310 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 
peka, Kansas. This trap is a box of old six- 
inch fencing-boards, two feet or less long and 
10 inches square, closed at the back by a door, 
but in front by a wire door only, which hangs 
from the top and swings inward. The trap is 
set and the wire door is kept open by a wire 
trigger-rod, held in place by two staples fas- 
tened to the top of the box. This trigger is 
bent downward near the rear of the trap and 
formed into a loop or a figure eight. As the 
rabbit enters the trap and crowds into the 
back part, it pushes upon the loop, moves the 
trigger wire backward, and releases the wire 
door. This falls and makes the rabbit a pris- 
oner. Bait may be used, but is not necessary, 
since the cottontail is constantly looking for 
dark places to hide from enemies or cold winds. 
Mr. Wellhouse uses about three traps per acre 
in young orchards and many among the bear- 
ing trees. The materials needed are: Four 
boards 1 by 6, 21 inches long; one piece 1’ by 6, 
8 inches long for the back; a short cleat for the 
door stop; 2814 inches of wire to serve for the 
door; 22 inches of wire for the trigger; four 
small staples; and nails. 
