33 ! Ground Vermin. 



formed by thinnish lengths of boards made to overlap one 

 another longitudinally, and nailed on to square lengths of 

 wood which run along from post to post about i2in. from 

 the ground. Vermin are extremely fond of what is 

 generally termed running the posts, which consists of 

 jumping upon these horizontal pieces, and, while scuttling 

 along them, rubbing themselves against the inequalities 

 formed by the construction of the fence. Now, if some 

 unbaited and even uncovered gins be placed at rather wide 

 intervals along the wood described, when vermin exist to 

 any appreciable extent in the enclosure, they are sure to 

 get into the traps so placed. The polecat and stoat are 

 very addicted to this practice. Further, if a deep cut be 

 made into the gate-post about ift. to i8in. from the 

 ground, forming a sort of platform in the side of the wood, 

 and a gin be here placed, a varmint is almost sure to leap 

 up if the hole be noticed. 



Of course, it is a very difficult matter to mention all the 

 various particulars which go to warrant the setting of a 

 trap in a particular place ; but I hope I have enumerated 

 the characteristics of some of the most obvious spots. In 

 collecting them I walked over a preserve, and noted them 

 down as they occurred, this seeming the most likely way of 

 making the suggestions useful. 



I have elaborated, moreover, the details of trapping 

 these ground vermin to an extent which will not be possible 

 in connection with every kind of vermin referred to in this 

 work. Rats will be dealt with separately ; but as I shall 

 have occasion to refer to this and the following chapter 

 from time to time, the reader intent on the taking of vermin 

 generally should make himself thoroughly acquainted with 

 these two chapters. 



