315 Ground Vermin. 



The small ring at the extremity of the chain is for what 

 is termed the stake, by means of which the trap is fastened 

 to the ground. Stakes for vermin-traps may be of iron, as 

 supplied by most manufacturers, or of wood. There is 

 also a very effective screw stake obtainable. It is in form 

 like a corkscrew, and is useful in places where the straight 

 stakes fail to secure a grip. Upon the whole, however, I 

 prefer to use wooden stakes, which are best made as 

 follows : Obtain some well-seasoned straight ash boughs 

 of as near as possible 4in. or 5in. diameter, and saw them 

 into lengths of ift. Then having split each length into 

 four or six, according to the size of the boughs, partly 

 round and sharpen them off to a point from about lin. 

 from the top, leaving this part wholly untouched. They 

 should not be made too small, but of such thickness that 

 when the ring of the chain is put on it must be hammered 

 down the last inch of the way, and will be overlapped by 

 the part not rounded. If the stakes are handily made in 

 this manner they will grip the ground exceedingly well, 

 and be found more serviceable than any other kind. It 

 will be also necessary to have a fairly heavy hammer, with 

 the flat head drawn out something like a small hoe. This 

 will be found indispensable when vermin-trapping, for a 

 good many places occur where the gin could not be set 

 without. The most extensive experience in setting traps 

 of all kinds never warrants one in becoming slovenly or 

 careless. To prevent any risk, one cannot set the trap in 

 an easier and safer manner than as follows : Grasp the 

 gin over the spring as near to the jaws as possible, and 

 place the trap on the left knee (which should be slightly 

 bent). This will give one complete power over the spring. 

 Press this down as low as it will go, thus permitting the 

 jaws to be laid open with the thumb and first finger of the 

 left hand, and these, of course, keep as near the outside 



