick (known as the ' watchman ') 

 having been set in position and the string properly attached so that it 

 stretches across the trail satisfactorily, the next operation is to erect the 

 gun platform. 



This platform is constructed about 20 feet from the watchman on 

 the opposite side of the trail. No special clearing is made for it as it is 

 necessary to conceal its presence as much as possible. 



A stake of wood (marked S in the drawing) about 4 " in diameter is 

 secured and split for slightly over half of its length. The unsplit end is 

 sharpened and driven well into the ground by sheer strength, no mallet 

 of any kind being used. This stake projects, when in position, about 3{ ' 

 above the ground level. Behind this stake and in line with it and the 

 watchman two cross pieces of wood (marked FF in drawing) are driven 

 into the ground and securely lashed at their point of contact with bush 

 rope (marked T in drawing). A glance at the illustration will show the 

 arrangement of these cross pieces. They are placed in such a position 



