Practical Game-Preserving. 322 



their way towards any gap or gateway in the immediate 

 neighbourhood, where they are almost certain to stop and 

 to rub themselves against the bars and posts, or perhaps 

 against the rough tree branches which may represent a 

 gate. This propensity on the part of the polecat, stoat, 

 and weasel exposes them to considerable danger, for the 

 opportunity is offered of employing a trap or two, with 

 almost certainty of success. If the barrier be a proper 

 gate, or such bars regularly fitted as often do duty for 

 the same, then the gins should be placed under whatever 

 may form the division (provided always that this latter be 

 not too low) where there may appear to be the run of a 

 rabbit or any similar track. A second trap should be 

 placed at the end of a gate, between it and the post to 

 which it is hung. If there be again a space between this 

 latter and the wall or bank which forms the fence of the 

 field or covert, another gin may be put here; also, if an 

 opening of a like nature exists, on the opposite end of the 

 gate. Should there be a good clear passing place at either 

 extremity, then one of the gins placed there will be most 

 likely to effect a capture. In order to till the trap in a 

 satisfactory manner under the gate, it should be opened 

 and fixed back; the person setting the gin should be, 

 preferably, on that side of the gate opposite to the one 

 towards which it opens. The actual setting of the gin is 

 in no way different from the manner already described, 

 but when it is set, a flat stone or two may be placed on 

 the side opposite to the spring, which must be put parallel 

 with the line of the gateway, and a few bits of briar bush 

 and grass be placed on the opposite side to the stones, so 

 as to form an artificial run under the gate when it will be 

 again closed ; by way of this run the vermin will perceive 

 it is apparently easiest to pass. The gins set between the 

 gate and the hanging-post, and between this and the wall, 



