POISONING AND TRAPPING = 305 
slits are cut in the paper, through which the 
rats fall, while the corners spring back making 
a deceptive surface for the next visitor. One 
of many variations of this, is a barrel with a 
FORMS OF THE BARREL-TRAP FOR RATS. 
The one on the left is covered with stiff paper, sprinkled 
with bait (b), and so slit that the rats fall through, while 
the corners of the paper fly back into place. The one on the 
right has a tipping cover, resting on a cleat (a) at one side. 
top swinging on pivots which dumps a rat that 
leaps upon it, then rises level again. 
When a great many rats are known to have 
gathered in a certain place, as under an old 
corn-shock (perhaps left and baited for the very 
purpose) a wire fence. may be thrown around 
it, the shock. overturned, and the rats killed 
