381 Winged Vermin. 



possible I would replace them by one or other of the three 

 traps which are illustrated at p. 318, Figs. 34, 35, 36. 

 These are all of light steel construction, and require little 

 description beyond what the illustrations tell. They are 

 easily set, require little covering, and do not require so much 

 attention as those of the Dorset pattern. They may be put 

 down as thickly as may be desired, and for hedgerow and 

 similar work may be employed in many more suitable sites 

 than the ordinary gins. It is advisable to have traps of 

 this pattern of the larger sizes, although the smaller ones 

 work well enough under most circumstances. Still, I like 

 to take winged vermin well up the leg, and it requires at 

 least a 3 Jin. or 4in. trap to do this. 



Generally speaking, wherever you see magpies and jays 

 working or frequenting, there you have the places in or 

 about which to trap for them. Whether they have com- 

 mitted any actual damage or not is a small matter; it is 

 certain that they are intent upon it, or will be at their 

 destructive work sooner or later. In any case, the nature 

 of the baits to employ for them may very well be deter- 

 mined by the probabilities of what it may be they are after. 

 As a rule, magpies, if disturbed, will return to the prey 

 they have secured or attacked, but jays are less likely to 

 ignore the disturbance and come back to the scene of any 

 particular depredations. Probably the most attractive 

 baits are either a whole young rabbit or pieces of larger 

 ones, notably the inner portions, liver, &c. Eggs are 

 extremely attractive to both birds ; the broken shells will 

 prove sufficient. 



Various birds, especially game-birds, are capital baits 

 for magpies. It is not necessary that any be killed for 

 the purpose. Such may be employed as are found lying 

 dead about the covert or field. Where pheasants are 

 reared in any quantities some weaklings will always die 



