389 Winged Vermin. 



The prohibition by law of the use of what is termed 

 the pole-trap is, in my opinion, a thoroughly salutary 

 proceeding, not only on account of the abuse of the prac- 

 tice which has obtained, thus causing needless suffering, 

 but because the traps so set were as likely to catch any 

 other bird than the one intended. The careful and as- 

 siduous keeper has ample means at his disposal for taking 

 hawks without employing pole-traps, whether his business 

 be amongst pheasants, partridges, or grouse. Promiscuous 

 trapping for hawks meets no approval from me, but when 

 actual and serious depredation is brought home to them 

 the means which I have described for other vermin, and 

 modified to fit the special conditions attaching to the hawks, 

 are abundantly sufficient and effectual. 



As regards owls, all that I have to say is that their 

 wilful capture or destruction holds no place in the game- 

 keeper's work, and their accidental appearance in his 

 traps is a matter for regret. 



