84 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 
rural trapper to sell his pelts to a local buyer 
whom he knows and trusts than to ship them to 
a distant dealer. In any event he ought to un- 
derstand the points of quality by which his furs 
are graded, and keep himself informed as to 
current prices. | 
Trapping the muskrat. Muskrats are not 
suspicious and are easily trapped. They take 
any suitable bait readily, especially in winter 
and early spring, when green food is scarce. 
A strong steel:trap breaks the leg bone and in 
struggling the animal is apt to tear loose, leav- 
ing a foot, or part of it, in the trap. For this 
reason the traps ‘should be set so that the cap- 
tives will quickly drown. The best baits are 
carrots, sweet apples, parsnips, turnips, or 
pieces of squash. Many trappers use scent to 
attract the animals, hut the practice is of doubt- 
ful utility. i 
Most muskrat trappers use the ordinary steel 
trap (No.1). The manner of setting it depends 
upon the situation, and the skill of the trapper 
is best displayed in selecting this. Muskrat 
trails may be found along the banks of all 
streams and ponds which they inhabit, and the 
