366 



GARDEN GUIDE 



usually enter. Poisoned fresh Corn, placed in their runs, is also 

 recommended, a strychnine solution being used. Lastly, carbon 

 bisulphide, which is a deadly poisonous volatile liquid, may be poured 

 into their runs at places, covering the opening over again with the 

 soil. The fumes permeate the soil and kill the moles. One can 

 frequently catch or kill the moles as they work, by noticing the move- 



Choker Loop Trap for Moles Scissors-jaw or Gripping-jaw 



From •♦Trapping Moles," Farmers* Bull. 832 ' Trap for Moles 



ment of the soil. The utmost caution has to be exercised, as they 

 hear the shghtest noise. A spade or digging fork may be used to 

 scoop in behind them at about 6 inches from where they are working, 

 and not in front, as they always run backward. 



How to Destroy Rats 



The chief means of keeping rats from one's place is to have rat- 

 proof buildings, and for preventing the increase or presence of rats 

 have perfect cleanliness everywhere, no waste food or shelter places for 

 them. Dogs, cats, ferrets, hawks, owls, skunks, coyotes, weasels 

 and minks are among their natural enemies and should be encouraged. 

 Trapping; poisoning, fumigating, and the use of micro-organisms 

 (bacteria) are other means adopted for their eradication. Full 

 particulars as to the destruction of rats are given in Farmers' Bulletin 

 369, pubhshed Sept. 3, 1909, by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. There 

 are several forms of rat traps, possibly the best being one or other 

 of the guillotine type. The mouse trap shown p. 365 could be attempted . 

 Sometimes a barrel trap is used, the cover being so poised and balanced 

 that when the rat places its weight on it that side immediately tips 



