FUR FACTS 91 



trap in box. Cover box with wire net; put trap in; leave it in all 

 season; cover with leaves; put wire on so it can be moved. 



Among fresh baits, the rabbit, partridge, jaybird, redbird; in 

 short, any large bird, is good; fish of any kind; that is, fresh fish. 

 A rabbit will make six baits, if rightly cut. The hams make two, 

 cut two more between hams and shoulders, make one of the head 

 and neck together. No bird will make more than one bait. The 

 bird bait should be tied. Tie head and feet to the stick used in 

 staking your bait down. In sticking the rabbit bait, run a sharp 

 stick through both legs to keep them from being dragged over your 

 trap before the animal is caught. Always fix your bait in such a 

 way that the animal must go over the trap to get it. (If I am 

 not seen carrying a trap, no one will find it.) I suggest you carry 

 a trap sack. Traps in pocket render the trapper clumsy. He can 

 not get under in places when loaded with traps. Every trap should 

 be done up in such a manner as to make it handy. Much time is 

 lost in untangling traps. 



The value of a fine scent or trail bait is appreciated by the trap- 

 per of experience. During the past fifty years the writer has used 

 many kinds of scent and trail baits, and can, after this long ex- 

 perience, say that he knows no equal to the Funsten Baits. 



The writer of this essay is now past seventy-four years old; does 

 no longer go to the frontier to trap, but confines his trapping to the 

 small streams and tributaries of the Meramec and Big rivers, where- 

 ever he can get a comfortable boarding place, his object being to 

 amuse himself and spend the winter season. 



In closing this essay the writer will say that in this busy age of 

 progress trapping can hardly be regarded as business, but there 

 may be some whose situation in life and condition of health is such 

 that they can afford to spend the trapping season to advantage, 

 both in regard to their pecuniary welfare and their health. I am 

 satisfied that the labor or business-worn man had better go to the 

 trapping range than any springs, hot springs, or cold springs. As 

 a rule it is not medicine that worn-down men need, but cheerful 

 recreation. The mind or condition of the mind, needs more rest 

 than the body. Nature's true medicine and restoration of health 

 are found in the forest among the hills, dells and brooks. 



The writer of this essay believes that he owes his good health 

 and activity of body and mind to his outdoor life. He is nearly 

 seventy-five years old; no pains of any kind; good sleep and good 

 appetite. 



G. M. HORENE. 



