317 Ground Vermin. 



inequalities that may exist, and hammer the ground flat 

 in the square where the jaws will lie. It will also be 

 necessary to cover the chain, which may be done by cutting 

 a similar flap to that described for the spring. 



When the place is considered quite suitable, set the trap 

 and place it in its position, which will necessarily bring 

 the flap and catch of it opposite the trapper ; then insert 

 under the side of the plate, and over the jaws nearest, a 

 small piece of wood, or a twig, to prevent the gin from 

 what is termed springing or drawing. Of course, these 

 vermin-traps are all made to discharge very easily, and 

 with but little pressure, and it is, therefore, advisable to 

 observe that the covering should be done in a most careful 

 and light-handed manner. As the trap is set in grass, it 

 will be, of course, necessary to employ grass or herbage 

 for covering purposes, and to do this effectually pluck 

 some very short grass, and sprinkle it all over the plate 

 and jaws, as well as the top of the stake, which is up to 

 the present unconcealed, then with some small pieces of 

 wood and twig gently flatten down the grass, whilst care- 

 fully sustaining the plate by means of the twig inserted 

 beneath it. 



When made on plain earth or on ground with a very 

 scanty supply of grass, there must, of course, be some 

 slight variation in the manner of setting. Instead of the 

 more easily manipulated grass, earth has to be employed 

 for the covering of the jaws, and in such cases, having 

 covered the spring and chain in a manner which is too 

 obvious to need description, form a square for them. 

 Then obtain some nice fine earth devoid of stones, and 

 heap round the sides of the jaws in little ridges, and 

 while carefully preventing the plate from falling, smooth 

 over the earth with a piece of stick, or oftener with a 

 knife. This is the most effective manner of covering that 



