327 Ground Vermin. 



ground in about the position it would be when dead, and 

 the trap set at its back, a little above the shoulders, the 

 spring pointing at right angles to the bird or rabbit. 



It is not inadvisable, when trapping under these circum- 

 stances, to make a slight alteration in the manner of 

 " tilling." Instead of extending the chain to its full 

 length before driving in the stake, first place the trap in 

 position, and, after the latter has been moved, drive in 

 the stake first, under the place where the spring encloses 

 the jaws, and let the spring lie upon the chain. Naturally 

 the place hollowed out for the reception of the spring 

 and chain must be made sufficiently deep to receive both 

 with ease. With the exception of this slight difference, 

 the actual setting is in every way similar to the other 

 manner; but it is necessary to impress upon the trapper 

 the absolute necessity of covering the trap with the utmost 

 nicety, and on no account to hurry over this work in a 

 slovenly manner. 



At this point it may be advisable to describe a 

 further mode of covering the jaws and plate of the gin, 

 which, while necessitating more than ordinary precaution 

 in its manipulation, is, except during extremely hot 

 weather and on places much exposed to the sun, in no way 

 superior to the manner described above, but, under the 

 conditions named, is perhaps preferable to the more 

 general method. 



Having placed the trap on the ground, and noted its 

 outline, cut out a square just large enough to contain the 

 jaws, as already described, and be sure to obtain the piece 

 of turf whole which comes away. Then set the trap, and 

 cover the spring, &c., in either of the indicated ways. 

 Next, with a knife, cut away the under surface from the 

 square of grass until this is as thin as it may be without 

 causing the slice to fall to pieces. Then, whilst carefully 



