Practical Game-Preserving. 336 



Referring to the measurements given, those stated are 

 the ones best suited for stoats and weasels, but for 

 polecats the height of the upright may be increased, 

 the additional length being added between the foot and 

 the notch, say 2in., but not more. In practice, the trap 

 is not a great favourite of mine, as it is inconvenient and 

 difficult to hide, besides which so many animals and birds 

 other than vermin will spring it ; but as a trap to be 

 employed in plantations, and in places where traps are 

 liable to be stolen, it is of considerable use. A figure-of- 

 four offers no inducement for removal. 



The " most likely places " for these traps exist along 

 hedgerows where a rabbit-run up to a burrow in the bank 

 passes under briars or furze. Here it may be successfully 

 used, while all similar spots in wood and covert may be 

 likewise tried. Nearly all the spots mentioned as suitable 

 for the gin are equally so for the figure-of-four, and will 

 recommend themselves as they occur. 



The next trap on the list is what is generally called the 

 " High Elms " trap, and one quite as efficacious for the 

 capture of vermin, yet entailing some little expense, being 

 of a more complicated nature. However, any short- 

 comings on this score are amply compensated by the 

 excellence of the trap ; besides the extent to which it may 

 be employed, and the wear and tear it will sustain 

 warrant its adoption as one of the best means of cap- 

 turing vermin. Figs. 39 to 44 represent the component 

 parts of the trap, and, as it cannot be purchased, it will 

 be described in detail, in order that its construction may 

 be the more easily accomplished. 



Fig. 39 represents the floor or bottom of the trap, which 

 requires to be 22in. long, i4in. wide, and about lin. 

 thick. It must be made of two pieces of board as shown, 

 in order to admit of the trigger being fastened on to one 



