,illustration ,,camp ,,life ,,in ,,the ,,woods ,,and ,,the ,,tricks ,,of ,,trapping ,,and ,,trap ,,making ,,containing ,,comprehensive ,,hints ,,on ,,camp ,,shelter1 ,,log ,,huts1 ,,bark ,,shanties1 ,,woodland ,,beds ,,and ,,bedding1 ,,boat ,,and ,,canoe ,,building1 ,,and ,,valuable ,,suggestions ,,on ,,trappers' ,,food1 ,,etc4 ,,with ,,extended ,,chapters ,,on ,,the ,,trapper',s ,,art1 ,,containing ,,all ,,the ,,tricks ,,and ,,valuable ,,bait ,,recipes ,,of ,,the ,,profession2 ,,full ,,directions ,,for ,,the ,,use ,,of ,,the ,,steel ,,trap1 ,,and ,,for ,,the ,,construction ,,of ,,traps ,,of ,,all ,,kinds2 ,,detailed ,,instructions ,,for ,,the ,,capture ,,of ,,all ,,fur-,,bearing ,,animals2 ,,valuable ,,recipes ,,for ,,the ,,curing ,,and ,,tanning ,,of ,,fur ,,skins1 ,,etc41 ,,etc4 ,,by ,w4 ,,hamilton ,,gibson ,,author ,,of ,,pastoral ,,days ,,illustrated ,,by ,,the ,,author ,page #a ,,to ,,my ,,beloved ,,friends ,,mr4 ,,and ,,mrs4 ,f4 ,w4 ,,gunn1 ,,kind ,,instructors1 ,,and ,,participants ,,in ,,the ,,brightest ,,joys ,,of ,,my ,,youth1 ,,this ,,book ,,is ,,affectionately ,,dedicated ,,by ,,the ,,author4 ,page #c ,illustration ,,preface ,illustration3 ,of all the various subjects in the catalogue of sports and pastimes1 there is none more sure of arousing the enthusiasm of our ,american boys generally1 than that which forms the title of this book4 ,traps and ,trapping1 together with its kindred branches1 always have been and always will be subjects of great interest among boys1 and particularly so to those who live in the country4 ,it is a fact to be regretted that we have so few examples of ,boys' ,books published in this country4 ,there are a few ,english works of this character1 that are very excellent as far as they go1 but are nevertheless incomplete and unsatisfactory to the wants of ,american boys1 dwelling largely on sports which are essentially ,english1 and merely touching upon or utterly excluding other topics which are of the utmost interest to boys of this country4 ,in no one of these books1 so far as the author of the present volume knows1 is the subject of ,traps considered to any fair extent1 and those examples which are given1 represent only the most common and universal varieties already known to the general public4 ,page #d ,with these facts in mind1 the author has entered with zealous enthusiasm upon the preparation of a work which shall fill this odd and neglected corner in literature1 and judging from the reminiscences of his own boyish experiences1 he feels certain that in placing such a volume within reach of the public1 he supplies a long felt want in the hearts of his boy-friends throughout the land4 ,far be it from us in the publication of this volume1 to be understood as encouraging the wanton destruction of poor innocent animals4 ,like all kindred sports1 hunting and fishing for example1 the sport of ,trapping may be perverted and carried to a point where it becomes simple cruelty1 as is always the case when pursued for the mere excitement it brings4 ,if the poor victims are to serve no use after their capture1 either as food1 or in the furnishing of their plumage or skins for useful purposes1 the sport becomes heartless cruelty1 and we do not wish to be understood as encouraging it under any such circumstances4 ,in its right sense trapping is a delightful1 healthful1 and legitimate sport1 and we commend it to all our boy-readers4 ,it shall be the object of the author to produce a thoroughly practical volume1 presenting as far as possible such examples of the trap kind as any boy1 with a moderate degree of ingenuity1 could easily construct1 and furthermore to illustrate each variety with the utmost plainness1 supplemented with the most detailed description4 ,with the exception of all clap-trap1 our volume will embrace nearly every known example of the various devices used for the capture of ,bird1 ,beast1 or ,fowl1 in all countries1 simplifying such as are impracticable on account of their complicated structure1 and modifying others to the peculiar adaptation of the ,american ,trapper4 ,devices1 which inflict cruelty and prolonged suffering1 shall1 as far as possible1 be excluded1 as this is not a necessary qualification in any trap1 and should be guarded against wherever possible4 ,following out the suggestion conveyed under the ,page #e title of ,the ,trapper1 we shall present full and ample directions for baiting traps1 selections of ground for setting1 and other hints concerning the trapping of all our principal game and wild animals1 valuable either as food or for their fur4 ,in short1 our book shall form a complete trapper's guide1 embracing all necessary information on the subject1 anticipating every want1 and furnishing the most complete and fully illustrated volume on this subject ever presented to the public4 ,in vain did the author of this work1 in his younger days1 search the book stores and libraries in the hopes of finding such a book1 and many are the traps and snares which necessity forced him to invent and construct for himself1 for want of just such a volume4 ,several of these original inventions will appear in the present work for the first time in book form1 and the author can vouch for their excellence1 and he might almost say1 their infallibility1 for in their perfect state he has never yet found them to miss in a single instance4 ,as the writer's mind wanders back to his boyish days1 there is one autumn in particular which shines out above all the rest2 and that was when his traps were first set and were the chief source of his enjoyment4 ,the adventurous excitement which sped him on in those daily tramps through the woods1 and the buoyant1 exhilarating effect of the exercise can be realized only by those who have had the same experience4 ,the hope of success1 the fears of disappointment1 the continual suspense and wonder which fill the mind of the young trapper1 all combine to invest this sport with a charm known to no other4 ,trapping does not consist merely in the manufacture and setting of the various traps4 ,the study of the habits and peculiarities of the different game--here becomes a matter of great importance2 and the study of natural history under these circumstances affords a continual source of pleasure and profit4 ,among the most useful1 although the most cruel1 of inventions used by the professional trapper are the steel traps2 so much so that the author would gladly omit them4 ,but as they are of such unfailing ,page #f action1 of such universal efficacy1 and in many cases are the only ones that can be used1 any book on trapping would certainly be incomplete without them4 ,the scope of our volume not only embraces the arts of trapping and trap-making1 but extends further into the subject of the wild life of a trapping campaign1--containing full directions for building log cabins1 and shanties2 boats and canoes2 hints on food and cooking utensils2 also full directions for the curing and tanning of fur skins1--in short1 a complete repository of all useful information pertaining to the life and wants of a professional trapper4 ,in the preparation of the work no pains have been spared to insure clearness in general directions1 and every point which would be likely to puzzle the reader has been specially covered by separate illustration4 ,in this particular it stands unique in the list of boys' books4 ,every difficulty has been anticipated1 and in every instance the illustrations will be found thoroughly comprehensive and complete4 ,that the care and thoroughness which has been displayed throughout the work1 and to which its pages will bear witness1 may meet with the appreciation and enthusiastic approval of every boy-reader throughout the land1 is the most earnest hope of ,,the ,,author4 ,illustration ,page iii ,illustration3 ,,contents ,,book ,i4 ,,traps ,,for ,,large ,,game4 ,introduction4--,,the ,,dead ,,fall4--,honey as ,bait for ,bears4--,,the ,,gun ,,trap4--,peculiar ,habits of the ,puma4--,baiting for the ,puma4--,caution required in ,setting the ,gun ,trap4--,several ,guns used4--,different ,modes of ,setting4--,various animals to which the ,gun ,trap is adapted4--,,the ,,bow ,,trap4--,vane and ,barb for ,arrows4--,best ,wood for ,bow4--,a ,second ,example of ,bow ,trap4--,arrows ,barbed and ,poisoned4--,,the ,,down ,,fall2 or ,hippopotamus ,trap4--,the terrible ,harpoon used by the ,african ,trapper4--,different ,modes of ,setting the ,down ,fall4--,modification of the ,down ,fall for small animals4--,,the ,,bear ,,trap4--,various ,methods of ,setting4--,honey as ,bait for ,bear4--,bait for ,puma4--,,the ,,pitfall4--,use of the ,trap in ,asia as a means of defence against the ,tiger4--,disposition of the ,bait4--,wonderful agility of the ,puma4--,niceties required in the construction of the ,pitfall4--,,the ,,log ,,coop ,,trap4--,various animals for which it is adapted4--,different ,modes of ,setting4--,,the ,,corrall ,,or ,,hopo of ,africa4--,its ,construction and ,appalling ,effects4--,,the ,,net ,,trap4--,its ,use in the ,capture of the ,lion and the ,tiger4--,american animals to which it may be adapted4--,two ,methods of ,setting4--,,bird ,,lime4--,its ,use for the ,capture of the ,lion and ,tiger4 ,page iv ,,book ,,ii4 ,,snares ,,or ,,noose ,,traps4 ,general ,remarks4--,requisite ,materials for ,snaring4--,,the ,,quail ,,snare4--,sucker ,wire ,nooses4--,six ,quail caught at a time4--,,hoop ,,nooses4--,,horse ,,hair ,,nooses4--,,hedge ,,nooses4--,peculiarities of the ,grouse4--,selection of ,ground4--,,the ,,triangle ,,tree ,,snare4--,a ,hawk captured by the device4--,the ,wire ,noose1 as arranged for the capture of the ,woodchuck1 ,muskrat1 and ,house ,rat4--,,the ,,twitch-,,up4--,selection of ,ground for ,setting4--,various ,modes of ,constructing the ,traps4--,,the ,,poachers' ,,snare4--,its portability4--,,the ,,portable ,,snare4--,its ,peculiar ,advantages4--,the ,simplest ,snare4--,the valuable principle on which it is ,constructed4--,its ,portability4--,various ,adaptations of the ,principle4--,,the ,,quail ,,snare4--,its ample capabilities of ,capture4--,peculiarities of the ,quail4--,successful ,baits4--,,the ,,box ,,snare4--,modification in a very small scale4--,,the ,,double ,,box ,,snare4--,the ,animals for which it is ,adapted4--,,ground ,,snares4--,,the ,,old-,,fashioned ,,spingle4--,,the ,,improved ,,spingle4--,objections to ,ground ,snares4--,,the ,,figure ,,four ,,ground ,,snare4--,,the ,,platform ,,snare4 ,,book ,,iii4 ,,traps ,,for ,,feathered ,,game4 ,,the ,,sieve ,,trap4--,,the ,,brick ,,trap4--,,the ,,coop ,,trap--,improved ,method of ,setting4--,defects of the old style4--,,the ,,bat ,,fowling ,,net4--,its ,use in ,england4--,how the ,dark ,lantern is ,used by ,bird ,catchers4--,,the ,,clap ,,net4--,its ,extensive ,use in ,foreign ,countries4--,decoy ,birds4--,the ,bird ,whistle used in place of decoy4--,wonderful ,skill attained in the ,use of the ,bird ,whistle4--,selection of ,trapping ,ground4--,,the ,,bird ,,whistle ,described4--,its ,use and ,marvelous ,capabilities4--,,the ,,wild ,,goose ,,trap4--,its ,extensive ,use in the ,northern ,cold ,regions for the ,capture of the ,goose and ,ptarmigan4--,tame ,goose ,used as ,decoys4--,gravel as ,bait4--,,the ,,trap ,,cage4--,a ,favorite ,trap among ,bird ,catchers4--,call ,birds4--,,the ,,spring ,,net ,,trap4--,rubber ,elastic as ,spring ,power4--,a ,,simpler ,,net ,,trap4--,common ,faults in many ,bird ,traps4--,complicated ,construction as ,unnecessary ,feature4--,requisites of a good ,bird ,trap4--,hints on ,simple ,mechanism4--,different ,modes of ,constructing ,hinge4--,hoop ,iron ,used as ,spring ,power4--,manner of ,tempering ,spring4--,,the ,,upright ,,net ,,trap4--,a ,second ,method of ,constructing ,platform4--,,the ,,box ,,owl ,,trap4--,ventilation a ,desirable ,feature in all ,box ,traps4--,tin ,catch for ,securing ,cover in ,place4--,peculiar ,mode of ,baiting for ,birds4--,modification of ,perch4--,baiting for the ,owl4--,locality for ,setting4--,the ,owl in ,captivity4--,its ,food4--,hints on the ,care of the ,bird4--,,the ,,box ,,bird ,,trap4--,cigar ,box ,used as a ,trap4--,,the ,,pendant ,,box ,,trap4--,ventilation4--,simple ,mechanism4--,care in ,construction of ,bearings4--,,the ,,hawk ,,trap4--,a ,yankee ,invention4--,stiff-,pointed ,wires ,effectually ,use in the ,capture of the ,hawk4--,owl also ,captured by the ,same ,device4--,,the ,,wild ,,duck ,,net4--,its ,use in ,chesapeake ,bay4--,manner of ,constructing the ,net4--,decoy ,ducks4--,bait for the ,ducks4--,,the ,,hook ,,trap4--,its cruel ,mode of ,capture4--,peculiar ,bait for ,ducks4--,,the ,,fool',s ,,cap ,,trap4--,its ,successful ,use in the ,capture of the ,crow4--,shrewdness of the ,crow4--,strange antics of a ,crow when ,captured in the ,trap4--,bird ,lime the ,secret of its ,success4--,wonderful ,tenacity of the ,cap4--,different ,modes of ,setting4--,,bird ,,lime ,described4--,its astonishing ,sticky ,qualities4--,the ,bird ,lime of the ,trade4--,various ,home-,made ,recipes4--,manner of ,using ,bird ,lime4--,limed ,twigs4--,the ,owl ,used as a ,decoy in connection with ,bird ,lime4--,bird ,lime used in the ,capture of the ,humming ,bird4--,a ,flower ,converted into a ,trap4--,masticated ,wheat as ,bird ,lime4--,its ,ready ,removal from the ,feathers4--,delicate ,organization of the ,humming ,bird4--,killed by ,fright4--,use of its ,plumage4--,snares for the ,humming ,bird4--,blow ,guns ,successfully ,used for its ,capture4--,killed by ,concussion4--,disabled by a ,stream of ,water4 ,page v ,,book ,,iv4 ,,miscellaneous ,,traps4 ,,the ,,common ,,box ,,trap4--,two ,modes of ,setting4--,animals for which it is ,adapted4--,a ,modification of the ,trap4--,,another ,,box ,,trap4--,,the ,,figure ,,four ,,trap4--,its ,advantages4--,,the ,,double ,,ender4--,a ,favorite ,trap in ,new ,england4--,simplicity of ,construction4--,the ,rabbit's ,fondness for ,salt4--,its ,use as a ,bait4--,,the ,,self ,,setting ,,trap4--,animals for which it is adapted4--,,the ,,dead ,,fall4--,various ,methods of ,construction4--,animals for which it is usually ,set4--,remarkable ,cunning of some ,animals4--,the ,precautions which it ,necessitates4--,bait for the ,muskrat4--,various ,baits for the ,mink4--,skunk ,baits4--,a ,fox ,entrapped by a ,dead ,fall4--,slight ,modification in the ,arrangement of ,pieces4--,live ,duck used as ,bait4--,another ,arrangement for the ,dead ,fall4--,trap ,sprung by the ,foot of the ,animal4--,,the ,,figure ,,four ,,trap4--,applied to the ,dead ,fall4--,,the ,,garotte4--,its ,singular ,mode of ,capture4--,its ,common ,victims4--,,the ,,bow ,,trap4--,an oddity of the ,trap ,kind4--,its ,singular mechanism4--,,the ,,mole ,,trap4--,a ,much-needed ,contrivance4--,subterranean ,mode of ,setting4--,its ,unfailing ,success4--,a ,,fish ,,trap4--,a ,section of ,stove ,pipe used as a ,trap4--,its ,various ,victims4--,adjustment of the ,bait4--,curious ,mode of ,capture4 ,,book ,v4 ,,household ,,traps4 ,a ,chapter ,dedicated to ,pestered ,housekeepers4--,the ,domestic ,cat as a ,household ,trap4--,the ,rat4--,its ,proverbial ,shrewdness and ,cunning4--,,the ,,barrel ,,trap4--,its unlimited ,capabilities of ,capture--,other ,advantages4--,baiting for ,rats4--,a ,second ,form of ,barrel ,trap4--,various other ,devices adapted to the capture of the ,rat4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,hints on ,setting4--,necessary ,precautions4--,,the ,,box ,,dead ,,fall4--,,the ,,board ,,flap4--,,the ,,box ,,pit ,,fall4--,animals for which it may be set4--,its ,extensive ,capabilities of ,capture4--,its ,self-,setting ,qualities4--,the principle ,utilized for the ,capture of the ,muskrat4--,,the ,,cage ,,trap4--,,the ,,jar ,,trap4--,a ,preserve ,jar ,converted into a ,mouse ,trap4--,its ,complete ,success4--,,bowl ,,traps4--,two ,methods4--,,fly ,,paper4--,recipe for ,making4--,,fly ,,trap4 ,,book ,,vi4 ,,steel ,,traps ,,and ,,the ,,art ,,of ,,trapping4 ,general ,remarks4--,advantages of the ,steel ,trap4--,its extensive use in the business of ,trapping4--,hints on the ,selection of ,traps4--,,requisites ,,of ,a ,,good ,,steel ,,trap4--,the ,newhouse ,trap4--,various sizes4--,rat ,trap4--,muskrat ,trap4--,mink ,trap4--,fox ,trap4--,otter ,trap4--,beaver ,trap4--,great ,bear ,tamer4--,small ,bear ,trap4--,,hints ,,on ,,baiting ,,the ,,steel ,,trap4--,the ,staked ,pen4--,old ,method of ,baiting4--,its ,objections4--,advantages of the ,new ,method4--,,the ,,spring ,,pole4--,its ,service to the ,trapper4--,,the ,,sliding ,,pole4--,advantages of its ,use in the ,capture of ,aquatic ,animals4--,,the ,,clog4--,objections against ,securing the ,steel ,trap to a ,stake4--,method of ,attaching the ,clog4--,,the ,,grappling ,,iron4--,,the ,,season ,,for ,,trapping4--,best condition for ,furs4--,,the ,,art ,,of ,,trapping4--,antiquity of the ,sport4--,necessary ,qualifications for ,successful ,trapping4--,the ,study of ,natural ,history a source of pleasure and profit4--,the ,professional ,trapper's most serious ,page vi ,obstacles4--,marvellous ,cunning of many ,animals4--,necessity of the ,study of their ,habits4--,practical ,natural ,history4--,trapping ,without ,bait4--,run-ways or ,by-paths4--,how ,utilized by the ,trapper4--,how ,detected4--,favorable ,localities for the ,setting of the ,steel ,trap4--,natural ,advantages4--,entrapping animals through their ,sense of ,smell4--,remarkable ,power of ,scent ,baits4--,their great value in the ,capture of the ,beaver4--,caution in ,handling the ,steel ,trap4--,effect of the ,touch of the ,hand4--,buckskin ,gloves a ,necessary ,requisite4--,,medicines1 ,,or ,,scent ,,baits4--,their ,great ,importance in the ,art of ,trapping4--,,castoreum ,,or ,,barkstone4--,how ,obtained4--,castoreum ,composition4--,recipe for ,making4--,how ,used4--,,musk--,,assafoetida4--,,oil ,,of ,,rhodium4--,,fish ,,oil4--,its ,general ,use in the ,capture of ,aquatic ,animals4--,valuable ,recipe for its ,manufacture4--,,oil ,,of ,,skunk4--,how ,obtained4--,how ,eradicated from ,hands or ,clothing4--,,oil ,,of ,,amber4--,,oil ,,of ,,ambergris4--,,oil ,,of ,,anise4--,its ,general ,use as a ,universal ,medicine4--,,sweet ,,fennel4--,,cummin--,,fenugreek--,,lave nder--,,compound ,,medicine--,,the ,,trail--,its ,object and ,value4--,various ,modes of ,making4--,,how ,,to ,,trap4--,general ,remarks4--,,the ,,fox4--,its ,scientific ,classification4--,the ,various ,american ,species4--,the ,red ,fox4--,the ,cross ,fox4--,why so ,named4--,the ,black or ,silver ,fox4--,the ,great ,value of its ,fur4--,the ,prairie ,fox4--,the ,kit or ,swift ,fox4--,the ,gray ,fox4--,similarity in the ,general ,characteristics of the ,various ,species4--,food of the ,fox4--,its ,home4--,its consummate ,craft4--,instances of its ,cunning4--,baffling the ,hounds4--,how to ,trap the ,fox4--,preparation of the ,trap4--,adverse ,effect of ,human ,scent4--,necessity of handling ,trap with ,gloves4--,the ,bed4--,baiting the ,bed ,necessary4--,precautions in ,setting the ,trap4--,the ,tricks of the ,trapper ,illustrated4--,how to ,proceed in case of ,non-,success4--,the ,scent-,baits ,utilized4--,various ,modes of ,setting the ,trap4--,the ,baits ,commonly ,used4--,the ,dead ,fall as a ,means of ,capture4--,common ,mode of ,skinning the ,fox4--,directions for ,stretching ,skin4--,,the ,,wolf4--,the ,various ,species4--,fierce ,characteristics of the ,wolf4--,its ,terrible ,inroads among ,herds and ,flocks4--,the ,gray ,wolf4--,the ,coyote or ,common ,prairie ,wolf4--,the ,texan ,wolf4--,home of the ,wolf4--,number of ,young4--,cunning of the ,wolf4--,caution ,required in ,trapping4--,how to ,trap the ,wolf4--,preparation of ,trap4--,various ,ways of ,setting the ,trap4--,use of the ,trail and ,scent ,baits4--,playing ,possum4--,the ,dead ,fall and ,twitch-up as ,wolf ,traps4--,directions for ,skinning the ,wolf and ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,puma4--,its ,scientific ,classification4--,its ,life and ,habits4--,its ,wonderful ,agility4--,its ,skill as an ,angler4--,its ,stealth4--,various ,traps ,used in the ,capture of the ,puma4--,the ,gun ,trap4--,the ,bow ,trap4--,the ,dead ,fall4--,trap for ,taking the ,animal ,alive4--,log ,coop ,trap4--,the ,pit ,fall4--,bait for the ,puma4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,common ,mode of ,setting4--,selection of ,locality for ,trapping4--,how to ,skin the ,puma4--,directions for ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,canada ,,lynx4--,description of the ,animal4--,its ,life and ,habits4--,its ,food4--,its ,peculiar ,appearance when ,running4--,easily ,killed4--,the ,dead ,fall as a ,lynx ,trap4--,peculiar ,manner of ,construction for the ,purpose4--,the ,gun ,trap4--,the ,bow ,trap4--,the ,twitch-up4--,young of the ,lynx4--,value of its ,fur4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,various ,methods of ,setting4--,directions for ,skinning the ,animal and ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,wild ,,cat4--,its ,resemblance to the ,domestic ,species4--,its ,strange ,appetite4--,its ,home4--,number of ,young4--,haunts of the ,wild ,cat4--,its ,nocturnal ,marauding expeditions4--,its ,lack of ,cunning4--,how to ,trap the ,wild ,cat4--,an ,entire ,colony ,captured4--,ferocity of the ,wild ,cat4--,the ,twitch-up4--,its ,common ,use in the ,capture of the ,wild ,cat4--,other ,successful ,traps4--,various ,baits for the ,wild ,cat4--,directions for ,skinning the ,animal1 and ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,bear4--,the ,various ,american ,species4--,the ,grizzly4--,its ,enormous ,size and ,power4--,its ,terrible ,fury4--,description of the ,animal4--,food of the ,grizzly4--,the ,black ,bear or ,musquaw4--,its ,general ,description4--,bear ,hunting4--,danger of the ,sport4--,food of the ,bear4--,its ,fondness for ,pigs4--,honey ,its ,special ,delight4--,the ,cubs4--,the ,flesh of the ,bear as ,food4--,bears' ,grease4--,hibernation of the ,bear4--,traps for the ,bear4--,the ,dead ,page vii ,fall4--,pit-fall4--,giant ,coop4--,gun ,trap4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,the ,clog and ,grappling-,iron4--,their ,advantages4--,how to ,trap the ,bear4--,various ,methods of ,adjusting ,traps4--,natural ,advantages4--,honey as ,bait4--,other ,baits4--,scent ,baits4--,skinning the ,bear4--,directions for ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,raccoon4--,classification--,cunning and ,stealth of the ,animal4--,characteristic ,features4--,the ,coon ,chase4--,how the ,raccoon is ,hunted4--,the ,tree'd ,coon4--,varied ,accomplishments of the ,raccoon4--,its ,home and ,family4--,the ,coon as a ,pet4--,its ,cunning ,ways4--,its ,extensive ,bill of ,fare4--,life and ,habits of the ,raccoon4--,remarkable ,imprint of its ,paw4--,season for ,trapping the ,coon4--,how to ,trap the ,coon4--,various ,modes of ,setting the ,trap4--,use of the medicines or ,scent ,baits4--,other ,traps for the ,animal4--,directions for ,removing the ,skin1 and ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,badger4--,its ,peculiar ,markings4--,use of the ,hair4--,nest of the ,badger4--,number of ,young4--,food of the ,animal4--,its ,remarkable ,fondness for ,honey4--,its ,cunning4--,remarkable ,instincts4--,its ,shrewdness4--,how to ,trap the ,badger4--,various ,baits4--,use of ,medicine4--,capture of the ,animal by ,flooding its ,burrow4--,how to ,skin the ,badger4--,directions for ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,beaver4--,description of the ,animal4--,its ,nature and ,habits4--,the ,beaver ,village4--,the ,lodges1 or ,beaver ,houses4--,remarkable ,construction of the ,huts4--,the ,dam of the ,beaver4--,wonderful ,skill shown in its ,construction4--,nocturnal ,habits of the ,beaver4--,remarkable ,engineering ,instincts of the ,animal4--,how the ,beaver ,cuts ,timber4--,how the ,dam is ,constructed4--,the ,formation of ,reefs4--,the ,tail of the ,beaver as a ,means of ,transportation4--,subterranean ,passage to the ,huts4--,how ,beavers are ,hunted4--,young of the ,beaver4--,how to ,trap the ,beaver4--,the ,necessary ,precautions4--,castoreum or ,bark ,stone4--,its ,great ,value in the ,capture of the ,beaver4--,various ,methods of ,setting the ,trap4--,how to ,apply the ,castoreum4--,use of the ,sliding ,pole4--,food of the ,beaver4--,directions for ,skinning the ,animal and ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,musk-,,rat4--,general ,description of the ,animal4--,its ,beaver-like ,huts4--,its ,nocturnal ,habits4--,its ,food4--,the ,flesh of the ,musk-rat as an ,article of ,diet4--,description of the ,hut4--,extensive ,family of the ,musk-,rat4--,its ,home4--,how the ,musk-,rat swims beneath ,unbroken ,ice4--,how it is ,killed by being ,driven ,away from its ,breath4--,spearing the ,musk-,rat4--,construction of the ,spear4--,how to ,trap the ,musk-,rat4--,use of the ,sliding ,pole4--,various ,modes of ,setting ,trap4--,the ,spring ,pole4--,scent ,baits4--,various ,devices for ,capturing the ,musk-,rat4--,the ,barrel-,trap4--,remarkable ,success of the ,trap4--,the ,trail4--,skinning the ,musk-,rat4--,how to ,stretch the ,pelt4--,,the ,,otter4--,description of the ,animal4--,beauty of its ,fur4--,how the ,otter ,fur of ,fashion is ,prepared4--,food of the ,otter4--,its ,natural ,endowments for ,swimming4--,habitation of the ,otter4--,its ,nest and ,young4--,the ,track or ,seal of the animal4--,how the ,otter is ,hunted4--,its ,fierceness when ,attacked4--,the ,otter as a ,pet4--,fishing for its ,master4--,the ,otter ,slide4--,how ,utilized by the ,trapper4--,playfulness of the ,otter4--,how the ,animal is ,trapped4--,various ,modes of ,setting ,trap4--,the ,sliding ,pole4--,the ,spring ,pole4--,scent ,baits4--,how ,applied4--,necessary ,precautions4--,how to ,skin the ,otter4--,directions for ,stretching the ,pelt4--,,the ,,mink4--,its ,form and ,color4--,value of the ,fur4--,habits of the ,animal4--,its ,diet4--,its ,perpetual ,greed4--,ease with which it may be ,trapped4--,habitation of the ,mink4--,its ,nest and ,young4--,how to ,trap the ,mink4--,various ,methods of ,setting the ,trap4--,baits4--,the ,sliding ,pole4--,medicine4--,the ,runways of the ,mink4--,how ,utilized in ,trapping4--,the ,trail4--,various ,traps ,used in the ,capture of the ,mink4--,how to ,skin the ,animal4--,,the ,,pine ,,marten4--,description of the ,animal4--,its ,natural ,characteristics4--,its ,nocturnal ,habits4--,its ,wonderful ,stealth and ,activity4--,its ,bill of ,fare4--,its ,strange mode of ,seizing ,prey4--,the ,marten as a ,pet4--,its ,agreeable ,odor4--,various ,traps ,used in the ,capture of the ,marten4--,baits for the ,marten4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,several ,modes of ,setting4--,directions for ,skinning the ,animal4--,,the ,,fisher4--,its ,form and ,color4--,its ,habitation and ,young4--,how the ,animal is ,trapped4--,various ,methods4--,the ,spring ,pole4--,baits for the ,fisher4--,principal ,devices ,used in its ,capture4--,the ,skin4--,how ,page viii ,removed and ,stretched4--,,the ,,skunk4--,its ,fetid ,stench4--,origin of the ,odor4--,its ,effect on ,man and ,beast4--,premonitory ,symptoms of ,attack4--,acrid ,qualities of the ,secretion4--,its ,terrible ,effect on the ,eyes4--,interesting ,adventure with a ,skunk4--,appearances are often ,deceitful4--,the ,skunk as a ,pet4--,color of the ,animal4--,habits of the ,animal4--,its ,food4--,its ,young4--,alaska ,sable4--,how to ,trap the ,skunk4--,various ,traps ,used4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,different ,modes of ,setting4--,baits4--,the ,dead ,fall4--,modifications in its ,construction4--,the ,twitch-up4--,its ,peculiar ,advantages for the ,capture of the ,skunk4--,chloride of ,lime as ,antidote4--,method of ,eradicating the ,odor from the ,clothing4--,directions for ,removing and ,stretching the ,skin4--,,the ,,wolverine4--,its ,desperate ,fierceness and voracity4--,its ,general ,characteristics4--,its ,form and ,color4--,food of the ,wolverine4--,its ,trap-,robbing ,propensities4--,how to ,trap the ,wolverine4--,baits4--,use of the ,medicine4--,the ,gun ,trap and ,dead ,fall4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,various ,modes of ,setting4--,home and ,young of the ,animal4--,how the ,skin should be ,removed and ,stretched4--,,the ,,opossum4--,description of the ,animal4--,its ,nature and ,habits4--,its ,home4--,remarkable ,mode of ,carrying its ,young4--,nocturnal ,habits of the ,animal4--,its ,food4--,its ,especial ,fondness for ,persimmons4--,its ,remarkable ,tenacity as a ,climber4--,playing ,possum4--,how the ,opossum is ,hunted4--,how ,trapped4--,various ,devices ,used in its ,capture4--,scent ,baits4--,how the ,skin is ,removed and ,stretched4--,,the ,,rabbit4--,wide-spread ,distribution of the ,various ,species4--,their ,remarkable ,powers of ,speed4--,nest of the ,rabbit4--,its ,prolific ,offspring4--,food of the ,rabbit4--,its ,enemies4--,various ,devices ,used in ,trapping the ,animal4--,necessary ,precautions in ,skinning the ,rabbit4--,,the ,,woodchuck4--,description of the ,animal4--,its ,habits4--,its ,burrows4--,its ,food4--,toughness of the ,skin4--,its ,use4--,nest of the ,animal4--,the ,woodchuck as ,food4--,how the ,animal is ,trapped4--,the ,steel ,trap4--,the ,spring ,pole4--,the ,twitch-up4--,how the ,woodchuck is ,drowned ,out4--,the ,turtle as a ,ferret4--,smoking the ,burrows4--,directions for ,skinning the ,animal4--,,the ,,gopher4--,its ,burrows4--,its ,food4--,remarkable ,cheek ,pouches of the ,animal4--,their ,use4--,how to ,trap the ,animal4--,how the ,skin is ,removed4--,,the ,,mole4--,its ,varied ,accomplishments4--,its ,remarkable ,dwellings4--,complicated ,structure of the ,habitation4--,the ,fury and ,voracity of the ,mole4--,peculiarities of ,its ,fur4--,a ,waistcoat of ,mole ,skins4--,odor of the ,mole4--,mole ,traps4--,various ,species of the ,mole4--,the ,mole of the ,cape of ,good ,hope4--,marvellous ,beauty of ,its ,fur4--,,squirrels4--,their ,general ,peculiarities of ,form and ,habit4--,their ,food4--,their ,provident ,instincts4--,nutting in ,midwinter4--,the ,nest of the ,squirrel4--,burrowing ,squirrels4--,the ,various ,american ,species4--,the ,grey ,squirrel4--,the ,chipmunk4--,the ,chickaree4--,the ,flying ,squirrel1 c4--,how ,squirrels are ,trapped4--,various ,traps ,used in their ,capture4--,removal of ,skin4--,,the ,,deer4--,difficulty of ,hunting the ,animal in ,dry ,seasons4--,various ,american ,species of the ,deer4--,how the ,deer is ,trapped4--,peculiar ,construction of the ,trap4--,scent ,bait for the ,deer4--,various ,methods of ,setting the ,trap4--,violence of the ,deer when ,trapped4--,the ,clog4--,dead ,falls4--,food of the ,deer4--,deer ,yards4--,natural ,enemies of the ,deer4--,how the ,deer is ,hunted4--,still ,hunting4--,the ,deer's ,acute ,sense of ,smell4--,how to ,detect the ,direction of the ,wind4--,natural ,habits of the ,deer4--,night ,hunting4--,luminosity of the ,eyes of the ,deer at ,night4--,hunting the deer with dogs4--,deer ,licks4--,how ,salt is used in ,hunting the ,deer4--,hunting from a ,scaffolding4--,peculiar ,sight of the ,deer4--,salt ,licks used in ,night ,hunting4--,head ,lantern4--,how made4--,how used4--,the fiery ,eyes of the ,deer4--,fox ,fire or ,phosphorescent wood4--,how used by the ,hunter4--,seasons for ,deer ,hunting4--,how to skin the ,deer4--,,the ,,moose4--,description of the animal4--,immense size of its ,horns4--,moose yards4--,hunted on ,snow shoes4--,the dangers of ,moose ,hunting4--,exquisite sense of ,smell4--,how the ,moose is ,trapped4--,directions for removing the ,skin of the ,animal4--,,rocky ,,mountain ,,sheep4--,description of the ,animal4--,its enormous ,horns4--,habits of the creature4--,its flesh as ,food4--,how the ,animal is ,trapped4--,,the ,,buffalo4--,its ,habits4--,its ,food4--,buffalo-grass4--,how the ,animal is ,hunted and ,trapped4--,buffalo ,page ix flesh as ,food4--,buffalo skins4--,,the ,,prong ,,horn ,,antelope4--,description of the ,animal4--,peculiarity of ,horn4--,how the creature is ,hunted and ,destroyed by the ,indians4--,remarkable sense of ,smell of the ,animal4--,its ,beauty and grace4--,flesh of the ,antelope a ,food4--,how the ,animal is ,trapped4--,various ,traps used in their ,capture4--,the ,dead-fall4--,pit-fall4--,how to remove the ,hide of the ,animal4--,,shooting ,,and ,,poisoning4--,shot furs4--,poisoned furs4--,trapped furs4--,their relative ,value in the ,fur ,market4--,effect of grazing shot on fur4--,effect of ,poison on ,fur4--,remarks on the use of ,poison4--,strychnine4--,poisoning ,wolves4--,recipe for mixing the ,poison4--,poisoning the ,bear4--,how the ,dose is ,prepared4 ,,book ,,vii4 ,,campaign ,,life ,,in ,,the ,,wilderness4 ,introductory ,remarks4--,amateur ,trapping4--,,plan ,,of ,,campaign4--,selection of ,trapping-ground4--,advantages of a ,watered ,district4--,labor of transportation lightened by ,boating4--,lakes1 ,ponds and ,streams4--,the ,adirondacks and ,alleghanies4--,remarks on the ,home ,shanty4--,selection of ,site for building4--,value of a good ,axe4--,remarks on the ,bark ,shanty4--,its value in case of ,storms4--,wise fore-sight4--,remarks on the ,indian ,birch-bark ,canoe4--,dug-out and ,bateau4--,commencement of ,trapping ,season4--,advantages of preliminary preparation4--,extensive route of the ,professional ,trapper4--,sixty pounds of ,personal ,luggage4--,how the traps and provisions are distributed among the ,trapping lines4--,use of the ,home ,shanty4--,keeping ,shanty4--,necessity of its being ,guarded4--,wolves and ,bears as thieves4--,steel ,traps considered4--,number used in a ,professional ,campaign4--,number for an ,amateur ,campaign4--,their ,probable ,cost4--,the average size of ,trap4--,dead-falls1 ,twitchups1 c41 considered4--,requisite ,tools for a ,campaign4--,a ,house-wife a valuable necessity4--,cleanliness next to ,godliness4--,the ,trappers' ,light4--,comparative value of ,lanterns and ,candles4--,the ,trappers' ,personal outfit4--,the jack-knife4--,the ,pocket-,compass4--,necessity of preparing for ,emergencies4--,shot guns and ,rifles4--,both combined in the same weapon4--,oil for ,fire ,arms4--,fat of the ,grouse ,used on ,fire ,arms4--,fishing tackle4--,the ,trappers' portable stove4--,the ,stove versus ,the ,open ,fire4--,the ,trapper's ,clothing4--,the ,material and ,color4--,boots4--,high-topped ,boots4--,short ,boots4--,their ,relative ,qualities4--,waterproof ,boot ,dressing4--,recipe4--,the ,trapping ,season4--,hints on ,trapping-lines4--,the ,wheel plan4--,mode of following the lines4--,trap ,robbers or ,poachers4--,how to guard against them4--,hiding furs4--,how to store ,traps from ,season to ,season4--,gnats and ,mosquitoes4--,the ,smudge4--,how made4--,,food ,,and ,,cooking ,,utensils4--,roughing it4--,a chance ,chip for a ,frying ,pan4--,a happy medium between two extremes4--,cosy and ,comfortable living on a ,campaign4--,portable ,food4--,combined ,nutriment and lightness in weight to be desired4--,the ,trappers' ,culinary ,outfit4--,indian meal as ,food4--,the ,trappers' ,staff of ,life4--,wheat flour4--,salt ,pork4--,seasoning4--,pork ,fritters a luxury4--,cooking ,utensils4--,the ,telescope drinking cup4--,recipe for making ,pork ,fritters4--,chop ,sticks la ,chinee4--,a ,flat ,chip as a ,plate4--,boiled ,mush4--,old ,stand by4--,recipe4--,fried ,mush4--,indian meal ,cakes4--,recipe4--,johnny ,cake4--,recipe4--,hoe ,cakes4--,recipe4--,fresh fish4--,how to ,cook fish in a most ,delicious manner4--,prof4 ,blot1 and ,delmonico1 out-done4--,the ,,ne ,,plus ,,ultra of delicacies4--,all the sweet ,juices of the ,fish preserved4--,disadvantages of the ordinary method of cooking4--,partridge1 ,duck1 ,quail1 ,cooked deliciously4--,roasting unrivalled6--,hints on ,broiling4--,an extemporized ,spider or ,toaster4--,roasting on a spit4--,venison1 ,bear1 and ,moose ,meat broiled in the best style4--,venison cutlets4--,the ,camp fire4--,usual mode ,page x of building ,fire4--,how the ,kettle is suspended4--,luxuries considered4--,the ,knapsack a desirable ,acquisition4--,matches4--,the ,bottle ,match-safe4--,waterproof ,matches4--,how made4--,lucifer ,matches4--,recipe for ,waterproof preparation4--,the ,pocket ,sun ,glass4--,a necessary adjunct to a ,trapper's ,outfit4--,its ,advantages in case of ,emergency4--,touch wood or ,punk ,tinder1 valuable in lighting fires4--,how to light ,fires without matches or ,sun glass4--,how to light a fire without ,matches1 ,sun ,glass1 ,powder1 or ,percussion ,caps4--,a last ,resort4--,matches best in the long run4--,the ,portable ,camp ,stove described4--,its accompanying ,furniture4--,the ,combination ,camp-knife4--,hint on ,provisions4--,potatoes as food4--,beans4--,self raising ,wheat flour4--,light ,bread1 ,biscuit and ,pancakes in ,camp4--,various accessories4--,olive ,oil for purpose of ,frying4--,pork4--,indian meal4--,crackers4--,wheaten ,grits4--,rice and ,oatmeal4--,tea and ,coffee4--,soups4--,liebig's ,extract of ,beef4--,canned ,vegetables4--,lemonade4--,waterproof bags for provisions4--,painted bags4--,caution6--,waterproof preparation4--,air-tight jars for ,butter4--,knapsack or ,shoulder ,basket4--,venison as food4--,to preserve the overplus of meat4--,jerked ,venison ,recipe and ,process4--,moose and ,bear meat and ,fish1 similarly prepared4--,how to protect provisions from ,wolves4--,the ,moufflon and ,prong-horn as food4--,small game1 ,squirrels1 ,rabbits1 and ,woodchucks4--,skunk ,meat as a delicacy4--,the ,buffalo as food4--,grouse1 the universal ,food of ,trappers and ,hunters4--,various species of ,grouse4--,the ,sage ,cock4--,the ,ptarmigan4--,how they are trapped by the ,indians in the ,hudson's ,bay ,country4--,waterfowl4--,sea and ,inland ,ducks4--,various species of ,duck4--,mallard4--,muscovy4--,wigeon4-- ,merganser4--,canvass ,back4--,teal1 c4--,wild ,geese4--,fish as food4--,angling and ,spearing4--,salmon ,spearing in the ,north4--,description of the ,salmon ,spear used by the ,indians4--,salmon ,spearing at night4--,requisites of a good ,spearsman4--,fishing through the ,ice4--,cow's udder and ,hogs liver as ,bait4--,other ,baits4--,assafoetida and ,sweet ,cicely as fish ,baits4--,trout fishing with ,tip-up's4--,pickerel fishing in ,winter4--,pickerel ,spearing through the ,ice4--,the ,box ,hut4--,the ,fish ,lantern or ,fish ,trap4--,fish ,attracted by light4--,light as ,bait4--,how the ,fish ,lantern is made and used4--,,the ,,trapper',s ,,shelter4--,introductory remarks4--,the ,perils of a ,life in the ,wilderness4--,a ,shelter of some form a ,necessity4--,the ,log ,shanty4--,full directions for building4--,ingenious manner of constructing roof4--,how the ,chimney is built4--,spacious interior of the ,shanty4--,,the ,,bark ,,shanty4--,a ,temporary structure4--,full directions for its construction4--,selection of building site4--,,tents4--,advantages of their use4--,various kinds of ,tents4--,the ,house ,tent4--,the ,fly ,tent4--,the ,shelter ,tent4--,directions for making the ,tent4--,tent ,cloth4--,how to render tents ,water and ,fire-resistant4--,valuable recipe4--,,beds ,,and ,,bedding4--,perfect rest and comfort to the tired ,trapper4--,a portable ,spring bed for the woods4--,a ,hammock bed4--,bed ,clothes4--,the ,canton ,flannel ,bag4--,hammocks4--,,tent ,,carpeting4--,spruce and ,hemlock boughs as bedding4--,how to cover the ground evenly4--,the ,rubber ,blanket4 ,,book ,,viii4 ,,the ,,trapper',s ,,miscellany4 ,warning to the ,novice4--,winged ,cannibals of the ,woods4--,,insect ,,ointments4--,mosquitoes and ,gnats4--,their aversion to the scent of ,pennyroyal4--,pennyroyal ,ointment4--,recipe4--,mutton tallow ,ointment4--,tar and ,sweet ,oil ,liniment4--,recipe4--,its effect on the ,complexion4--,invasions of ,insects by night4--,their pertinacity and severity4--,the experience of our ,adirondack guide4--,the bloodthirsty propensities of the ,mosquito admirably depicted4--,the ,smudge ,smoke versus ,insect ,bites4--,punkeys and ,midgets4--,their terrible voracity4--,painful effects of their ,bites4--,pennyroyal an effective ,antidote4--,depraved ,page xi appetite of the mosquito4--,a ,warning to the ,intemperate4--,use and abuse of ,alcohol4--,a ,popular error corrected4--,a substitute for ,whiskey and ,brandy4--,red ,pepper ,tea4--,its great value as a remedy in ,illness4--,the ,mosquitoes' favorite ,victim4--,result of the bite of the insect4--,the ,mosquito ,head-,net4--,directions for making the ,net4--,netting attachment for the ,hat4--,portable ,sun ,shade or ,hat brim4--,netting attachment for the ,hat brim4--,,boat ,,building4--,a ,boat of some kind a necessity to the ,trapper4--,the ,dug-,out or ,log-,canoe4--,requisite ,tools for its ,manufacture4--,selection of the ,log4--,directions for making the boat4--,remarkable thinness to which they may be reduced4--,lightness of the boat4--,how to gauge the thickness4--,how to stop leaks4--,,the ,,indian ,,or ,,birch ,,bark ,,canoe4--,the ,indian as a ,canoe-maker4--,his remarkable skill4--,perfection of the ,indian made ,canoe4--,description of the ,canoe4--,capacity of the various sizes4--,how to construct a ,bark ,canoe4--,selection of ,bark4--,how to prevent ,leaks4--,material used by the ,indians in sewing the ,bark4--,advantages of the ,birch ,bark ,canoe4--,basswood1 ,hemlock1 and ,spruce ,bark ,canoes4--,a ,,light ,,home-,,made ,,boat4--,selection of ,boards4--,directions for making the ,boat4--,caulking the seams4--,value of ,pitch for waterproofing purposes4--,how it should be applied4--,,the ,,scow4--,how to construct the ordinary ,flat-bottomed ,boat4--,the ,mud-stick4--,,snow ,,shoes4--,a necessity for winter travel4--,the ,snow ,shoe ,race4--,the mysteries of a ,snow ,shoe4--,taming the ,snow ,shoe4--,how to make the ,snow ,shoe4--,complicated ,net-work4--,two methods of attaching the ,net-work4--,how the ,snow ,shoe is worn4--,,the ,,toboggan ,,or ,,indian ,,sledge4--,its value to the ,trapper4--,winter ,coasting4--,great sport with the ,toboggan4--,how to make a ,toboggan4--,selection of ,boards4--,how the ,sledge is used4--,,curing ,,skins4--,importance of ,curing ,skins properly4--,valuable hints on ,skinning ,animals4--,how to dry ,skins4--,how to dress ,skins for ,market4--,astringent preparations4--,recipe4--,,stretchers4-- ,how skins are stretched4--,the ,board ,stretcher4--,how it is made and used4--,the ,wedge ,stretcher4--,how made and used4--,the ,bow ,stretcher4--,the ,hoop ,stretcher4--,,tanning ,,skins4--,to ,tan with the hair on4--,preparation of ,skin for ,tanning4--,tanning ,mixture4--,recipe4--,second ,mixture4--,recipe4--,third ,mixture and ,recipe4--,how the ,skin is softened and finished4--,,how ,,to ,,tan ,,mink ,,and ,,muskrat ,,skins4--,preparation of ,skin4--,tanning ,mixtures4--,various ,recipes4--,fleshing4--,the ,fleshing-knife4--,substitute for the ,fleshing-knife4--,,how ,,to ,,tan ,,the ,,skins ,,of ,,the ,,beaver1 ,,otter1 ,,raccoon1 ,,and ,,marten4--,tanning ,mixtures4--,how to soften the ,skin4--,simple ,tanned ,skin4--,recipe for removing the fur4--,how to finish the ,skin4--,,observations ,,on ,,the ,,history ,,of ,,furs ,,and ,,the ,,fur ,,trade4--,some bits of ,history in connection with ,furs4--,ancient use of ,furs4--,furs a medium of ,exchange4--,furs and ,fashion4--,extravagance in ,fur ,costume4--,choice ,furs as ,badges of ,rank4--,their use restricted to ,royal ,families4--,the ,early ,fur ,trade of ,europe4--,a ,tribute paid in ,furs4--,early ,history of the ,fur ,trade in ,america4--,origin of the ,hudson's ,bay ,company4--,hostility of the ,french ,canadian ,traders4--,establishment of the ,north ,west ,company4--,competition and ,war4--,consolidation of the two ,companies4--,great sales of the ,hudson's ,bay ,company4--,importance of the ,fur ,trade4--,cities founded by the enterprise of the ,trapper4--,st4 ,paul4--,montreal and ,mackinaw4--,fortunes built up on ,fur ,traffic4--,john ,jacob ,astor4--,mink and ,muskrat ,skins4--,their extensive use in ,america4--,estimated value of the annual yield of ,raw ,furs throughout the ,world4--,classification of ,furs by ,american ,dealers4--,home ,furs4--,shipping ,furs4--,table of ,sales of ,hudson's ,bay ,company1 in #ahgc4--,march ,sale4--,september ,sale4--,price according to ,quality4--,estimated average per ,skin4--,list of ,american ,shipping ,furs4--,list of ,american ,home ,furs4--,,market ,,value ,,of ,,fur ,,skins4--,eccentricities of the ,fur ,market4--,demand governed by ,fashion4--,how ,fashion runs the ,fur ,trade4--,the ,amateur ,trapper and the ,fur ,trade4--,difficulty of a profitable disposal of ,furs4--,advice to the ,novice4--,how to realize on the sale of ,furs4--,,table ,,of ,,values ,,of ,,american ,,fur ,,skins4--,a complete list of ,american ,fur bearing ,animals4--,various prices of ,skins according to ,quality4--,,uses ,,of ,,american ,,furs ,,at ,,home ,,and ,,abroad4--,the ,silver ,fox4--,fifty ,guineas for a ,fur ,skin4--,red ,fox ,fur4--,its ,page xii use in ,oriental ,countries4--,beaver ,fur4--,its various uses4--,raccoon ,skins1 a great ,staple for ,russia and ,germany4--,bear ,skins and their various uses4--,lynx1 ,fisher1 and ,marten ,skins4--,the ,mink4--,use of its hair for ,artists pencils4--,muskrat ,skins4--,three millions annually exported to ,germany alone4--,their extensive use among the ,american poorer classes4--,otter ,fur4--,sleigh ,robes from ,wolf ,skins4--,rabbit ,fur4--,its use in the ,manufacture of ,hats4--,breeding ,rabbits for their ,fur4--,the ,wolverine4--,skunk ,fur1 dignified by the name of ,alaska ,sable4--,large shipments to ,foreign ,countries4--,how the ,fur of the ,badger is used4--,opossum1 ,puma1 and ,wild ,cat ,fur4--,robes for the ,fashionable4--,squirrel and ,mole skins4 ,illustration ,page xiii ,illustration3 ,,illustrations4 ,,full ,,pages4 #a4 ,caught at last4 #b4 ,traps for ,large ,game4 #c4 ,snares or ,noose ,traps4 #d4 ,traps for ,feathered ,game4 #e4 ,miscellaneous ,traps4 #f4 ,household ,traps4 #g4 ,steel ,traps1 and the art of ,trapping4 #h4 ,almost ,persuaded4--to face4 #i4 ,the ,campaign4 #aj4 ,trapper's ,miscellany4 ,page xiv ,,illustrations ,,in ,,the ,,text4 #aa4 ,preface4 #ab4 ,initial to ,preface4 #ac4 ,end piece to ,preface4 #ad4 ,contents4 #ae4 ,illustrations4 #af4 ,initial to ,book ,i #ag4 ,dead fall for large ,animals4 #ah4 ,explanatory drawing of pieces4 #ai4 ,the ,gun ,trap4 #bj4 ,the ,bow ,trap #ba4 arrangement of parts4 #bb4 ,section4 #bc4 ,foot ,string ,bow ,trap4 #bd4 ,the ,down fall4 #be4 ,the ,bear ,trap4 #bf4 ,end piece to ,book ,i4 #bg4 ,initial to ,book ,,ii4 #bh4 ,quail ,nooses4 #bi4 ,hedge ,nooses4 #cj4 ,the ,triangle ,snare4 #ca4 ,the ,twitch-up4 #cb4 ,method of ,setting4 #cc4 ,no4 #b4 #cd4 ,no4 #c4 #ce4 ,no4 #d4 #cf4 ,no4 #e4 #cg4 ,the ,poacher's ,snare4 #ch4 ,the ,portable ,snare4 #ci4 ,the ,simplest ,snare4 #dj4 ,modification ,no4 #b4 #da4 #c4 #db4 ,the ,quail ,snare4 #dc4 ,the ,box ,snare4 #dd4 ,the ,double ,box ,snare4 #de4 ,the ,old fashioned ,springle4 #df4 ,the ,improved ,springle4 #dg4 ,the ,figure ,four ,ground ,snare4 #dh4 ,the ,platform ,snare4 #di4 ,end piece4 #ej4 ,initial to ,book ,,iii4 #ea4 ,the ,brick ,trap4 #eb4 ,method of ,setting4 #ec4 ,the ,coop ,trap4 #ed4 ,the ,bat fowling ,net4 #ee4 ,the ,clap ,net4 #ef4 ,the ,bird ,whistle4 #eg4 ,the ,trap ,cage4 #eh4 ,diagrams of ,cage4 #ei4 ,the ,spring ,net ,trap4 ,page xv #fj4 ,section of ,spring ,net ,trap4 #fa4 ,a ,simpler ,net ,trap4 #fb4 ,the ,upright ,net ,trap4 #fc4 ,second ,method #fd4 ,the ,box ,owl ,trap4 #fe4 ,the ,box ,bird ,trap4 #ff4 ,the ,pendant ,box ,bird ,trap4 #fg4 ,the ,hawk ,trap4 #fh4 ,the ,wild ,duck ,net4 #fi4 ,the ,hook ,trap4 #gj4 ,the ,fool's ,cap ,trap4 #ga4 ,the ,limed ,twig4 #gb4 ,humming-bird ,trap4 #gc4 ,initial to ,book ,,iv4 #gd4 ,the ,common ,box ,trap4 #ge4 ,two ,modes of ,setting4 #gf4 ,box ,trap4 #gg4 ,the ,figure ,four ,trap4 #gh4 ,parts of #gi4 ,the ,double ,ender4 #hj4 ,the ,self-,setting ,trap4 #ha4 ,the ,dead fall4 #hb4 ,method ,no4 #b4 #hc4 ,the ,garotte4 #hd4 ,arrangement of ,setting4 #he4 ,the ,bow ,garotte ,trap4 #hf4 ,a ,fish ,trap4 #hg4 ,end ,piece ,maternal advice4 #hh4 ,initial to ,book ,v4 #hi4 ,the ,barrel ,trap4 #ij4 ,the ,box ,dead ,trap4 #ia4 ,the ,board ,flap4 #ib4 ,the ,box ,pit-fall4 #ic4 ,diagram of #id4 ,cage ,trap4 #ie4 ,initial to ,book ,,vi4 #if4 ,steel ,trap4 ,no4 7#j7 or ,rat ,trap4 #ig4 ,steel ,trap4 ,no4 #a1 or ,muskrat ,trap4 #ih4 ,no4 #b1 or ,mink ,trap4 #ii4 ,no4 #b-a_/b1 or ,fox ,trap4 #ajj4 ,no4 #c1 or ,otter ,trap4 #aja4 ,no4 #d1 or ,beaver ,trap4 #ajb4 ,the ,great ,bear ,tamer1 ,steel ,trap4 #ajc4 ,steel ,trap ,no4 #e1 or ,small ,bear ,trap4 #ajd4 ,steel ,trap set in pen4 #aje4 ,the ,spring ,pole4 #ajf4 ,the ,sliding pole4 #ajg4 ,the ,grappling ,iron4 #ajh4 ,the ,wolf4 #aji4 ,the ,puma4 #aaj4 ,the ,canada ,lynx4 ,page xvi #aaa4 ,the ,wild ,cat4 #aab4 ,the ,bear4 #aac4 ,the ,raccoon4 #aad4 ,the ,badger4 #aae4 ,the ,beaver4 #aaf4 ,the ,otter4 #aag4 ,the ,mink4 #aah4 ,the ,marten4 #aai4 ,the ,skunk4 #abj4 ,the ,wolverine4 #aba4 ,the ,opossum4 #abb4 ,the ,squirrel4 #abc4 ,the ,moose4 #abd4 ,initial to ,book ,,vii4 #abe4 ,portable ,drinking ,cup4 #abf4 ,the ,home ,shanty4 #abg4 ,the ,shelter tent4 #abh4 ,the ,trapper's ,bed4 #abi4 ,end ,piece4 #acj4 ,initial to ,book ,,viii4 #aca4 ,head ,net4 #acb4 ,portable ,hat-brim4 #acc4 ,hat-brim with netting attachment4 #acd4 ,the ,dug-out or ,log ,canoe4 #ace4 ,the ,birch-,bark ,canoe4 #acf4 ,a ,light ,home-made ,boat4 #acg4 ,diagram view of ,boat----4 #ach4 ,the ,snow ,shoe4 #aci4 ,the ,toboggan or ,indian ,sledge4 #adj4 ,the ,board ,stretcher4 #ada4 ,the ,wedge ,stretcher4 #adb4 ,the ,bow ,stretcher4 #adc4 ,the ,end4 ,illustration ,page #ae ,illustration3 ,,traps ,,for ,,large ,,game ,page #ag ,,book ,i4 ,,traps ,,for ,,large ,,game4 ,illustration3 ,however free our forests may be from the lurking dangers of a tropical jungle1 they nevertheless shelter a few large and formidable beasts which are legitimate and deserving subjects of the ,trapper's ,art4 ,chief among them are the ,puma1 or ,cougar1 ,bear1 ,lynx1 ,wolf and ,wolverine4 ,although commonly taken in steel traps1 as described respectively in a later portion of this work1 these animals are nevertheless often captured by ,deadfalls and other devices1 which are well known to the professional ,trapper1 and which serve excellently in cases of emergency1 or in the scarcity of steel traps4 ,illustration ,,the ,,dead-,,fall4 ,there are several varieties of this trap1 some of which are described in other parts of this volume4 ,in general construction they all bear a similarity1 the methods of setting being slightly changed to suit the various game desired for capture4 ,for large animals1 and particularly the ,bear1 the trap is sprung by the pressure of the animal's foot1 while reaching for the bait4 ,select some favorite haunt of the ,bear1 and proceed to construct a pen of large stakes4 ,these should consist of young trees1 or straight branches1 about three inches in diameter1 and should be of such a length as to reach a height of four or five feet when set in the ground1 this being the required height of the pen4 ,its width should be about two and a half or three feet2 its depth1 four feet2 and the top should be roofed over with cross pieces of timber1 to prevent the ,page #ah bait from being taken from above4 ,a straight log1 about eight inches in diameter1 and six feet in length should now be rolled against the opening of the pen1 and hemmed in by two upright posts1 one on each side1 directly on a line with the sides of the enclosure4 ,another log1 or tree trunk1 of the same diameter1 and about fifteen or twenty feet in length1 should next be procured4 ,having this in readiness1 we will now proceed to the construction of the other pieces4 ,in order to understand the arrangement of these1 we present a separate drawing of the parts as they appear when the trap is set 7a74 ,an upright post1 is supplied at the upper end with a notch1 having its flat face on the lower side4 ,this post should be driven into the ground in the left hand back corner of the pen1 and should be three feet or more in height4 ,another post 7b7 of similar dimensions1 is provided with a notch at its upper end1 the notch being reversed1 i4 e41 having its flat side uppermost4 ,this post should be set in the ground1 outside of the pen1 on the right hand side and on a line with the first4 ,a third post 7c71 is provided with a crotch on its upper end4 ,this should be planted outside of the pen on the right hand side1 and on a line with the front4 ,the treadle piece consists of a forked branch1 about three feet ,page #ai in length1 supplied with a square board secured across its ends4 ,at the junction of the forks1 an augur hole is bored1 into which a stiff stick about three feet in length is inserted4 ,this is shown at 7h74 ,two poles1 7d7 and 7e71 should next be procured1 each about four feet in length4 ,these complete the number of pieces1 and the trap may then be set4 ,pass the pole 7d7 between the stakes of the pen1 laying one end in the notch in the post 7a71 and holding the other beneath the notch in the upright 7b74 ,the second pole 7e7 should then be adjusted1 one end being placed in the crotch post 7c71 and the other caught beneath the projecting end of the pole 7d71 as is fully illustrated in the engraving4 ,the dead-log should then be rested on the front extremity of the pole last adjusted1 thus effecting an equilibrium4 ,illustration ,the treadle-piece should now be placed in position over a short stick of wood 7f71 with its platform raised in front1 and the upright stick at the back secured beneath the edge of the latch pole 7d74 ,the best bait consists of honey1 for which ,bears have a remarkable fondness4 ,it may be placed on the ground at the back part of the enclosure1 or smeared on a piece of meat hung at the end of the pen4 ,the dead-log should now be weighted by resting heavy timbers against its elevated end1 as seen in the main drawing1 after which the machine is ready for its deadly work4 ,a ,bear will never hesitate to risk his life where a feast of honey is in view1 and the odd arrangement of timbers has no fears for him after that tempting bait has once been discovered4 ,passing beneath the suspended log1 his heavy paw encounters the broad board on the treadle-piece1 which immediately sinks with his weight4 ,the upright pole at the back of the treadle is thus raised1 forcing the latch-piece from the notch3 this in turn sets free the side pole1 and the heavy log is released falling with a crushing weight over the back of hapless ,bruin4 ,there are many other methods of setting the ,dead-fall1 several of which appear in another section of this book4 ,the above is the one more commonly used for the capture of ,bears1 but the others are ,page #bj equally applicable and effective when enlarged to the proper size4 ,in ,south ,america and other countries1 where ,lions1 ,tigers1 ,leopards1 and ,jaguars abound1 these and other rude extempore traps are almost the only ones used1 and are always very successful4 ,the pit-fall often allures the ,bengal ,tiger to his destruction1 and the ,leopard often terminates his career at the muzzle of a rifle baited as seen in our page illustration4 ,a gun thus arranged forms a most sure and deadly trap1 and one which may be easily extemporized at a few moments' warning1 in cases of emergency4 ,the ,puma of our northern forests1 although by no means so terrible a foe as the ,leopard1 is still a blood-thirsty creature1 and while he shuns the gaze of man with the utmost fear1 he is nevertheless constantly on the alert to spring upon him unawares1 either in an unguarded moment or during sleep4 ,a hungry ,puma1 who excites suspicion by his stealthy prowling and ominous growl1 may easily be led to his destruction at the muzzle of a gun1 baited as we shall now describe4 ,,the ,,gun ,,trap4 ,after a ,puma has succeeded in capturing his prey1 and has satisfied his appetite by devouring a portion of its carcass1 he leaves the remainder for a second meal1 and his early return to a second banquet is almost a matter of certainty4 ,where such a remnant of a bygone feast is found1 the capture of the ,cougar is an easy matter4 ,any carcass left in a neighborhood where ,pumas are known to exist is sure to attract them1 and day after day its bulk will be found to decrease until the bones only remain4 ,by thus baiting a certain place and drawing the ,pumas thither1 the way is paved for their most certain destruction4 ,the gun-trap is very simply constructed1 and may be put in working order in a very few moments4 ,the weapon may be a rifle or shot-gun4 ,in the latter case it should be heavily loaded with buck-shot4 ,the stock should be first firmly tied to some tree1 or secured in a stout crotch driven into the ground1 the barrel being similarly supported4 ,the gun should be about three feet from the ground1 and should be aimed at some near tree to avoid possible accident to a chance passer-by within its range4 ,the gun should then be cocked1 but not capped1 due caution being always used1 and the cap adjusted the very last thing after the trap is baited and set4 ,where a rifle ,page #ba is used1 the cartridge should not be inserted until the last thing4 ,it is next necessary to cut a small sapling about a foot or two in length4 ,its diameter should allow it to fit snugly inside the guard in front of the trigger1 without springing the hammer4 ,its other end should now be supported by a very slight crotch1 as shown in our illustration4 ,another sapling should next be procured1 its length being sufficient to reach from the muzzle of the gun to the end of the first stick1 and having a branch stub or hook on one end4 ,the other extremity should be attached by a string to the tip of the first slick4 ,illustration ,now take a portion of the carcass and draw it firmly over the hook in the long stick4 ,prop the latter in such a position as that the bait shall hang directly in front of the muzzle4 ,the crotch supporting the bait stick should be firmly implanted in the ground in order to hold the bait from being drawn to either side of the muzzle4 ,the gun-trap is now set1 and its merits may be tested4 ,before adjusting the cap the pieces should be tried several times to insure their perfect working4 ,a slight pull on the bait from the front will draw the short stick forward4 ,this immediately ,page #bb acts on the trigger and causes the hammer to snap4 ,by a few trials1 the sticks can be arranged so as to spring the trigger easily1 and where a hair trigger is used1 a mere touch on the bait will suffice to discharge the gun4 ,when all is found to work perfectly1 the trap should be surrounded by a rude pen of sticks and branches1 extending two or three feet beyond the muzzle1 in order to insure an approach directly in the aim of the gun4 ,the cap should now be placed on the nipple1 after which the deadly device may be left to do its certain work4 ,the remaining portion of the carcass should be removed1 and where the locality is likely to be frequented by other hunters or trappers1 it is well to put up a danger signal to guard against accident4 ,if desired two or three guns may be arranged like the spokes of a wheel1 all aiming near the bait4 ,even with one gun the victim stands but little chance1 but where two or three pour their contents into his body1 his death is an absolute certainty4 ,by fastening the gun three feet above ground the load is discharged upward into the mouth of its victim1 and thus directly through the brain4 ,where two or more guns are used1 it is advisable to aim at least one in such a direction as will send its charge into the breast of the animal4 ,the ,indian ,panther is very commonly taken by the gun trap1 and even ,lions are sometimes secured by the same device1 only increased in power by a larger number of guns4 ,there are several other methods of setting the gun trap4 ,one way consists in attaching a string to the finger piece of the trigger1 passing it back through a small staple or screw eye inserted in the under side of the stock for that purpose1 and then drawing the string forward and attaching it to the top of the bait stick4 ,this latter is stuck in the ground directly in front of the muzzle and the bait secured to its extremity4 ,when the tempting morsel is grasped1 the bait stick is drawn forward and the string pulled1 the result of course being the discharge of the gun4 ,by still another method1 an elastic is passed through the screw eye in the stock and over the finger piece of the trigger1 thus tending continually to draw it back and spring the hammer4 ,to set the gun a short stick is inserted behind the finger piece1 thus overcoming the power of the elastic4 ,it should be very delicately adjusted1 so that a mere touch will dislodge it4 ,its length should be about six inches1 and to its other end the bait stick should be attached and arranged as first described4 ,although a rather dangerous trap to be set at random it is nevertheless often utilized and has brought many a ,page #bc dreaded marauder to his doom4 ,the bear1 lynx1 and other large animals are sometimes taken by the gun trap1 but it is most generally set for the ,puma4 ,,the ,,bow ,,trap4 ,this device does duty in ,india and ,southern ,asia1 where it is known as the tiger trap4 ,illustration ,it is easily constructed as follows3 ,first cut a stout board five inches in width1 two and a half feet in length and about two inches in thickness4 ,shave off one end to a point so that it may be driven into the ground4 ,at the other extremity1 in the middle of the board and about two inches from the edge1 a hole one half an inch in diameter and three quarters of an inch in height1 should be made2 two auger holes1 one directly above the other with the sides flatly trimmed1 will answer perfectly4 ,the arrow should next be constructed4 ,this should be made of seasoned oak or ash1 two feet in length1 perfectly straight1 smooth and round1 and one third of an inch in ,page #bd diameter4 ,one end should be notched for the bow string and vaned with thin feathers after the manner of ordinary arrows4 ,the other extremity should be armed with a steel barb sharply pointed1 and firmly riveted in place4 ,any blacksmith can forge such a tip2 the shape of which is plainly seen in our engraving4 ,the bow should consist of a piece of stout seasoned hickory1 oak or ash four feet long1 if such a bow is not at hand1 a stout sapling may be used4 ,the bow string may consist of cat-gut1 or stout ,indian twine4 ,illustration ,illustration ,before setting the trap1 it is advisable to attract the game to the spot selected as already alluded to in connection with the gun trap1 and particularly so when the ,puma is the victim sought4 ,in our illustration we see the trap as it appears when set1 and the same precaution of aiming at some tree should be exercised as advise with the gun trap4 ,the bow should first be secured in place directly beneath and one eighth of an inch from the edge of the hole in the board1 as seen at 7a74 ,two large wire staples may be used for this purpose1 being passed over the bow through holes in the board and clinched on the opposite side4 ,the bend of the bow and length of string should now be determined1 one end of the latter being attached to the tip of the bow and the other end supplied with a loop4 ,the board should then be driven into the ground to the depth of about eight inches4 ,we will next take up the arrow4 ,pass the barb through the hole in the board and adjust the notch over the bow-string1 draw the arrow back and release the string4 ,if the arrow slide easily and swiftly1 through the board1 keeping true to its aim1 the contrivance is in perfect working order and is ready to be set4 ,this is accomplished by the very simple and ingenious mechanical arrangement1 shown at 7b74 ,on the under side of the arrow just behind the barb1 a flat notch one eighth of an inch in depth and two and a half inches in length is cut1 with rounded ends1 as seen in the illustration4 ,the bait stick should consist of a sapling about three feet in length1 the large end being trimmed so ,page #be as to fit in the hole over the arrow while the notch in the latter rests in the bottom of the aperture as seen in the illustration 7b74 ,the trap may then be set4 ,draw back the arrow1 until the notch rests in the hole in the board4 ,insert the bait stick very lightly above the arrow as shown at 7b71 propping it in place at the angle seen in the main drawing4 ,the bait for a puma should consist of a portion of some carcass1 or if for other animals1 any of the baits given in our section on trapping may be used4 ,in order to secure the bait firmly to the bait stick1 a small hole and a peg at the side of the baited end will effectually prevent its removal and the trap will thus most surely be sprung4 ,the prop which sustains the bait stick need be only a small crotch inserted a little to one side of the trap4 ,the bow should now be surrounded by a wide pen1 allowing room for the spring of the ends4 ,the top of the enclosure should also be guarded by a few sticks or branches laid across4 ,directly in front of the trap and extending from it1 a double row of rough stakes three feet high should be constructed1 thus insuring an approach in the direct range of the arrow4 ,without this precaution the bait might be approached from the side1 and the arrow pass beneath the head of the animal1 whereas on the other hand it is sure to take effect in the neck or breast of its victim4 ,of course the success of this trap depends entirely upon the strength of the bow4 ,when a large and powerful one is used its effect is almost surely fatal4 ,another form of the bow trap1 much used in the capture of the tiger1 forms the subject of our next illustration3 no bait is here used4 ,the trap is set at the side of the beaten path of the tiger and is sprung by the animal pressing against a string in passing4 ,the bow is large and powerful and is secured to two upright posts about eight inches apart4 ,the string is drawn back and a blunt stick is then inserted between the bow string and the inside centre of the bow1 thus holding the latter in a bent position4 ,a stout stick1 with a flattened end is next inserted between the end of the blunt stick and the inside of the bow1 the ,page #bf remaining part of the stick extending downwards1 as our illustration shows4 ,to the lower end of this stick a string is attached and carried across the path in the direct range of the arrow1 being secured to a stake on the opposite side4 ,the arrow is generally barbed with a steel or flint point1 and wound with thread saturated with a deadly poison4 ,this is now rested on the top of the bow between the upright parts1 and its notch caught in the bow-string4 ,everything is then in readiness4 ,the tiger soon steals along his beaten track4 ,he comes nearer and nearer the trap until at last his breast presses the string4 ,twang1 goes the bow and the arrow is imbedded in the flesh of its victim4 ,he writhes for a few moments1 until he is released from his torments by the certain death which follows the course of the poison through his veins4 ,illustration ,the use of the poison is very dangerous3 a mere scratch through the skin is likely to prove fatal1 and the trapper is thus likely to prove his own victim4 ,poisoned arrows are little used by trappers2 and the bow trap1 when properly constructed1 is sufficiently effective without the venom4 ,,the ,,down-,,fall4 ,this is the famous harpoon trap1 so commonly used in ,africa for the capture of the hippopotamus4 ,there is no reason why ,page #bg it may not be successfully employed in our own country for taking large game1 or modified on a reduced scale for smaller animals4 ,illustration ,the hippopotamus makes his daily rounds in regular beaten pathways2 and the trapper1 knowing this peculiarity1 turns it to advantage4 ,this is a common habit with many animals2 and these runways are easily detected by the matted leaves and grass and the broken twigs4 ,over such a beaten track the harpoon-trap is suspended4 ,the harpoon used by the native ,african trappers somewhat resembles a double-barbed arrowhead1 and has a reflexed prong on the shaft just behind the barbs1--a sort of combination between a spear and a fish-hook4 ,it is a terrible weapon2 and1 when once launched into the flesh of its victim1 its withdrawal is impossible1 on account of the reflexed barb4 ,any sharp steel shaft will answer the purpose of the harpoon2 it should be eight or ten inches in length1 and filed to a keen point4 ,we will now construct the trap4 ,the first requisite is a straight section of the branch of some tree4 ,this should be about four inches in diameter1 and four feet in length4 ,into one end of this beam the harpoon should be firmly imbedded1 allowing the point to project about six inches4 ,this beam should ,page #bh then be weighted with two large stones1 attached firmly by a rope1 about eighteen inches above the harpoon4 ,at about six inches from the other end of the log a notch should be cut1 having its flat side uppermost1 as shown plainly in our illustration4 ,the implement is now ready4 ,select some favorably situated tree1 whose branches extend over the pathway chosen for the trap4 ,by the aid of a rope secured to the log1 and thrown over the limb1 the weighted beam may be drawn up into the tree4 ,while thus held by a person below1 the trapper should climb the tree to complete operations4 ,for this purpose1 a smaller branch about three feet in length should be cut4 ,one end should be flattened off on both sides1 so as to fit in the notch in the beam2 and the part which rests on the limb1 as seen in the illustration1 should also be flattened to prevent turning4 ,a piece of stout ,indian twine should next be fastened to the unwhittled end of the stick1 which may then be adjusted in the notch of the harpoon beam1 as seen in the engraving4 ,the string may then be thrown down1 and grasped by the companion below1 who holds it firmly1 after which the original rope may be removed4 ,it will be noticed that the weight of the harpoon and accompaniments rests on the short arm of the lever which passes over the limb of the tree1 and the tension on the string from the long arm is thus very slight4 ,this precaution is necessary for the perfect working of the trap4 ,to complete the contrivance1 a small peg with a rounded notch should be cut1 and driven into the ground directly plumb beneath the long end of the lever4 ,it should be inserted into the earth only sufficiently to hold the string without pulling out1 and the side of the notch should face the path2 its height should be about a foot4 ,into the notch the string should be passed1 being afterwards drawn across the path and secured on the opposite side at the same height4 ,the trap is now set2 and woe to the unlucky quadruped that dares make too free with that string6 ,a very slight pressure from either side is equally liable to slip the string from the notch1 or loosen the peg from the ground2 and the result is the same in either case1--down comes the weighted harpoon1 carrying death and destruction to its victim4 ,for large animals1 this mode of setting will be found to work perfectly4 ,when constructed on a smaller scale1 it may be slightly modified4 ,it will be noticed that1 when the string is approached from one side1 it is merely slipped out of the notch1--a slight pressure being sufficient to dislodge it1--while the pressure ,page #bi from the opposite direction must be strong enough to lift the peg out of the ground bodily4 ,this is easily done when the peg is lightly inserted2 but1 to insure success1 even with light pressure from either side1 an additional precaution may be used1 if desired4 ,instead of fastening the end of the string securely to some object on the further side of the path1 it is well to provide the end of the cord with a ring or loop1 which should be passed over a nail or short peg driven in some tree or branch1 or fastened into an upright stake1 firmly embedded into the ground4 ,the nail should point in the opposite direction from the notch in the peg1 and its angle should incline slightly toward the path4 ,it will thus be seen that an approach from one side forces the string from the notch in the peg1 while an opposite pressure slides the ring from the nail4 ,this mode of setting is especially desirable for small animals1 on account of its being more sensitive4 ,such a trap may be successfully used for the puma1 bear1 and the lynx4 ,when constructed for smaller animals1 the harpoon may be dispensed with1 a large stone being equally effective in its death-dealing qualities ,,the ,,bear ,,trap4 ,this trap is constructed after the idea of the old-fashioned box or rabbit trap1 and has been the means of securing many a hungry bear1 or even puma1 whose voracity has exceeded its cunning4 ,the lynx and wild-cat are also among its occasional victims2 and inasmuch as its prisoners are taken alive great sport is often realized before the captive is brought under control4 ,our illustration gives a very clear idea of the affair4 ,the sides are built of stout young tree-trunks1 cut into sections and firmly driven into the ground close together4 ,for a large animal1--a bear1 for instance1--the enclosure should be about seven feet deep1 two and a half feet wide1 and four feet high4 ,the top should be built in with the sides1 after the manner of the log cabin1 described in page 7#bdd47 ,the two posts at the entrance should be first set up4 ,on the back side of each1 near the end1 a deep notch should be cut for the reception of the cross piece at the top4 ,this should likewise be notched in a similar manner on both sides of each end1 so as to fit singly into the notches in the uprights on the one side1 and into the second pair of uprights ,page #cj on the other4 ,these latter should next be inserted firmly into the ground1 having been previously notched on both sides of their upper ends1 as described for the cross piece4 ,they may either be fixed in place and the cross piece sprung in between them at the top1 or the latter may be held in the notches of the first pair1 while the second are being inserted4 ,continue thus until the full length of the sides are reached1 when the end may be closed by an upright wall of plain logs1 either hammered into the ground1 after the manner of the sides1 or arranged one above another in notches between the two end uprights4 ,the sliding door is next required4 ,this should be large enough to cover the opening1 and should be made of stout board slabs1 firmly secured by cross pieces4 ,it should be made to slide smoothly into grooves cut into perpendicular logs situated on each side of the opening1 or may be arranged to slip easily between the flattened side of one log on each side and the front of the pen4 ,either way works well4 ,in the latter an additional upright or short board should be inserted in the ground at the edges of the sliding door1 to prevent the latter from being forced to either side by the efforts of the enclosed captive4 ,illustration ,there are two or three ways of setting the trap1 depending upon the desired game4 ,for a bear it is arranged as in our illustration4 ,an upright post1 two feet in length1 should be cut ,page #ca to an edge at one end1 and wedged in between the logs at the top of the trap1 near the middle4 ,across the top of this1 a pole seven feet in length1 should be rested2 one end being attached by a loop1 or secured in a notch in the sliding door1 and the other supplied with a strong string about four feet in length1 with a stick eight inches in length secured to its end4 ,through the centre log1 in the back of the pen1 and about two feet from the ground1 an auger hole should be made4 ,the bait stick with bait attached should be inserted through this hole from the inside1 and the spindle caught on the outside between its projecting end and a nail driven in the adjoining upright4 ,this principle is clearly illustrated on page #aje at 7a71 and1 if desired1 the method 7b7 may be used also4 ,for a bear1 the bait should consist of a piece of meat scented with burnt honey-comb4 ,the odor of honey will tempt a bear into almost any trap1 and even into such close quarters as the above he will enter without the slightest suspicion1 when a feast of honey is in view4 ,for the cougar1 or puma1 the best bait is a live lamb or a young pig1 encaged in a small pen erected at the end of the trap4 ,a fowl is also excellent4 ,when thus baited1 the setting of the trap is varied4 ,the upright post at the top of the trap is inserted nearer the front1 and the cross pole is stouter4 ,the auger hole is bored in the top of the trap1 through the centre of one of the logs1 and about twenty inches from the back end of the trap4 ,the spindle is dispensed with and the end of the string is provided with a large knot1 which is lowered through the auger hole1 and is prevented from slipping back by the insertion of a stick beneath4 ,this stick should be about three feet in length1 and of such a size at the end as will snugly fit into the auger hole4 ,it should be inserted delicately1 merely enough to hold the knot from slipping back1 and so as to be easily released by a slight movement in any direction4 ,this mode of setting is more fully detailed on page #eb4 ,as the puma steals in upon his prey he dislodges the stick1 the lid falls1 and he finds himself imprisoned with his intended victim4 ,this trap is much used in ,india and ,asia for the capture of the tiger1 and the jaguar of ,south ,america is frequently entrapped by the same devices4 ,,the ,,pit-,,fall4 ,the tiger is the scourge of ,india and ,southern ,asia and some sections of these countries are so terribly infested with ,page #cb the brutes that the inhabitants are kept in a continual state of terror by their depredations4 ,many methods are adopted by the natives for the destruction of the terrible creatures1 some of which have already been described4 ,the pit-fall is still another device by which this lurking marauder is often captured and destroyed4 ,it sometimes consists of a mere pit covered and baited in the haunts of the tiger1 or is constructed in a continuous deep ditch surrounding the habitations of the natives1 and thus acting as a secure protection4 ,the pit is about twelve feet deep and ten feet in width1 and its outside edge is lined with a hedge five or six feet in height4 ,as the fierce brute steals upon his intended prey1 he nears the hedge and at one spring its highest branch is cleared4 ,he reaches the earth only to find himself at the bottom of a deep pit1 from which there is no hope of escape1 and where he speedily becomes the merciless victim of a shower of deadly arrows and bullets4 ,happily we have no tigers in the ,united ,states1 but the puma and the lynx are both fit subjects for the pit-fall4 ,these animals cannot be said to exist in such numbers as to become a scourge and a stranger to the inhabitants of any neighborhood1 and for this reason the ,moat arrangement of the pit-fall is not required4 ,the simple pit is often used1 and when properly constructed and baited is a very sure trap4 ,the hole should be about twelve feet in depth and eight feet across1 widening at the bottom4 ,its opening should be covered with slicks1 earth and leaves1 so arranged as to resemble the surroundings as much as possible1 but so lightly adjusted as that they will easily give way at a slight pressure4 ,one edge of the opening should now be closely built up with stakes firmly inserted into the ground1 and so constructed as to form a small pen in the middle1 in which to secure the bait1 generally a live turkey1 goose1 or other fowl4 ,the other three sides should also be hedged in by a single row of upright stakes three or four feet in height1 and a few inches apart in order that the hungry puma may whet his appetite by glimpses between them4 ,they should be firmly imbedded in the earth directly at the edge of the pit1 and as far as possible trimmed of their branches on the inside4 ,there will thus be a small patch of solid ground for the feet of the fowl1 which should be tied by the leg in the enclosure4 ,our trap is now set1 and if there is a puma in the neighborhood he will be sure to pay it a call and probably a visit4 ,spying his game1 he uses every effort to reach it through the ,page #cc crevices between the stakes4 ,the cries of the frightened fowl arouse and stimulate his appetite1 and at last exasperated by his futile efforts to seize his victim1 he springs over the fence of stakes and is lodged in the depths of the pit4 ,the puma is very agile of movement1 and unless the pit is at least twelve feet in depth there is danger of his springing out4 ,any projecting branch on the inside of the stakes affords a grasp for his ready paw1 and any such branch1 if within the reach of his leap1 is sure to effect his escape4 ,for this reason it is advisable to trim smoothly all the projections and leave no stub or knot hole by which he could gain the slightest hold4 ,the construction of a pit-fall is a rather difficult operation on account of the digging which it necessitates4 ,on this account it is not so much used as many other traps which are not only equally effective but much more easily constructed4 ,the following is an example3-- ,,the ,,log ,,coop ,,trap4 ,this is commonly set for bears1 although a deer or a puma becomes its frequent tenant4 ,as its name implies it consists of a coop of logs1 arranged after the principle of the ,coop ,trap described on page #fg4 ,the logs should be about eight feet in length1 notched at the ends as described for the ,log ,cabin1 page 7#bdd74 ,lay two of the logs parallel about seven feet apart4 ,across their ends in the notches1 lay two others and continue building up in cob-house fashion until the height of about six feet is reached4 ,the corners may be secured as they are laid by spikes1 or they may be united afterward in mass by a rope firmly twisted about them from top to bottom4 ,logs should now be laid across the top of the coop and firmly secured by the spikes or rope knots4 ,there are several ways of setting the trap4 ,a modification of that described on page #fg works very well1 or an arrangement of spindle and bait stick1 as in the ,box ,trap1 page #aje1 may also be employed4 ,in the latter case1 the bait stick is either inserted between the logs at the back of the coop1 or a hole is bored through one of them for this purpose4 ,for this mode of setting1 the coop should be constructed beneath some tree4 ,it is set by means of a rope attached to the upper edge of one of its sides the rope being thrown over a limb of the tree and the loose end brought down and secured to the bait stick by a spindle1 as described ,page #cd for the trap on page 7#aie74 ,the limb here acts in place of the tall end piece of the ,box ,trap1 and by raising the coop up to such an angle as that it will be nearly poised1 the setting may be made so delicate that a mere touch on the bait stick from the interior will dislodge the pieces and let fall the enclosure4 ,the simplest mode of setting the trap is that embodied in the snare method on page 7#eb74 ,the rope is here provided with a knot1 which must pass easily between the logs1 or through the hole at the back of the coop1 the length of rope being so arranged as that the coop shall be sufficiently raised where the knot projects into the interior4 ,the introduction of the bait stick beneath the knot will thus prevent the latter from being drawn back1 and thus our trap is set4 ,the bait stick in any case should be about two feet in length2 and with this leverage but a slight touch will be required to spring the pieces4 ,in the latter method the limb of the tree is not necessary4 ,a stout crotched stake driven into the ground about twenty feet1 at the back of the coop1 will answer every purpose1 and the coop may be constructed wherever desired4 ,this is a most excellent trap for large animals4 ,it secures the game alive1 and is thus often productive of most exciting sport4 ,for the bear1 the bait should consist of honey or raw meat4 ,full directions for baiting all kinds of ,american game are given under their respective heads in another part of this book4 ,the ,coop ,trap may be constructed of any dimensions1 from the small example on page 7#fg7 to the size above described4 ,there are several other inventions commonly used for the capture of large animals in various parts of the globe1 which would be of little avail in this country4 ,such is the ,african ,corrall1 or ,hopo1 by which whole herds of quaggas1 elands1 and buffalo are often destroyed4 ,the trap consists of two hedges in the form of the letter ,v1 which are very high and thick at the angle4 ,instead of the hedges being joined at this point1 they are made to form a lane about two hundred feet in length1 at the extremity of which a giant pit is formed4 ,trunks of trees are laid across the margins to prevent the animals from escaping4 ,the opening of this pit is then covered with light reeds and small green boughs4 ,the hedges often extend miles in length and are equally as far apart at these extremities4 ,the tribe of hunters make a circle1 three or four miles around the country adjacent to the opening1 and gradually closing up are almost sure to enclose a large body of game1 which1 by shouts and skilfully hurled ,javelins1 they drive into the narrowing ,page #ce walls of the ,hopo4 ,the affrighted animals rush headlong to the gate presented at the end of the converging hedges and here plunge pell-mell into the pit1 which is soon filled with a living mass4 ,some escape by running over the others2 and the natives1 wild with excitement1 spear the poor animals with mad delight1 while others of the brutes are smothered and crushed by the weight of their dead and dying companions4 ,it is a most cruel and inhuman device1 and its effects are sometimes appalling4 ,,the ,,net ,,trap4 ,the lion and tiger are often taken in a net1 which is secured to a frame work and suspended over a tempting bait4 ,when the latter is touched the net falls1 and the victim becomes entangled in the meshes and is securely caught4 ,so far as we know1 this mode of capture is never tried in this country4 ,for the puma1 lynx and wild-cat we fancy it might work admirably4 ,the net should be of stout cord1 and should be secured to a heavy square frame work1 tilted as in the coop trap1 already described4 ,there should be plenty of slack in the net1 and the looseness should be drawn flat over the framework in folds4 ,the contrivance may be set by a large figure four trap1 page 7#ajg71 or the device described under the coop trap1 page 7#fg74 ,the use of bird lime1 for the capture of a tiger1 certainly seems odd2 but it is1 nevertheless1 a common mode of taking the animal1 in the countries where this marauder abounds4 ,the viscid1 tenacious preparation known as bird lime is described on page 7#ig7 and is familiar to most of our readers4 ,for the capture of birds it is unfailing1 when once their delicate plumage comes in contact with it4 ,its effect on the tiger is surprising1 and many a hunter has secured his striped foe by its aid4 ,for this purpose1 the cans of the preparation are arranged on elevated boards around a bed of leaves1 in which the bait is placed4 ,a small platform is so placed that the tiger shall step upon it in reaching for the bait1 which1 by the aid of strings1 tilts the boards and tips off the cans4 ,the lime spills on its victim and over the bed of leaves1 and the tiger1 in his endeavors to free himself from the sticky substance only succeeds in spreading it1 and as he rolls and tumbles on the ground he soon becomes completely smeared and covered with the dry leaves1 from which it is impossible for him to extricate himself4 ,in his frantic rage he writhes upon the ground and becomes an easy ,page #cf prey to the hunter1 who is generally on hand for the fray4 ,steel traps are much used for the capture of large game1 and are made in sizes especially adapted for the purpose4 ,these are described under the proper head1 in another portion of this work2 and the various baits and modes of setting required for the different animals1 are clearly set forth under their respective titles of the latter1 in the section ,art of ,trapping4 ,illustration ,page #cg ,illustration3 ,,snares ,,or ,,noose ,,traps ,page #ci ,,book ,,ii4 ,,snares ,,or ,,noose ,,traps4 ,illustration3 ,these devices1 although properly coming under the head of traps1 differ from them in the sense in which they are generally understood4 ,a snare naturally implies an entanglement2 and for this reason the term is applied to those contrivances which secure their victims by the aid of strings or nooses4 ,inventions of this kind are among the most useful and successful to the professional ,trapper1 and their varieties are numerous4 ,the ,twitch-up will be recognized as a familiar example by many of our country readers1 who may have seen it during their rambles1 cautiously set in the low underbrush1 awaiting its prey1 or perhaps holding aloft its misguided victim4 ,snares are among the most interesting and ingenious of the trap kind1 besides being the most sure and efficacious4 ,they possess one advantage over all other traps2 they can be made in the woods1 and out of the commonest material4 ,let the young trapper supply himself with a small1 sharp hatchet1 and a stout1 keen edged jack-knife1--these being the only tools required4 ,he should also provide himself with a coil of fine brass sucker wire1 or a quantity of horse-hair nooses 7which will be described further on71 a small ball of tough twine and a pocket full of bait1 such as apples1 corn1 oats and the like1 of course depending upon the game he intends to trap4 ,with these1 his requirements are complete1 and he has the material for a score of capital snares1 which will do him much excellent service if properly constructed4 ,perhaps the most common of the noose traps is the ordinary ,,quail ,,snare1 which forms the subject of our first illustration4 ,this consists of a series of nooses fastened to a strong twine or wire4 ,they ,page #dj may be of any number1 and should either consist of fine wire1 horse-hair1 or fine fish-line4 ,if of wire1 common brass sucker wire1 to be found in nearly all hardware establishments and country stores1 is the best4 ,each noose should be about four inches in diameter4 ,to make it1 a small loop should be twisted on one end of the wire1 and the other passed through it1 thus making a slipping loop1 which will be found to work very easily4 ,fifteen or twenty of these nooses should be made1 after which they should be fastened either to a stout string or wire1 at distances of about four inches from each other1 as seen in our illustration4 ,each end of the long string supporting the nooses should then be fastened to a wooden peg4 ,after selecting the ground1 the pegs should be driven into the earth1 drawing the string tightly1 as seen in our illustration4 ,the ground around the nooses should then be sprinkled with corn1 oats1 and the like1 and the trap is set4 ,as a general thing1 it is advisable to set it in a neighborhood where quails are known to abound2 and as they run all over the ground in search of food1 they are sure to come across the bait strewn for them1 and equally as certain to be caught and entangled in the nooses4 ,the writer has known as many as six quails to be thus caught at a time1 on a string of only twelve nooses4 ,partridges and woodcock will occasionally be found entangled in the snare1 and it will oft-times happen that a rabbit will be secured by the device4 ,illustration ,,hoop ,,nooses4 ,this is a variation from the above1 the noose being attached to a barrel hoop and the latter being fastened to two stout posts1 which are firmly driven into the ground4 ,by their scattering the bait inside the hoop1 and adjusting the loops1 the contrivance is complete4 ,this is a very old and approved method4 ,in the initial 7,t7 at the head of this section we give also ,page #da another suggestion for a noose trap4 ,the cross pieces are tacked to the top of the upright1 and a noose suspended from each end1--the bait adjusted as there seen4 ,we have mentioned horse-hair nooses as being desirable1 and they are commonly used2 but1 as it takes considerable time to make them1 and the wire answering the purpose fully as well1 we rather recommend the wire in preference4 ,we will give a few simple directions1 however1 for the making of the horse-hair nooses1 in case our readers might desire to use them instead4 ,select long1 stout hairs from the tail of any horse1 7we would recommend that it be a good tempered horse71 take one of the hairs and double it in the middle1 hold the double between the thumb and fore-finger of the left hand1 letting the two ends hang from the under side of the thumb1 and keeping the hairs between the thumb and finger1 about a third of an inch apart4 ,now proceed to twist the two hairs toward the end of the finger1 letting them twist together as the loop emerges on the upper side of the thumb4 ,a little practice will overcome what at first seems very difficult4 ,to keep the two hairs between the fingers at the right distance of separation1 and at the same time to twist them and draw the loop from between the fingers as they are twisted1 seems quite a complicated operation2 and so it will be found at first4 ,but when once mastered by practice1 the twisting of five nooses a minute will be an easy matter4 ,when the entire length of the hairs are twisted1 the ends should be cut off even and then passed through the small loop at the folded end4 ,the noose is then ready to be fastened to the main string of support4 ,horse-hair nooses are commonly used in nearly all snares as they are always to be had1 and possess considerable strength4 ,the fine brass wire is also extensively used1 and the writer rather prefers it4 ,it is very strong and slips easily1 besides doing away with the trouble of twisting the loops1 which to some might be a very difficult and tedious operation4 ,we recommend the wire1 and shall allude to it chiefly in the future1 although the horse-hair may be substituted whenever desired4 ,illustration ,there is another modification of the foregoing quail-traps very commonly utilized by professional trappers of many countries4 ,a low hedge is constructed1 often hundreds of feet in length small openings are left here and there1 in which the nooses are placed1 as in the accompanying engraving4 ,the bait is strewn around on both sides of the hedge1 and the grouse or other game1 on its discovery1 are almost sure to become entangled ,page #db sooner or later4 ,it is a well-known fact about these birds1 that they will always seek to pass under an object which comes in their way rather than fly over it2 and although the hedge of this trap is only a foot or more in height1 the birds will almost invariably run about until they find an opening1 in preference to flying over it4 ,it is owing to this peculiarity of habit that they are so easily taken by this method4 ,our illustration gives only a very short section of hedge2 it may be extended to any length4 ,the writer's experience with the hedge nooses has been very satisfactory1 although never using a length greater than ten feet4 ,it is well to set the hedge in the locality where quails or partridges are known to run4 ,and in setting1 it is always desirable to build the hedge so that it will stretch over some open ground1 and connect with two trees or bushes4 ,cedar boughs are excellent for the purpose1 but any close brushwood will answer very well4 ,strew the ground with corn1 oats and the like4 ,a small quantity only is necessary4 ,illustration ,there is another noose trap commonly used abroad1 and very little known here4 ,it is a tree trap1 and goes by the name of the triangle snare4 ,it is not designed for the capture of any particular kind of bird1 although it often will secure fine and rare specimens4 ,it consists of a sapling of wood1 bent and tied in the form of a triangle1 as shown in our illustration4 ,this may be of any size1 depending altogether on the bird the young trapper fancies to secure4 ,a noose should be suspended in the triangle from its longest point4 ,this noose should hang as indicated in our illustration1 falling low enough to leave a space of an inch or so below it at the bottom of the triangle4 ,the bait1 consisting of a piece of an apple1 a berry1 insect1 or piece of ,page #dc meat1 according to the wish of the trapper1 should then be suspended in the centre of the noose1 after which the contrivance should be hung in some tree to await events4 ,as they are so easily made and can be carried with so little trouble1 it is an excellent plan to set out with a dozen or so1 hanging them all in different parts of the woods2 as1 under circumstances of so many being set1 scarcely a day will pass in which the trapper will not be rewarded by some one of the snares4 ,the writer once knew of a case where a hawk was captured by one of these simple devices4 ,in this case it had been set expressly1 and the wire was extra strong4 ,this trap1 we believe1 is quite common in parts of ,germany1 but1 as far as we know1 has not been utilized to any great extent in our country4 ,we recommend it with great confidence4 ,for the capture of woodchucks1 muskrats and house-rats1 the wire noose may also be adapted to good purpose4 ,many a woodchuck has been secured by the aid of this simple invention4 ,it is only necessary to arrange the loop in the opening of the burrow1 securing the wire to a stout stick1 firmly driven into the ground4 ,if properly set the animal1 on emerging from the burrow1 will become entangled1 and by his efforts to disengage himself will only tighten the loop and thus render escape impossible4 ,for rats1 the noose should be attached to a nail1 and the wire similarly arranged over the hole4 ,the slipping-noose thus simply adapted becomes a most effective trap1 and is always sure to hold its victim when once within its grasp1 as every struggle only tends to draw the noose tighter4 ,they are quick in their action1 and produce death without much pain1 and for this reason are to be commended4 ,,the ,,twitch-,,up4 ,our next example of the snare1 we imagine1 is one which all our boy-readers will immediately recognize2 for it would certainly seem that any country boy who does not know the ,twitch-up must be far behind the times1 and live in a locality where there are no rabbits1 quail1 or even boys1 besides himself1 to suggest it4 ,this snare is a universal favorite among nearly all country boys1 and our illustration will immediately bring it to mind4 ,its name1 ,the ,twitch-up1 conveys perfectly its method of working4 ,our illustration represents the trap as it appears when set4 ,it has many varieties1 of which we will select the best4 ,they may be divided into two classes--those with upright nooses1 and those in which ,page #dd the noose is spread on the ground1 the latter of which are commonly called ground snares4 ,we will give our attention first to the upright style4 ,these are rather entitled to preference on account of the harmless death which they inflict1 invariably catching by the neck4 ,whereas the ground nooses as frequently lift their prey into the air by their feet1 and thus prolong their suffering4 ,twitch-ups are the most successful and sure of any snares1 and that1 too1 without being complicated4 ,the writer1 in his younger days1 was quite an expert in trapping1 and he can truthfully say that he found more enjoyment and had better success with these than with any other kinds of traps he employed4 ,illustration ,they are generally set in thickets or woods where either rabbits or partridges are known to abound4 ,having arrived at his chosen trapping ground1 the young trapper should first select some slender1 elastic sapling2 that of the hickory is the best1 and is generally to be found in open woods--if not1 some other kind will answer very well4 ,it should be about five or six feet in length1 7trimmed of its branches17 and in diameter need be no larger than an axe-handle or a broom-stick4 ,when this is decided1 some spot about five feet distant from the sapling should then be selected4 ,the hatchet and knife will now come into excellent use1 in cutting the sticks for the little inclosure shown ,page #de in our drawing4 ,this should be about eight or ten inches in diameter1 and of about the same height4 ,the sticks should be driven into the ground in a circle1 leaving an open space of about six inches on one side4 ,a stout switch as large as a man's little finger1 and nearly two feet long1 should then be cut and nicely sharpened at both ends4 ,this should then be driven into the ground in the form of an arch1 at the opening of the inclosure4 ,we will now ask our readers to turn their attention to the next illustration1 in order to understand what is to follow4 ,this picture shows the method of setting the trap4 ,illustration ,after the arch is firmly fixed in its place1 a short piece of stick should be cut1 of a length corresponding to the height of the arch4 ,to the middle of this stick the bait should be attached1 being either tied to it or stuck on a plug driven into the stick1 the latter being sharpened on one end4 ,next proceed to cut another stick1 of about six inches in length2 let this be flattened on one end4 ,the wire noose should then be fastened to the opposite end4 ,the noose in this case should be large enough to fill the opening of the arch4 ,we will now go back to the sapling again4 ,it should be bent down slightly1 and a piece of the strong twine should be tied to its tip4 ,taking hold of the string1 proceed to bend down the end of the sapling1 in the direction of the inclosure1 until it draws with a force strong enough to lift a rabbit if he were tied to the end of it4 ,thus holding it down with the string against the front of the inclosure1 cut off the twine at the place where it crosses the top of the arch1 as this will be the required length4 ,it is now necessary to tie the end of this string to the same piece of wood and at the same place to which the noose was tied4 ,when this is done the trap may be set as shown in the cut4 ,the spring sapling should be bent as seen in the first illustration4 ,the piece of wood holding the noose should be passed beneath the top of the arch1 as far as it will go1 with its long end pointing inside the inclosure4 ,by now supporting the inside end with the bait stick1 and carefully adjusting the noose so as to completely fill the arch1 the trap will be set4 ,page #df ,in order to reach the bait1 the rabbit or bird must necessarily pass its head through the noose1 after which1 if the bait be scarcely touched1 the animal's doom is sealed1 and he is lifted into the air1 generally suffering almost instant death4 ,it is well known that in the case of a rabbit the neck is broken by a very slight blow1 a strong snap of the finger being often sufficient4 ,it is therefore safe to conclude that when thus suddenly caught and lifted by the noose1 death must occur almost instantaneously from the same cause4 ,it is not really necessary for success that the force of the sapling should be strong enough to lift the rabbit from the ground1 as a mere strong tightening of the noose would be sufficient to cause strangulation and death4 ,but we recommend the former method as being less painful and more rapid in its effects4 ,if the young trapper should experience any difficulty in finding saplings of the right size1 in the locality where he desires to set his traps1 the difficulty may be easily mended by cutting the poles elsewhere1 and carrying them to his trapping-ground1 this answering the purpose equally well4 ,they should be sharpened nicely on the large end1 and firmly stuck into ground4 ,the ,twitch-up may be used for the capture of all varieties of game1 and when set with the noose in the opening of a hollow tree1 a stray coon will occasionally be entrapped4 ,the next figure represents another method of constructing this trap1 ,the picture explains itself4 ,instead of the arch1 two notched sticks are driven into the ground1 one on each side of the opening of the pen1 ,the other piece should be of the shape shown in the figure1 made either in one piece or in two pieces fastened together4 ,they may all be constructed from twigs in the woods4 ,let the noose and draw-string now be fastened to the middle of the cross piece1 and when set it will appear as in our figure4 ,it will easily be seen that a slight pull on the bait will turn the cross piece from beneath the notches1 and allow it to fly into the air4 ,illustration3 ,method ,no4 #b ,in our next instance the same principle is employed4 ,the ,page #dg notched pegs are here driven in the back part of the pen1 about five inches apart1 with their notches towards the front4 ,a forked bait stick of the shape shown is then procured4 ,the draw-string should be attached near the end furthest from the fork4 ,by now inserting the ends lightly beneath the notches in the pegs1 at the same time letting the bait incline near the ground1 the trap will be set on a very slight lift1 as the bait will dislodge the pieces4 ,of course the noose must be arranged in the opening of the pen1 as in the previous varieties4 ,the bait stick in both cases should be set cautiously beneath the notches1 as shown at 7a71 so that the slightest turn will cause it to roll out of position4 ,illustration3 ,method ,no4 #c ,a fourth method of snaring is shown in our next figure4 ,in this instance the original arch is used1 or else some circular opening constructed in the front of the pen4 ,inside1 at the back part of the inclosure1 a smaller arch is placed4 ,two sticks are then to be made similar to those mentioned in our first example of the ,twitch-up4 ,let the draw-string be tied to the end of one of these sticks2 after which it should be passed under the inside arch1 being brought out in front of it1 and there supported by the bait-stick1 as seen in our illustration4 ,the noose should then be attached to the draw-string above the pen1 and afterward brought down and arranged in front of the opening4 ,the trap is then set1 and will be found on trial to work admirably4 ,illustration3 ,method ,no4 #d ,one of the simplest as well as surest of ,twitch-up traps forms the subject of our next illustration4 ,like the foregoing varieties it is of course to be surrounded by its pen1 and supplied with a circular opening or arch at one side1 in which to hang the noose4 ,it is constructed of three twigs4 ,a simple crotch 7a7 should be firmly inserted in the ground at ,page #dh the back part of the pen2 7b7 the bait stick1 consists of a straight twig1 five or six inches in length1 and should be attached to the draw-string at about half an inch from the large end2 7c7 is another forked stick with unequal arms1 the long one being driven into the ground near the opening of the pen and a little to one side1 letting the remaining arm point directly towards the crotch-stick at the back of the pen4 ,the noose having been attached to the draw-string1 the trap may now be set4 ,lower the bait stick and pass the large end under the crotch at the back of the pen1 catching the baited end underneath the tip of the forked stick near the pen's opening4 ,arrange the noose in front of the entrance1 and the thing is done4 ,a mere touch on the bait will suffice to throw the pieces asunder4 ,it is an excellent plan to sharpen the point of the forked stick 7c7 where it comes in contact with the bait stick1 in order to make the bearing more slight1 and consequently more easily thrown from its balance4 ,illustration3 ,method ,no4 #e ,,the ,,poacher',s' ,,snare4 ,our next example represents one of the oldest and best snares in existence1--simple in construction1 and almost infallible in its operations4 ,it is the one in most common use among the poachers of ,england1 hence its name4 ,the pieces are three in number1 and may be cut from pine wood1 affording easy and profitable employment for the jack-knife during odd hours and rainy days1 when time hangs heavily4 ,the pieces are so simple in form and easy of construction that a sufficient number for fifty traps might be whittled in less than two hours1 by any smart boy1 who is at all handy with his jack-knife4 ,if a few good broad shingles can be found1 the work is even much easier1--mere splitting and notching being then all that is necessary4 ,the bait stick should be about eight inches long1 pointed at one end1 and supplied with a notch in the other at about half an inch ,page #di from the tip4 ,the upright stick should be considerably shorter than the bait stick1 and have a length of about ten inches1 one end being nicely pointed1 and the broad side of the other extremity supplied with a notch similar to the bait stick4 ,about four inches from the blunt end1 and on the narrow side of the stick1 a square notch should be cut1 sufficiently large to admit the bait stick loosely4 ,the catch piece now remains4 ,this should be about two and a-half inches in width1 and bevelled off at each end into a flat edge4 ,the shapes of the different pieces1 together with their setting1 will be readily understood by a look at our illustration4 ,illustration ,a hundred of these pieces will make a small bundle1 and may be easily carried by the young trapper1 together with his other necessaries1 as he starts off into the woods4 ,he will thus be supplied with parts for thirty-three traps1 all ready to be set1 only requiring the stakes for the pens1 which may be easily cut in the woods4 ,having selected a flexible sapling about five feet in length1 and having stripped it of its branches1 proceed to adjust the pieces4 ,take one of the upright sticks1 and insert it firmly in the ground1 with its upper notch facing the sapling1 and at about four feet distant from it4 ,bend down the springer1 and by its force determine the required length for the draw-string attaching one end to the tip of the sapling1 and the other near the end of a catch piece1 the latter having its bevelled side uppermost4 ,the wire noose should then be attached to the draw-string about six inches above the catch-piece4 ,the pen should now be constructed as previously directed4 ,its entrance should be on the side furthest from the springer1 and should be so built as that the peg in the ground shall be at the back part of the enclosure4 ,the pen being finished1 the trap may be set4 ,insert the bait stick with bait attached into the square notch in the side of the upright peg2 or1 if desired1 it may be adjusted by a pivot or nail through both sticks1 as seen in our illustration1 always letting the baited end project toward the ,page #ej opening4 ,draw down the catch piece1 and fit its ends into the notches in the back of the upright peg and extremity of the bait-stick4 ,by now pulling the latter slightly1 and gently withdrawing the hand1 the pieces will hold themselves together1 only awaiting a lift at the bait to dislodge them4 ,adjust the wire loop at the opening of the pen1 and you may leave the trap with the utmost confidence in its ability to take care of itself1 and any unlucky intruder who tries to steal its property4 ,most of the snares which we shall describe are constructed from rough twigs1 as these are always to be found in the woods1 and with a little practice are easily cut and shaped into the desired forms4 ,if desired1 however1 many of them may be whittled from pine wood like the foregoing1 and the pieces carried in a bundle1 ready for immediate use4 ,in either case1 whether made from the rough twigs or seasoned wood1 it is a good plan to have them already prepared1 and thus save time at the trapping ground when time is more valuable4 ,,the ,,portable ,,snare4 ,this is simply a modification of the snare just described1 but possesses decided advantages over it in many respects4 ,in the first place1 it requires little or no protection in the shape of an enclosure4 ,it can be set in trees or in swamps1 or in short in any place where an upright elastic branch can be found or adjusted4 ,like the foregoing1 it is to be commended for its portability1 fifty or sixty of the pieces making but a small parcel1 and furnishing material for a score of traps4 ,we call it the portable snare partly in order to distinguish it from the one just described1 but chiefly because this particular variety is generally called by that name in countries where it is most used4 ,it is composed of three pieces1 all to be cut from a shingle or thin board4 ,let the first be about eight inches long1 and three-quarters of an inch in width4 ,this is for the upright4 ,an oblong mortise should be cut through this piece1 one inch in length1 and beginning at about an inch from the end of the stick4 ,three inches from the other end1 and on one of the broad sides of the stick1 a notch should be made1 corresponding in shape to that shown in our illustration4 ,the bait stick should be four or five inches long1 one end fitting easily into the mortise1 where it should be secured ,page #ea by a wire or smooth nail driven through so as to form a hinge1 on which it will work easily4 ,on the upper side of this stick1 and two inches distant from the pivot1 a notch should be cut1 similar to that in the upright4 ,the catch piece should be about two inches in length1 and bevelled off to a fiat edge at each end4 ,this completes the pieces4 ,illustration ,to set the trap1 it is only necessary to find some stout sapling1 after which the upright stick may be attached to it close to the ground1 by the aid of two pieces of stout iron wire1 twisted firmly around both4 ,it is well to cut slight grooves at each end of the upright for the reception of the wires1 in order to prevent slipping4 ,tie a strong piece of twine around one ,page #eb end of the catch piece1 knotting it on the beveled side4 ,cut the string about two feet in length1 and attach the other end to the tip of the sapling4 ,adjust the bait stick on its pivot4 ,by now lowering the catch piece1 and lodging the knotted end beneath the notch in the upright and the other end in the notch on the bait stick1 the pieces will appear as in our drawing4 ,care should be taken to set the catch pieces as slightly as possible in the notches1 in order to insure sensitiveness4 ,at about four inches from the catch piece1 the wire noose should be attached and arranged in a circle directly around the bait4 ,by now backing up the trap with a few sticks to prevent the bait from being approached from behind1 the thing is complete1 and woe to the misguided creature that dares to test its efficacy4 ,by adjusting the drawstring so far as the upper end of the catch piece1 the leverage on the bait stick is so slight as to require a mere touch to overcome it2 and we may safely say that1 when this trap is once baited1 it will stay baited1 so far as animal intruders are concerned1 as we never yet have seen a rabbit or bird skilful enough to remove the tempting morsel before being summarily dealt with by the noose on guard duty4 ,for portability1 however1 the following has no equal4 ,,the ,,simplest ,,snare4 ,this is one of the most ingenious and effective devices used in the art of trapping2 and the principle is so simple and universal in its application to traps in general as to become a matter of great value to all who are at all interested in the subject4 ,there is scarcely a trap of any kind which could not be set with the knotted string and bait stick1 at the expense of a little thought and ingenuity4 ,the principle is easily understood by a look at our engraving1 which probably represents the simplest twitch-up it is possible to construct4 ,a stout wooden peg1 having a hole the size of a lead pencil near the top1 is driven firmly into the ,page #ec ground4 ,the knot is made on the end of the draw-string1 and passed through the hole in the peg from behind1 being secured in place by the insertion of the bait stick in front4 ,the latter should be about four inches long1 and should be inserted very lightly1--merely enough to prevent the knot from slipping back4 ,the noose should be fastened to the draw-string six or seven inches from the knot1 and arranged in front of the bait at the opening of the pen1 which should be constructed as previously directed4 ,the peg should be about six inches long and the hole should be made with a #a-c inch auger4 ,dozens of these pegs may be carried without inconvenience1 and utilized in the same number of snares1 in a very short time4 ,we have already described the so-called portable snare2 but1 for portability1 there is no noose-trap to be compared with the above4 ,we give also a few other applications of the same principle4 ,illustration3 ,method ,no4 #a ,in the second example1 a horizontal stick is used instead of the peg1 the hole being made in its centre4 ,its ends are caught in notches in opposite sticks at the back part of the pen1 and the noose arranged at the opening4 ,illustration3 ,method ,no4 #b ,again1 by a third method 7see engraving next page71 these notched sticks may be driven into the ground first1 and a row of twigs continued on them on both sides1 thus leaving a passageway between as represented in the illustration4 ,a noose may then be set at each opening1 with the bait in the middle2 so that1 at whichever side it is approached1 the result is the same1 besides affording a chance of securing two birds at the same time4 ,,the ,,quail ,,snare4 ,that quails are sociable in their habits1 and that they run together in broods in search of their food1 is a fact well known ,page #ed to all sportsmen4 ,a most excellent opportunity is thus afforded the hunter to secure several at one shot1 and the same advantage may be gained by the trapper by specially arranging for it4 ,for this purpose there is no invention more desirable or effective than the snare we next illustrate2 and on account of the companionable habits of the quail1 it is just as sure to catch six birds as one4 ,the principle on which the trap works1 is the same as in the three foregoing4 ,illustration3 ,method ,no4 #c ,two notched pegs are first driven into the ground1 about four inches apart1 and the flat stick with the hole in the centre caught beneath these summits1 as just described4 ,it should be firmly secured2 several nooses are next to be attached to the drawstring1 and the trap set as already directed4 ,illustration ,the best bait consists of a nub of pop-corn1 firmly impaled on the spindle1 together with a few loose grains scattered on the ground right beneath it4 ,the nooses should be arranged around the bait so as to touch or overlap each other1 and the bait stick introduced into the hole a little more firmly than when set with one noose4 ,the quail on reaching the trap all rush for the corn on the ground1 and thus fill nearly if not all the nooses4 ,when the supply here is exhausted1 then united attacks are directed towards the nub on the bait stick1 which soon becomes loosened3 the knot is thus released and each noose will probably launch a victim in mid-air4 ,this invention is original with the author of this work1 so far as he knows2 and it will be found the simplest as well as most effective quail snare in existence4 ,pop-corn is mentioned as bait partly on account of its being a favorite food with the quail2 but particularly because the pecking which it necessitates ,page #ee in order to remove the grains from the cob1 is sure to spring the trap4 ,if pop corn cannot be had1 common ,indian corn will answer very well4 ,oats or buckwheat may also be used1 as the ground bait1 if desired4 ,,the ,,box ,,snare4 ,this is a most unique device1 and will well repay anyone who may desire to test its merits4 ,it may be set for rabbits1 coon1 or feathered game1 of course varying the size of the box accordingly4 ,for ordinary purposes1 it should be seven or eight inches square1 leaving one end open4 ,place it in the position shown in the illustration and proceed to bore an auger hole in the top board1 one and a half inches from the back edge4 ,illustration ,this is for the reception of the bait stick4 ,directly opposite to this and an inch from the front edge of the board a notched peg should be inserted4 ,a gimlet hole should now be bored on a line between the auger hole and notched peg1 and half an inch from the latter4 ,a small stout screw eye should next be inserted at the rear edge of the board1 and another one fastened to the back board1 two inches from the bottom4 ,with these simple preparations the box is complete4 ,the bait stick should be about five or six inches long and supplied with a notch at the upper end4 ,it should be of such a size as to pass easily into the auger hole1 and provided with a peg inserted through it at about an inch and a half from the notched end1 as shown in our illustration at 7a74 ,the object of this peg is to prevent the bait stick from being drawn entirely ,page #ef through the hole by the force of the pull from above4 ,the catch piece should be only long enough to secure its ends beneath the notches in the peg at the top of the box and the projecting bait stick4 ,it should be bevelled off at the tips as in the instances previously described1 and attached to a piece of sucker wire1 the point of attachment being at about an inch from the end of the stick4 ,the wire should be about two and a half feet in length1 the catch piece being fastened at about six inches from one end4 ,to set this neat little invention it is first necessary to procure a strong and elastic switch about four feet in length1 sharpen it slightly at the large end and insert it firmly in the screw eye at the back of the box1 securing it in place at the top by strings through the screw eye at that place4 ,by now attaching the short end of the wire to the tip of the sapling1 inserting the bait stick from the inside of the box1 and securing the catch piece in the notches1 the other pieces will be in equilibrium1 and the only remaining thing to be done is to pass the long end of the wire through the gimlet hole1 and form it into a slipping noose which shall completely fill the opening of the box4 ,in order to reach the bait the animal must pass his head through the noose1 and it can be easily seen that the slightest pull on that tempting morsel will release the catch piece and tighten the wire around the neck of the intruder4 ,where the trap is small and the captured animal is large1 it will sometimes happen that the box will be carried a distance of several feet before overpowering its victim2 but it is sure to do it in the end if the spring powers of the sapling are strong and it is firmly secured to the box4 ,if desired1 the box may be tied to a neighboring stone or tree to prevent any such capers2 but it will generally be found unnecessary1 and a few minutes' search will always reveal it with its unlucky captive4 ,we have described the box with its spring attached2 but this is not a requisite1 as it may be used with growing sapling when required4 ,the same trap may be constructed of a pasteboard box and whalebone1 for the capture of small birds1 and used with good success4 ,the size we have mentioned is adaptable for rabbits and animals of the same size1 but is really larger than necessary for feathered game4 ,,the ,,double ,,box ,,snare4 ,this is another embodiment of the same principle which has already been described1 viz4--the knotted string4 ,by many it ,page #eg is considered an improvement on the box snare just mentioned1 owing to the possibility of its taking two victims at the same time4 ,it may be set for rabbits1 mink1 or muskrat1 and will be found very efficient4 ,illustration ,it consists of a box about eight inches square1 one foot in length1 and open at both ends4 ,in the centre of the top board a hole of the diameter of a lead pencil should be bored1 and a smaller aperture also made in the middle of each end near the edge as seen in the accompanying engraving4 ,the spring is next required4 ,this should consist of an elastic switch or small pole1 three or more feet in length4 ,it should be inserted in a slanting auger hole1 made through the middle of one of the side boards near the bottom at the angle shown at 7a74 ,should the switch fit loosely it may be easily tightened by a small wedge driven in beside it4 ,the bait stick 7b7 should be about four inches in length1 and large enough to fit easily into the hole in the centre of the top board4 ,next procure a stout bit of cord about eight inches in length4 ,tie one ,page #eh end to the tip of the switch and provide the other with a large double knot4 ,a second knot should then be made1 about an inch and a half above the first4 ,a piece of sucker wire is the next necessity4 ,its length should be about five feet1 and its centre should be tied over the uppermost knot in the string4 ,if the bait is now in readiness1 the trap may be set4 ,bend down the switch until the end knot will pass through the hole in the centre of the board4 ,when it appears in the inside of the box1 it should then be secured by the insertion of the top of the bait stick1 as shown at 7b74 ,this insertion need be only very slight1 a sixteenth of an inch being all that is sufficient to prevent the knot from slipping back4 ,the spring is thus held in the position seen in the drawing1 and the loose ends of the sucker wire should then be passed downward through the small holes and arranged in nooses at both openings of the box4 ,our trap is now set1 and the unlucky creature which attempts to move that bait from either approach1 will bring its career to an untimely end4 ,the bait stick may be so delicately adjusted as to need only the slightest touch to dislodge it4 ,such a fine setting is to be guarded against1 however1 being as likely to be sprung by a mouse as by a larger animal4 ,the setting is easily regulated1 being entirely dependent upon the slight or firm insertion of the bait stick4 ,among all the modi operandi in the construction of traps1 there is scarcely one more simple than the principle embodied in this variety1 and there is none more effective4 ,the box snare already described may be set by the same method1 and indeed the principle may be applied to almost any trap1 from the simplest snare described on page 7#eb7 to the largest dead-fall4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,ground ,,snares4 ,,the ,,old-,,fashioned ,,springle4 ,illustration ,this is the variety of snare which has been in very common use for ages1 and has always been the one solitary example of a noose trap which our boys' books have invariably pounced upon for illustration4 ,for the capture of small birds it works very nicely2 and as without it our list of traps would be incomplete1 we will give an illustration of it as it appears when ,page #ei set and ready for its work4 ,in constructing the affair it is first necessary to cut a flexible twig of willow or bramble about eighteen inches in length1 and form it into a loop as seen at 7a71 securing the tips by a few circuits of string1 and allowing the larger end to project an inch or more beyond the other4 ,this loop1 which is called the spreader1 should now be laid down flat2 and on the upper side of the large end and about an inch from its tip1 a notch should be cut as our illustration shows4 ,the spring should next be procured1 and should consist of a pliant1 elastic switch1 about four feet in length4 ,a piece of fish line about two feet long1 should now be fastened to the tip of the switch1 and the loose end of the cord attached to a catch piece of the shape shown at 7b74 ,this catch may be about an inch and a half long1 and should be whittled off to an edge on one end1 the string being attached at about its centre4 ,a slipping noose1 made from strong horse hair1 or piece of fine wire about two feet long1 should now be fastened to the string about two inches above the catch4 ,having the switch thus prepared1 it is ready to be inserted in the ground at the place selected for the trap4 ,when this is done1 another small flexible twig about a foot in length should cut1 and being sharpened at both ends1 should be inserted in the ground in the form of an arch 7c71 at about three feet distant from the spring1 and having its broad side toward it4 ,insert the notch of the spreader exactly under the top of the arc1 and note the spot where the curved end of the former touches the ground4 ,at this point a peg 7d7 should be driven leaving a projecting portion of about two inches4 ,the ,page #fj pieces are now ready to be adjusted4 ,pass the curved end of the spreader over the peg1 bringing the notched end beneath the arc with the notch uppermost4 ,draw down the catch piece1 and pass it beneath the arc from the opposite side letting the bevelled end catch in the notch in the spreader1 the other end resting against the upper part of the arc4 ,arrange the slipping noose over the spreader as our drawing indicates1 bringing it inside the peg1 as there shown1 as otherwise it would catch upon it when the snare is sprung4 ,strew the bait1 consisting of berries1 bird-seed1 or the like1 inside the spreader1 and all is ready4 ,presently a little bird is seen to settle on the ground in the neighborhood of the trap2 he spies the bait and hopping towards it1 gradually makes bold enough to alight upon the spreader1 which by his weight immediately falls1 the catch is released1 the switch flies up1 and the unlucky bird dangles in the air by the legs4 ,if the trapper is near he can easily release the struggling creature before it is at all injured1 otherwise it will flutter itself into a speedy death4 ,,the ,,improved ,,springle4 ,illustration ,the accompanying cut illustrates an improvement on the last mentioned trap1 whereby it can be used for the capture of larger game1 and with most excellent success4 ,in place of the spreader a crotched stick is used1 the crotch of which catches around the peg1 the other end being supplied with a notch as in the case of the spreader4 ,on the upper side of this stick a small pasteboard platform is tacked1 over which and beneath which the bait is thrown4 ,instead of the arc1 a stout crotch stick is substituted4 ,the noose should be at least ten inches in diameter and constructed of sucker wire4 ,it should be arranged on the ground around the bait and inside of the peg4 ,when the snare is set1 the crotched end of the bait stick will thus rest near the earth1 the notched end only being lifted in order to reach the catch piece4 ,it is well to insert a few small sticks inside the edge of the noose in order to keep it in correct position4 ,if properly set1 the quail or partridge ,page #fa in approaching the trap will have to step inside the noose in order to reach the bait1 and while thus regaling itself with a choice meal of oats1 berries1 or other delicacies1 will be sure to press upon the bait stick either by pecking1 or treading upon it1 and will thus set the catch piece free1 only to find itself secured by a grasp from which he will never escape alive4 ,this is a very effectual snare2 but on account of its securing its victim by the legs and thus torturing them to death1 it is to be deprecated4 ,we would recommend in preference1 those varieties already described as being fully as successful1 and far less cruel4 ,they effect almost instant death1 either by broken necks or strangulation1 and are in this regard among the most humane traps on record4 ,,the ,,figure ,,four ,,ground ,,snare4 ,illustration ,for simplicity in construction there are few snare traps which can compare with this variety1 although it is somewhat similar to those last mentioned1 and like them1 catches by the feet4 ,the trap consists of three pieces4 ,a catch piece about three inches long1 a bait stick of about six inches1 and a stout crotch of the proportionate size shown in our illustration1 a glance at which will make the setting too clear to need description4 ,be careful that the bait stick is set fine and rests just beneath the tip of the catch-piece so that a mere touch on the bait will release it4 ,arrange the noose as in the instance last described1 and bait either as therein directed or with an apple or nubbin of corn1 as our accompanying cut indicates4 ,always remembering that the noose should be sufficiently large to require the birds to step inside of it in order to reach the bait4 ,,the ,,platform ,,snare4 ,illustration ,this odd invention will be found to work capitally as a game trap1 and the only extra requisite necessary consists of a slab or light board about seven inches wide1 and a foot in length4 ,having selected the spot for the trap1 proceed to cut a stiff ,page #fb switch about five feet in length1 and having sharpened the larger end to a nice point1 insert it firmly into the ground in a slanting direction as our drawing illustrates4 ,next bend down the tip of the sapling1 and resting one end of the board on the ground1 catch the tip of the switch against the other end1 as our illustration also shows4 ,a little experimenting will soon determine the right place for the board1 after which two pegs should be driven in the ground at its edge to hold it against the pressure on the opposite end4 ,this being done fasten a wire noose to the tip of the switch1 after which the pen is the only thing required4 ,this should be built of simple little twigs arranged around three sides of the board1 leaving the front end open4 ,to set the snare1 lower the switch and raising the board slightly at the back end1 catch the tip of the springer behind it1 afterwards arranging the noose over the platform1 and scattering the bait inside4 ,if the trap has been constructed properly and set fine it will take but a very slight weight on the platform to lower it from its bearing1 the weight of an ordinary bird being sufficient1 and the springer thus released will fly forward either catching its victim by the neck or legs1 as the case may be4 ,it may sometimes be found necessary to cut a slight notch in the end of the springer to receive the board1 but in every case it should be tried several times in order to be sure that it works sensitively4 ,page #fc ,illustration3 ,,traps ,,for ,,feathered ,,game ,page #fe ,,book ,,iii4 ,,traps ,,for ,,feathered ,,game4 ,illustration3 ,among the following will be found the various net and cage traps commonly used in the capture of winged game1 besides several other unique devices in the shape of box traps1 etc41 many of which are original with the author of this work and appear in the present volume for the first time in book form4 ,commonest among bird-catching machines1 is the well known invention of ,,the ,,sieve ,,trap4 ,this device certainly possesses one great advantage3--it is not complicated4 ,any one possessed of a sieve and a piece of string can get up the trap at two minutes' notice1 and provided he has patience1 and can wait for his little bird1 he is almost sure to be rewarded for his pains1--if he wait long enough4 ,this of course depends upon circumstances3 when the birds are plenty and are not shy1 it is a common thing to secure three or four at once in a very few minutes1 while at other times an hour's patient waiting is unrewarded4 ,the trap consists only of a sieve tilted up on edge and thus propped in position by a slender stick4 ,to this stick a string or thread is attached and the same carried to some near place of concealment1 when the trapper may retire out of sight and watch for his little bird4 ,the ground beneath the sieve is strewn with bread crumbs1 seed or other bait1 and while the unsuspecting birds are enjoying their repast1 the string is pulled and they are made prisoners4 ,the sieve may be arranged with a spindle as described for the coop trap1 page 7#fh71 and may thus be left to take care of itself4 ,where ,page #ff the birds are plenty and easily captured1 the former method answers the purpose perfectly1 but when tedious waiting is likely to ensue the self-acting trap is better4 ,,the ,,brick ,,trap4 ,this is a very old invention1 and has always been one of the three or four stereotyped specimens of traps selected for publication in all ,boys' ,books4 ,it is probably well known to most of our readers4 ,take four bricks1 and arrange them on the ground1 as seen in our engraving1 letting them rest on their narrow sides4 ,if properly arranged1 they should have a space between them1 nearly as large as the broad surface of the brick4 ,a small1 forked twig of the shape shown in the separate drawing 7b7 having a small piece cut away from each side of the end1 should then be procured4 ,next cut a slender stick1 about four inches in length1 bluntly pointed at each end4 ,a small plug with a flat top should now be driven into the ground1 inside the trap1 about three inches from either of the end bricks and projecting about two inches from the ground4 ,the trap is then ready to be set4 ,lay the flat end of the forked twig over the top of the plug1 with the forks pointing forward1 or toward the end of the enclosure nearest the plug4 ,the pointed stick should then be adjusted1 placing one end on the flat end of the fork1 over the plug1 and the other beneath the fifth brick1 which should be rested upon it4 ,the drawing 7b7 clearly shows the arrangement of the pieces4 ,the bait1 consisting of berries1 bird-seed1 or other similar substances should then be scattered on the ground on the inside of the enclosure4 ,when the bird flies ,page #fg to the trap he will generally alight on the forked twig1 which by his weight tilts to one side and dislodges the pieces1 thus letting fall the sustained brick4 ,illustration ,it is not intended to kill the bird1 and when rightly constructed will capture it alive4 ,care is necessary in setting the topmost brick in such a position that it will fall aright1 and completely cover the open space4 ,this is a very simple and effectual little contrivance1 and can be made with a box instead of bricks1 if desired4 ,a piece of board may also be substituted for the top brick1 and the enclosure beneath made larger by spreading the bricks further apart1 thus making a more roomy dungeon for the captive bird4 ,illustration ,,the ,,coop ,,trap4 ,this is another excellent device for the capture of birds and large feathered game1 and is used to a considerable extent by trappers throughout the country4 ,like the brick trap1 it secures its victims without harm and furnishes the additional advantage of good ventilation for the encaged unfortunate4 ,any ordinary coop may be used in the construction of this trap1 although the homely one we illustrate is most commonly employed on account of its simplicity and easy manufacture4 ,it also does away with the troublesome necessity of carrying a coop to the trapping ground1 as it can be made in a very few minutes with common rough hewn twigs by the clever use of the jack knife4 ,the only remaining requisites consist of a few yards of very stout ,indian twine1 several small squares of brown pasteboard1 a dozen tacks and a number of pieces of board five inches square1 each one having a hole through its centre1 as our engraving 7b7 indicates4 ,having these1 the young trapper starts out with material sufficient for several coops1 and if he is smart ,page #fh will find no difficulty in making and setting a dozen traps in a forenoon4 ,illustration ,in constructing the coop1 the first thing to be done is to cut four stout twigs about an inch in thickness and fifteen inches in length and tie them together at the corners1 letting the knot come on the inside as our illustration 7a7 explains and leaving a loose length of about two feet of string from each corner4 ,this forms the base of the coop4 ,next collect from a number of twigs of about the same thickness1 and from them select two more corresponding in length to the bottom pieces4 ,having placed the base of the coop on the ground1 and collected the strings inside proceed to lay the two selected sticks across the ends of the ,page #fi uppermost two of the square1 and directly above the lower two4 ,another pair of twigs exactly similar in size should then be cut and laid across the ends of the last two1 and directly above the second set of the bottom portion1 thus forming two squares of equal size1 one directly over the other4 ,the next pair of sticks should be a trifle shorter than the previous ones and should be placed a little inside the square4 ,let the next two be of the same size as the last and also rest a little inside of those beneath them1 thus forming the commencement of the conical shape which our engraving presents4 ,by thus continuing alternate layers of the two sticks cob-house fashion1 each layer being closer than the one previous1 the pyramid will be easily and quickly formed4 ,after ten or a dozen sets have been laid in place1 the arm should be introduced into the opening at the top1 and the four cords drawn out1 letting each one lay along its inside corner of the pyramid4 ,taking the strings loosely in the left hand and having the twigs in readiness1 proceed to build up the sides until the opening at the top is reduced to only four or five inches across4 ,the square board will now come into play4 ,pass the ends of the cords through the hole in its centre and rest the edge of the board on the top pair of sticks1 taking care that it is the tip of the grain of the wood instead of its side1 as otherwise it would be likely to crack from the pressure that is about to be brought upon it4 ,have ready a stout peg of hard wood1 and laying it over the hole in the board1 and between the strings1 proceed to tie the latter as tightly as possible over it4 ,by now turning the peg1 the cords will be twisted and tightened and the various pieces of the coops will be drawn together with great firmness1 in which state they may be secured by the aid of a tack driven in the top board against the end of the peg as shown at 7b74 ,thus we have a neat and serviceable coop1 which will last for many seasons4 ,to set the affair it is necessary to cut three sticks of the shapes shown in our illustration4 ,the prop piece is a slender forked twig about ten inches in length from the tip to the base of the crotch4 ,the spindle is another hooked twig of the same length3 the bait piece is quite similar to the latter1 only an inch shorter and supplied with a square notch at the tip4 ,it is also slightly whittled off on the upper side to receive the square of pasteboard or tin1 which is to hold the bait and which may be easily fastened in place by a tack4 ,all of these twigs may be easily found in any thicket by a little practice in searching4 ,in setting the trap1 it is only necessary to raise up one side of the coop to the height of the prop stick1 insert the ,page #gj short arm of the spindle through the fork and beneath the edge of the coop4 ,while holding it thus in position1 hook the crotch of the bait stick around the lower piece at the back of the coop1 and pushing the end of the spindle inside the coop1 catch it in the notch of the bait stick where it will hold1 and the trap is ready to be baited4 ,the bait may consist of oats1 wheat1 nannie berries or the like1 and should be strewn both on the platform and over the ground directly beneath and around it4 ,if properly set1 a mere peck at the corn will be sufficient to dislodge the pieces and the coop will fall over its captive4 ,it is not an uncommon thing to find two or even three quail encaged in a trap of this kind at one fall1 and after the first momentary fright is over1 they seem to resign themselves to their fate and take to their confinement as naturally as if they had been brought up to it4 ,the method of setting the coop trap above described is a great improvement on the old style of setting1 and is an improvement original with the author of this work4 ,in the old method a semi-circular hoop of rattan is used in place of the bait stick above4 ,the ends of the rattan are fastened to one of the lower back pieces of the coop1 and the hoop is just large enough to fit inside the opening of the coop4 ,this rattan rests just above the ground1 and the spindle catches against its inside edge in place of the notch in the bait stick already described1 the bait being scattered inside the hoop4 ,when the bird approaches1 it steps upon the rattan1 and thus pressing it downward releases the spindle and the coop falls2 but experience has shown the author that it does not always secure its intruders1 but as often falls upon their backs and sends them off limping to regain their lost senses4 ,by the author's improvement it will be seen that the whole body of the bird must be beneath the coop before the bait sticks can be reached and that when properly set it is absolutely certain to secure its victim4 ,the author can recommend it as infallible1 and he feels certain that anyone giving both methods a fair trial will discard the old method as worthless in comparison4 ,,the ,,bat ,,fowling ,,net4 ,with ,english bird-catchers this contrivance is in common use1 but so far as we know it has not been utilized to any great extent in this country4 ,it is chiefly used at night by the aid of a lantern1 and large numbers of sparrows and other birds are often secured4 ,page #ga ,illustration ,our illustration gives a very clear idea of the net1 which may be constructed as follows3 ,procure two light flexible poles1 about eight feet in length2 to the tip of each a cord should be attached1 and the same secured to the middle of the pole1 having drawn down the tip to the bend1 shown in our engraving4 ,the two bent ends should now be attached together by a hinge of leather4 ,a piece of mosquito netting is next in order1 and it should be of such a size as to cover the upper bent halves of the poles1 as seen in the illustration--the bottom edge being turned up into a bag1 about ten inches in depth4 ,the contrivance is now complete1 and is used as follows3 ,three persons are generally required1 and a dark night is chosen4 ,hay stacks1 evergreens1 and thick bushes offer a favorite shelter to numerous small birds1 and it is here that they are sought by the bird-hunters4 ,a breezy night is preferable1 as the birds perch low1 and are not so easily startled by unusual sounds4 ,great caution1 however1 is used in the approach4 ,one party holds the light1 which is generally a dark lantern1 another takes the net1 and the third arms himself with a switch with which to beat the bushes4 ,the net is first held upright about a foot from the bush1 and the light thrown upon the back of it4 ,the bush is then moderately beaten1 and the birds affrighted and bewildered fly against the net1 which is instantly closed4 ,the bird is thus captured1 and when a full roost can be discovered a large number may be taken in a single night4 ,the lantern should be closed while not in actual use1 and everything should be done as quietly as possible4 ,the dark lantern in itself is useful without the net4 ,the light often so bewilders the bird that it flies directly in the face of the lantern and flutters to the ground1 where it may be easily taken with the hand4 ,page #gb ,,the ,,clap ,,net4 ,in ,asia1 ,africa1 ,south ,america and ,europe1 this trap is a common resource for the capture of wild birds of various kinds4 ,it may be called a decoy trap1 from the fact that call birds are generally used in connection with it4 ,they are placed at distances around the trap1 and attract the wild birds to the spot by their cries4 ,these birds are especially trained for the purpose1 but almost any tamed bird that chirps will attract its mates from the near neighborhood1 and answer the purpose very well4 ,sometimes the decoys are entirely dispensed with1 and the bird whistle used in their stead4 ,this will be described hereafter1 and inasmuch as the training of a decoy would be a rather difficult matter1 we rather recommend the use of the bird whistle4 ,the skill and absolute perfection of mimicry which is often attained by bird fanciers with the use of this little whistle1 is something surprising4 ,illustration ,no matter what the species of bird--whether crow1 bobolink1 thrush or sparrow1 the song or call is so exactly imitated as to deceive the most experienced naturalist1 and even various birds themselves4 ,of course this requires practice1 but even a tyro may soon learn to use the whistle to good advantage4 ,the clap net commonly used1 is a large contrivance--so large that several hundred pigeons are often caught at once4 ,it is sprung by the bird-hunter1 who lies in ambush watching for the game4 ,the net is generally constructed as follows1 and may be made smaller if desired3-- ,page #gc ,procure two pieces of strong thread netting1 each about fifteen feet in length1 and five feet in width4 ,four wooden rods one inch in thickness and five feet in length are next required4 ,these may be constructed of pine1 ash1 or any other light wood1 and one should be securely whipped to each end of the netting4 ,now by the aid of a gimlet or a red-hot iron1 the size of a slate pencil1 bore a hole through one end of every piece one inch from the tip1 taking care that the ends selected lay on the same side of the net4 ,the other extremities of the four poles should be supplied1 each with a large screw eye4 ,four pegs are next in order--one of which is shown separate at 7,p74 ,it should be about eight inches in length1 and three inches in width1 and an inch in thickness1 and sharpened to a point at one end4 ,the other end should be supplied with a notch two inches in depth and of such a width as will easily secure the perforated end of one of the poles already described4 ,by the use of the gimlet or a red-hot nail1 a hole should now be bored through the side of every peg across the centre of the notch for the reception of a wire pin or smooth nail4 ,the nets may now be rolled up on the poles1 and the trapper may thus easily carry them to his selected trapping ground4 ,this should be smooth and free from stones and irregularities4 ,unroll the nets and spread them flatly on the ground1 as seen in the illustration4 ,let the perforated ends of the poles be innermost1 and allow a space of six feet between the inner edges of the nets4 ,draw the net flatly on the ground1 and drive one of the notched pegs at each of the inside corners1 securing the poles into the slots by the aid of the wire pins or nails4 ,next cut four stakes eight or ten inches long4 ,the places for these may be seen by a look at our engraving4 ,each one should be inserted five feet distant from the notched peg1 and exactly on a line with the inside edge of the net--one for each corner4 ,they should slant from the net in every case4 ,to each one of these stakes a stay-rope should be secured1 and the other end passed through the screw eye of the nearest pole1 drawing the string tightly1 so as to stretch the net perfectly square4 ,next1 take a piece of cord1 about twenty feet in length1 and fasten it across the ends of the net into the screw eyes in the poles4 ,this is the loop to which the draw-string is attached1 and either end of the net may be chosen for this purpose4 ,to this loop and a little one side of the middle1 the draw-string should be fastened4 ,if secured exactly in the middle of the loop1 the two nets will strike when the draw-rope is pulled1 whereas ,page #gd when adjusted a little to one side1 the nearest net will move a trifle faster than the other1 and they will overlap neatly and without striking--completely covering the ground between them4 ,when the trap is spread the draw-rope should extend to some near shelter where the bird-catcher may secrete himself from view4 ,spreading the bait on the ground between the nets1 and arranging his call birds at the proper distances1 he awaits his opportunity of springing his nets4 ,at the proper minute1 when the ground is dotted with his game1 he pulls the draw-string1 and the birds are secured4 ,immense numbers of wild fowl are often captured in this way4 ,the bird whistle1 already alluded to1 is often used with good effect1 it being only sufficient to attract the birds to such a proximity to the net as will enable them to spy the bait1 after which their capture is easily effected4 ,,the ,,bird ,,whistle4 ,this instrument1 also known as the prairie whistle1 is clearly shown in our illustration4 ,it is constructed as follows3 ,first1 procure a piece of morocco or thin leather4 ,from it cut a circular piece one inch and a quarter in diameter4 ,through the centre of this disc1 cut a round hole1 one-third of an inch in diameter4 ,a semi-circular piece of tin is next required4 ,it should be of the shape of an arc1 as seen in our illustration2 its width across the ends being about three-quarters of an inch1 and its entire length being pierced with a row of fine holes4 ,next procure a piece of thin sheet ,india rubber or gold beater's skin4 ,cut a strip about an inch in length by half an inch in width1 and lay one of its long edges directly across the opening in the leather disc4 ,fold the leather in half 7over the rubber71 and draw the latter tightly4 ,next lay on the arc of tin in the position shown in the illustration1 and by the aid of a fine needle and thread sew it through the holes1 including both leather and rubber in the stitches4 ,when this is done1 the whistle is complete4 ,if the gold beater's skin is not attainable1 a good substitute may be found in the thin outer membrane of the leaf of a tough onion or leak1 the pulp being scraped away4 ,illustration ,page #ge ,to use the whistle1 place it against the roof of the mouth1 tin side up1 and with the edge of the rubber towards the front4 ,when once wet1 it will adhere to the roof of the mouth1 and by skilful blowing1 it can be made to send forth a most surprising variety of sounds4 ,the quack of the duck and the song of the thrush may be made to follow each other in a single breath1 and the squeal of a pig or the neigh of a horse are equally within its scope4 ,in short1 there is scarcely any animal1 whether bird or quadruped1 the cry of which may not be easily imitated by a skilful use of the prairie whistle1 or1 indeed1 as it might with propriety be called1 the menagerie whistle4 ,,the ,,wild ,,goose ,,trap4 ,in our northern cold regions1 where the wild geese and ptarmigan flock in immense numbers1 this trap is commonly utilized4 ,it consists merely of a large net fifty feet in length1 and fifteen in width1 arranged on a framework1 and propped in a slanting position by two poles1 after the manner of the sieve trap4 ,it is generally set on the ice2 and the trapper1 after attaching his strings to the props1 and sprinkling his bait at the foot of the net1 retires to a distance to await his chances4 ,tame geese are often used as decoys1 and sometimes the bird whistle already described is used for the same purpose4 ,for the capture of the ptarmigan1 the bait consists of a heap of gravel4 ,it is hard to imagine a less tempting allurement1 but as the food of the birds during the winter is sapless and hard1 it becomes necessary for them to swallow a considerable amount of gravel to promote digestion4 ,the great depth of the snow renders this commodity very scarce during the winter season2 and the ,indians1 taking advantage of this fact1 succeed in capturing immense numbers of the game in nets by the use of that simple allurement4 ,the gravel is packed on the surface of a pile of snow1 placed under the centre of the net1 and the draw-string is carried to some neighboring shrubbery or place of concealment1 where the trapper can always get at it without being seen by the birds under the net4 ,when everything is thus prepared1 the hunters start out into the adjacent woods and willows1 and drive their game toward the nets4 ,this is generally an easy matter1 and1 no sooner do the birds come in sight of the heap of gravel1 than they fly towards it en masse1 and the ground beneath the net is soon covered with the hungry game4 ,page #gf ,the hunter then goes to the end of the line1 and1 with a sudden pull1 hauls down the stakes3 the net fans over the birds1 and they are prisoners4 ,hundreds of ptarmigan are often thus caught by a single sweep of the net4 ,the trap is simply arranged1 and may be constructed on a reduced scale for smaller birds1 if desired4 ,,the ,,trap ,,cage4 ,illustration ,among bird-catchers generally1 this is the favorite and most universal trap2 and1 where a decoy bird is used1 it is particularly successful4 ,the cage is arranged in two compartments1 ,page #gg one above the other1--the lower one being occupied by the call-birds4 ,the making of the cage requires considerable ingenuity and much patience2 and1 for the benefit of those who may desire to exercise that patient ingenuity1 we will subjoin a few hints1 which may help them along in their efforts4 ,for an ordinary cage1 the height should be about one foot1 the broad sides the same1 and the top and other two sides eight inches4 ,first cut four corner uprights4 ,these should be three-quarters of an inch square1 and one foot in length4 ,next cut a bottom board of pine1 twelve inches by eight inches1 and one inch in thickness4 ,from each of its corners1 cut a small cube of the wood1 exactly three-quarters of an inch square1 thus leaving four notches1 which will exactly receive the ends of the uprights1 as seen at 7a74 ,before adjusting these pieces1 the four sides of the boards should be pierced with small holes1 as is also shown in the diagram 7a74 ,these may be punched with a brad-awl1 and should be about half an inch apart1 and three-eighths of an inch from the edge of the board4 ,each one of the uprights may then be secured in place by two long brads1 one being hammered each way into each side of the notch4 ,next proceed to cut four more of the square sticks4 ,two of these should be one foot in length1 and the remaining two eight inches4 ,the corners of these should now be neatly bevelled off1 so as to fit after the manner of a picture-frame4 ,they should then be attached to ,page #gh the upper ends of the uprights by a brad through the corner of each1 as seen at 7b71 the dotted lines indicating the end of the upright beneath4 ,these sticks should likewise be pierced with holes to correspond with those in the bottom board1 and running up and down in the direction of the wires4 ,illustration ,the middle tier of braces are next required4 ,two of these should be ten and a half inches in length1 and the other two six and a-half1 and the ends should be perfectly smooth4 ,these should now be punched with holes corresponding with those above1 after which they may be inserted between the uprights as seen in the engraving1 and secured by a brad at each end4 ,the trap door is shown separate at 7c74 ,the side sticks should be eight inches in length1 and one-half an inch square1 and the top and bottom sticks five inches in length4 ,they should be set in between the side sticks1 and the lower one should be secured about half an inch above the lower ends of the uprights1 as seen in the illustration4 ,the holes should be made in the side pieces1 and the wire run across from side to side1 as shown4 ,annealed iron1 or copper wire is best for this purpose4 ,the door should now be pivoted or hinged at the top of the cage1 between the long sides1 in such a position as that the top end shall rest on one of the narrow upper edges of the cage4 ,a stiff wire should be used for the hinge1 being passed through the top pieces of the cage into the lower ends of the door pieces4 ,the cage may now be wired throughout4 ,this is an easy matter1 if the holes are properly made4 ,about thirty yards of the wire will be required3 iron wire is generally used4 ,it should be about the size of a hair-pin1 and should work easily4 ,commence by passing it from the under side of the bottom board through one of the holes next to the corner4 ,pass the wire upward1 through the centre braces1 again upward through the top piece and across to the opposite broad side and corresponding hole4 ,from this point it should pass downwards1 through centre brace1 and again through the bottom4 ,draw the wire tightly and passing it upward through the hole next to it1 bring it over the top of the cage and around again to the bottom edge from which it started4 ,continue thus until the hinge of the door is reached2 after which the wire should be passed up and down on the same side and thus carried around the small end of the cage until it finally meets at the door hinge on the opposite side4 ,the two halves of the cage should now be separated by a grating of wire1 as seen in the main ,page #gi illustration4 ,this may be accomplished either by passing the wire from side to side1 around the base of each upright wire1 or an additional horizontal row of holes below the others may be punched for the purpose4 ,the door through which the call-bird is introduced should next be made in the bottom section4 ,there are two ways of doing this3 one method consists in sawing a hole three inches square in the bottom board of the cage2 and a cover consisting of a piece of tin is made to slide beneath the heads of four tacks1 two of which are placed on each side of the opening4 ,this form of door is perhaps the simplest of the two4 ,the other is shown separate at 7f71 together with its mode of attachment4 ,it consists of two side pieces of wood1 about a third of an inch square1 and three inches in length1 and two shorter ones1 two inches in length4 ,these are arranged into a square framework by a board in each corner4 ,four holes are to be pierced in each side piece1 at equal distances4 ,commencing at the top1 the door should then be wired as directed for the cage4 ,the lowest hole on each side should be left open for a separate piece of wire4 ,the cage should now receive attention4 ,the broad side is generally selected for the door4 ,find the seven centre wires and connect them across the middle by another horizontal bit of wire4 ,this may be easily done with a pair of pincers1 by compressing a loop at each end of the wire around the two which run perpendicularly at its ends4 ,when this is performed the five intermediate wires should be cut off about a quarter of an inch below the horizontal wire1 and the projecting tips looped back over the cross piece1 and made fast by the pincers4 ,the lower parts of the upright wires may now be cut off close to the board4 ,we will now take up the door4 ,pass a piece of wire through the holes at the bottom1 clap the door over the opening1 and loop the ends of the projecting wire loosely around the upright wires at each side4 ,this will allow the door to slide easily up and down4 ,another wire should now be interlaced downwards through the centre of the door1 and bent into a ring at the top4 ,let the door rest on the bottom of the cage1 and1 while in this position1 adjust the ring at the top around the central wire directly behind it4 ,the door is then complete1 and1 if properly made1 will look neat and work easily4 ,the trap at the top of the cage is next in order4 ,to complete this it is first necessary to interweave a stiff wire loop1 as seen at 7d74 ,the loop should extend on the inside of the lower piece of the door and about two inches below it4 ,the ,page #hj spring power consists of a piece of stiff hoop-skirt wire1 interwoven between the wires of the top of the cage1 and those of the door1 while the latter is shut4 ,the force of this will be sufficient to bring down the door with a snap2 and for further security a catch1 such as is described in page 7#hh71 may be added if desired4 ,the spindle is next required4 ,this is shown at 7g71 and consists of a small perch of wood seven inches in length1 and notched at each end4 ,in setting the trap1 the door should be raised as seen in the main illustration4 ,one of the notches in the spindle should now be caught beneath the loop and the other around one of the central wires in the end of the cage4 ,the bait1 consisting of a berry1 bird-seed1 or what-not1 may be either fastened to the spindle or placed beneath on the wires4 ,the call-bird having been introduced1 the trap may now be left to itself4 ,if the call-bird is well trained it will not be many minutes before the birds of the neighborhood will be attracted to the spot by its cries4 ,ere long one less cautious than the rest will be seen to perch upon the top of the cage4 ,he soon discovers the bait1 and alighting upon the perch1 throws it asunder1 and in an instant the trap door closes over its captive4 ,the cage is sometimes constructed double1 having two compartments beneath for call-birds1 and two traps above1 in general resembling two of the single traps placed side by side4 ,the decoy bird is not an absolute necessity to the success of the trap4 ,many birds are caught simply by the bait alone4 ,the trap cage1 when constructed on a larger scale1 is often successfully employed in the capture of the owl4 ,in this case it is baited with a live mouse or bird1 and set during the evening in a conspicuous place4 ,a trap working on this principle1 being especially adapted to the capture of the owl1 will be noticed hereafter4 ,,the ,,spring ,,net ,,trap4 ,although slightly complicated in construction1 our next illustration presents one of the prettiest bird traps on record1 and may be made in the following manner1 and by frequently referring to the picture1 our explanation will be easily understood4 ,the first step is to make or procure a low flat box1 about fifteen inches long1 by ten inches in width1 with a depth of about two inches4 ,next fasten an interior box1 of the same ,page #ha height1 leaving a space of about three-quarters of an inch between them all round4 ,a platform should now be made4 ,let it be of such a size that it will just fit in the interior box1 with a very slight space all around its edge4 ,it should then be pivoted in the upper part of this box by two small slender pins1 one being driven through into its edge1 at the centre of each end4 ,let it be sensitively poised4 ,the next thing to be done1 is to arrange the spindle and catch4 ,the latter should consist of a tack or small bit of wood fastened on the middle of the platform1 about an inch from one end1 as seen both in the main illustration and in the diagram at 7b74 ,illustration ,the spindle should consist of a flat piece of wood1 secured with a leather hinge to the edge of the outside box1 directly opposite the catch4 ,let it be long enough to reach and barely hold itself beneath the catch4 ,when thus in its position1 two small plugs should next be driven into the edge of the inner box1 one on each side of the spindle1 thus holding it in place4 ,a glance at our illustration makes this clear4 ,the netting and hoop are next in order4 ,the hoop should consist of an iron wire of the diameter of common telegraph wire4 ,for a box of the size we have given1 a length of about twenty-eight inches will be found to answer4 ,before making the hoop1 however1 its hinges should be ready for it4 ,two screw eyes1 or staples of bent wire should be driven into the bottom of the box between the two walls1 one in the exact middle of each side4 ,the iron wire should now be bent so as to fit round and settle into the space between the boxes1 letting each end rest ,page #hb over the screws in the bottom4 ,it will be found that there will be enough surplus wire on each end to form into a loop with the pincers4 ,these loops should be passed through the screws or rings already inserted1 and then pinched together2 the hinge will thus be made1 and will appear as at 7c74 ,if properly done1 they should allow the hoop to pass freely from one end of the box to the other1 and settle easily between the partitions4 ,if this hinge should prove too complicated for our young readers1 they may resort to another method1 which1 although not so durable1 will answer very well4 ,in this case the wire will only need to reach to the exact middle of the long sides4 ,no surplus being necessary1 a length of twenty-six inches will be exactly right4 ,on each end a short loop of tough ,indian twine should be tied4 ,by now fastening these loops to the bottom of the box with tacks1 in the place of screws1 it will form a hinge which will answer the purpose of the more complicated one4 ,illustration ,the netting should consist of common mosquito gauze1 or1 if this cannot be had1 any thin cloth may be substituted4 ,it should be sewed fast to the iron wire1 from hinge to hinge1 and then1 with the hoops resting in its groove1 the netting should be drawn over the platform1 and tacked to the bottom of the groove1 on its remaining half4 ,it should rest loosely over the platform to allow plenty of space for the bird4 ,but one more addition1 and the trap is finished4 ,we have mentioned the use of elastics in other varieties3 they are of equal use here1 and should be attached to the hoop as seen at 7a7 in the section drawing1 the remaining ends being fastened to the bottom of the groove1 as there indicated4 ,these elastics should be placed on both sides1 and stretched to such a tension as will draw the hoop quickly from one side to the other4 ,it will now be easy to set the trap4 ,draw the hoop back to the opposite end1 tucking the netting into the groove2 lower the spindle over it1 resting it between the two little plugs1 and securing its end beneath the catch on the platform4 ,if the bait1 ,page #hc consisting of bread-crumbs1 berries1 insects1 or the like1 be now sprinkled on the platform1 the trap is ready for its feathered victim4 ,it will easily be seen that the slightest weight on either side of this poised platform will throw the catch from the end of the spindle1 and release the hoop and the platform in an instant is covered by the net1 capturing whatever unlucky little bird may have chanced to jump upon it4 ,this is a very pretty little trap1 and will well repay the trouble of making it4 ,a ,,simpler ,,net ,,trap4 ,illustration ,much ingenuity has been displayed in the construction of bird traps of various kinds1 but often the ingenuity has been misplaced1 and the result has been so complicated as to mar its usefulness for practical purposes4 ,the examples of net traps presented in this volume are so simple that the merest tyro can readily understand them4 ,what can be more so than the present example1 and yet it is as sure in its effect1 and surer than those other varieties of more complicated construction4 ,one necessary element in a trap of any kind is1 that the bearings are slight and that they spring easily4 ,to obtain this requisite it is necessary to overcome friction as much as possible1 using only a small number of pieces1 and having as few joints and hinges only as are absolutely necessary4 ,the present variety possesses advantages on this account4 ,it is constructed somewhat on the principle of the ordinary steel trap1 and also resembles in other respects the one we have just described1 although much simpler4 ,we give only a section drawing1 as this will be sufficient4 ,the long side of a flat board of about eight by sixteen inches is shown at 7a72 7b7 indicates the loops of a bent wire1 to which the netting is attached1 as in the trap just described1 ,page #hd the loops being fastened to the board as in the other variety2 7g7 consists of a small bit of wood an inch or so in length and half an inch in width4 ,it should be tacked on to the middle of the one end of the board and project about a half inch above the surface4 ,to the top of this the spindle 7c7 should be attached by a leather or staple hinge4 ,the spindle should be of light pine1 five inches in length and a quarter of an inch square1 bevelled2 on the under side of one end 7d7 is the catch or bait piece1 and should be whittled out of a shingle or pine stick of the shape shown1 the width being about a half an inch or less4 ,one side should be supplied with a slight notch for the reception of the spindle1 and the other should project out two or three inches1 being covered on the top with a little platform of pasteboard1 tin1 or thin wood either glued or tacked in place4 ,to attach this piece to the main board1 two small wire staples may be used1 one being inserted into the bottom end of the piece and the other being hooked through it1 and afterward tacked to the bottom of the trap1 thus forming a loop hinge4 ,another method is to make a hole through the lower tip of the bait piece by the aid of a red-hot wire1 as seen at 7d71 afterwards inserting a pin and overlapping its ends with two staples driven into the bottom board1 as shown at 7e74 ,in our last mentioned net trap the spring power consisted of rubber elastic1 and the same may be used in this case1 if desired1 but by way of variety we here introduce another form of spring which may be successfully employed in the construction of traps of various kinds4 ,it is shown at 7o7 and consists merely of a piece of tempered hoop iron1 so bent as to act with an upward pressure4 ,it should be about three inches long by half an inch wide4 ,about three-quarters of an inch should be allowed for the two screws by which it is to be attached to the board4 ,the rest should be bent upward and thus tempered by first heating almost to redness1 and then cooling in cold water4 ,one of these springs should be fastened to the board on each side1 directly under the wire and quite near the hinge1 in the position shown in the main drawing4 ,now draw back the net1 lower the spindle and catch its extremity in the notch of the bait piece1 and the trap is set as in our illustration4 ,sprinkle the bait on the platform1 and lay the machine on the ground where birds are known to frequent2 and it is only a matter of a few hours or perhaps minutes1 before it will prove its efficacy4 ,in order to prevent the bird from raising the wire and thereby escaping1 it is well to fasten a little tin ,page #he catch 7f7 at the end of the board4 ,this will spring over the wire and hold it in its place4 ,,the ,,upright ,,net ,,trap4 ,the following is another novelty in the way of a bird-trap1 somewhat similar to the one we have just described1 in its manner of working4 ,procure two pieces of board about a foot square4 ,nail one to the edge of the other1 as represented in our engraving4 ,a stout wire is the next requisite4 ,it should be about thirty inches long1 and bent either into a curve or into two corners1 making three equal sides4 ,each end of the wire should then be bent into a very small loop for the hinge4 ,on to this wire the netting should then be secured as in the two previous examples1 after which the ends of the wire may be tied with string or hinged on wire staples into the angle of the two boards1 as seen in our illustration4 ,allow the wire now to lie flat on the bottom board1 and then proceed to tack the netting around the edges of the upright board4 ,two elastics should next be fastened to the wire on each side1 securing their loose ends to the bottom of the trap4 ,they should be tightly drawn so as to bring the wire down with a snap4 ,the spindle of this trap should be about eight or nine inches long1 square and slender1--the lower end being flattened1 and the upper end secured to the top edge of the upright board by a hinge of leather or string4 ,an excellent hinge may be made with a piece of leather an inch and a half long1 by half an inch in width1 one half of the length being tied around the end of the spindle1 and the other tacked on to the upper edge of the board4 ,the platform is given by itself at 7a7 in the same picture4 ,it may be made of very thin wood--cigar box wood1 for instance1 or even thick pasteboard4 ,it consists of three pieces4 ,the piece which is hinged into the angle of the boards should be about three inches in length2 the platform piece ought not to be more than four inches square1 and the upright piece only long enough to reach the tip of the spindle when the platform is raised1 as shown in our engraving4 ,the hinge piece should be cut to an edge on that end where the leather is fastened1 the opposite end being bevelled off in order that the platform may rest and be tacked or glued firmly upon it4 ,the diagram 7a7 will make this all very clear4 ,when the platform is all made and fastened in its place1 the ,page #hf trap may be set4 ,draw the hoop back as far as possible1 and lower the spindle over its edge1 catching it behind the upright stick on the platform4 ,if the trap is properly constructed1 the pressure of the spindle on the platform will suffice to hold it up as seen in our illustration4 ,the upright stick on the back of the platform should never be more than an inch and a half from the back of the trap4 ,if need be1 a slight notch may be made in the end of the spindle and a small tack driven into the back of the upright stick to correspond to it4 ,by thus fitting the notch under the head of the tack1 it will be sure to hold the platform in the right position4 ,but it should be carefully tested before setting1 to see that it springs easily4 ,illustration ,when thus set sprinkle the bait on the platform1 scattering a little also on the bottom of the trap and on the ground directly around it4 ,the little birds will soon spy the tempting morsels1 and alighting on the trap are misled1 and the slightest peck or pressure on the platform where the bait is most bounteously spread brings down the wire and net with a snap1 and the little creature is secured without harm4 ,illustration3 ,method #b4 ,our next illustration shows another method of constructing the platform4 ,it should be about three or four inches square1 ,page #hg and on the middle of one of its edges the upright catch piece should be fastened4 ,this piece1 as will be seen in our engraving1 should be cut spreading at the bottom so as to admit of being secured to the platform by two brads1 the tip being cut to a point4 ,the total length of this piece should not be over two and a half inches4 ,when tacked in place1 a third brad should be inserted between the other two and exactly in the centre of the side of the platform4 ,this latter brad is to act as the pivot1 or hinge1 and should project about a quarter of an inch1 as seen at 7a74 ,on the opposite edge of the platform another larger brad should be driven1 having its end filed to a blunt point1 as in 7b74 ,if the filing would be too tedious1 a plug of hard wood of the required shape would answer every purpose4 ,the upright props which support the platform should be cut of thin wood4 ,let one be an inch and a half long and half an inch wide1 the other being an inch in length4 ,each should have one end whittled to a point1 which will admit of its being inserted in a gimlet hole in the bottom of the trap4 ,these gimlet holes should be made at least half an inch in depth4 ,make the first at about an inch or so from the back of the trap4 ,into this insert the shorter pieces1 broadside front4 ,lay the pivot brad of the platform on the top of this piece and insert over it a small wire staple1 as seen at 7a74 ,elevate the platform evenly and determine the spot for the other gimlet hole1 which should be directly beneath the point of the filed brad4 ,be sure that it is in the middle of the board1 so that the platform may set squarely1 and be perfectly parallel with the sides4 ,insert the remaining prop in its place1 and the platform is complete4 ,the overhanging spindle now requires a little attention4 ,this should be whittled off on each side1 bringing it to a point at the tip4 ,on each side of the spindle a long plug should then be driven into the back piece1 as our illustration shows4 ,these should be far enough apart to allow the spindle to pass easily between them4 ,the setting of the trap is plainly shown ,page #hh in our engraving4 ,the spindle being lowered between the plugs is caught finely on the tip of the catch-piece4 ,the blunt point at the opposite end of the platform should have a slight hollow made for it in the prop against which it presses4 ,if the platform be now strewn with bait1 the little machine is ready4 ,it is certainly very simple and will be found very effective4 ,,the ,,box ,,owl ,,trap4 ,the use of a box trap for the capture of an owl is certainly an odd idea1 but we nevertheless illustrate a contrivance which has been successfully used for that purpose4 ,the box in this case should be of the proportions shown in our engraving1 and well ventilated with holes1 as indicated4 7,this ventilation is1 by-the-way1 a good feature to introduce in all traps47 ,having made or selected a suitable box--say1 fourteen or more inches wide1 provided with a cover1 working on a hinge--proceed to fasten on the outside of the lid a loop of stiff wire1 bent in the shape shown at 7e74 ,this may be fastened to the cover by means of small staples1 or even tacks1 and should project over the edge about two inches4 ,when this is done1 the lid should be raised to the angle shown in our illustration1 and the spot where the end of the wire loop touches the back of the box should be marked and a slit cut through the wood at this place1 large enough for the angle of the loop to pass through4 ,two elastics should now be fastened to the inside of the box1 being secured to the bottom at the side1 and the other to the edge of the cover1 as seen in the illustration4 ,they should be sufficiently strong to draw down the cover quickly4 ,the perch1 or spindle1 should consist of a light stick of wood1 as shown at 7b17 one end provided with a slight notch1 and the other fastened to the inside of the front of the box by a string or leather hinge1 7c17 keeping the notch on the upper side of the stick4 ,it will be now seen that by opening the cover1 until the loop enters through the groove1 and by then hooking the notch in the spindle under the loop as seen at 7a7 the trap will be set1 and if properly done it will be found that a very slight weight on the spindle will set it free from the loop and let the cover down with swiftness4 ,to secure the cover in place a small tin catch should now be applied to the front edge of the box1 as shown in the illustration4 ,a piece of tin two inches in length by a half an inch in breadth will answer for this purpose4 ,one end should be bent ,page #hi down half an inch at a pretty sharp angle1 and the other attached by two tacks1 to the edge of the box1 in the position shown in the cut4 ,this precaution will effectually prevent the escape of whatever bird1 large or small1 the trap may chance to secure4 ,it is a necessary feature of the trap1 as without it the elastics might be torn asunder and the lid thereby easily raised4 ,illustration ,this trap may be baited in a variety of ways4 ,as it is particularly designed for a bird trap1 it is well to sprinkle the bottom of the box with berries1 bird-seed1 small insects1 such as crickets1 grasshoppers1 etc4 ,these latter are very apt to jump out1 and it may be well to fasten one or two of them to the bottom with a pin through the body1 just behind the head4 ,there are many kinds of birds which live almost exclusively on insects2 and as this bait is of rather a lively kind1 there is scarcely any other method to retain them in their position4 ,a bird on approaching this trap will almost irresistibly alight on the perch1 and if not at first1 it is generally sure to do so before long4 ,if desired1 a pasteboard platform may be fastened on the ,page #ij top of the perch with small tacks1 and the bait scattered upon it4 ,this will act in the same manner1 and might1 perhaps1 be a trifle more certain4 ,we will leave it to our readers to experiment upon4 ,we have given this variety the name of owl-trap1 because it may be used with success in this direction4 ,when set for this purpose1 it should be baited with a live mouse1 small rat or bird1 either fastened to the bottom of the trap1 if a bird1 or set in with the trap inclosing it1 if a mouse4 ,a small bird is the preferable bait1 as it may be easily fastened to the bottom of the box by a string1 and as a general thing is more sure to attract the attention of the owl by its chirping4 ,the trap should be set in an open1 conspicuous spot1 in the neighborhood where the owls in the night are heard to hoot4 ,the chances are that the box will contain an owl on the following morning4 ,this bird is a very interesting and beautiful creature1 and if our young reader could only catch one1 and find rats and mice enough to keep it well fed1 he would not only greatly diminish the number of rats in his neighborhood1 but he would realize a great deal of enjoyment in watching and studying the habits of the bird4 ,should it be difficult to supply the above mentioned food1 raw meat will answer equally well4 ,the bird should either be kept in a cage or inclosure and in the latter case1 its wings will require to be clipped4 ,,the ,,box ,,bird ,,trap4 ,here we have another invention somewhat resembling the foregoing4 ,our engraving represents the arrangement of the parts as the trap appears when set4 ,illustration ,the box may be of almost any shape4 ,a large sized cigar box has been used with excellent success1 and for small birds is just the thing4 ,the cover of the box in any case should work on a hinge of some sort4 ,the trap is easily made4 ,the first thing to be done is to cut an upright slot1 about two inches in length1 through the centre of the backboard1 commencing at the upper edge4 ,to the inside centre edge of the cover a small square strap1 about four inches in length1 should then be secured4 ,it should be so adjusted as that one-half shall project toward the inside of the box1 as seen in the illustration1 and at the same time pass easily through ,page #ia the slot beneath where the cover is closed4 ,the lid should now be supplied with elastics as described in the foregoing4 ,next in order comes the bait stick4 ,its shape is clearly shown in our illustration1 and it may be either cut in one piece or consist of two parts joined together at the angle4 ,to the long arm the bait should be attached and the upright portion should be just long enough to suspend the cover in a position on a line with the top of the box4 ,the trap may now be set1 as seen in our illustration1 and should be supplied with the necessary tin catch1 described in the foregoing4 ,,the ,,pendent ,,box ,,trap4 ,this invention is original with the author of this work1 and when properly made and set will prove an excellent device for the capture of small birds4 ,the general appearance of the trap1 as set1 is clearly shown in our illustration4 ,a thin wooden box is the first requisite1 it should be about a foot square and six inches in depth1 and supplied with a close fitting cover1 working on hinges4 ,the sides should then be perforated with a few auger holes for purposes of ventilation4 ,two elastics are next in order1 and they should be attached to the cover and box1 one on each side1 as shown at 7a47 ,they should be drawn to a strong tension1 so as to hold the cover firmly against the box4 ,the mechanism of the trap centres in the bait stick which differs in construction from any other described in this book4 ,it should be made about the size of a lead pencil1 and eleven ,page #ib inches or so in length1 depending of course upon the size of the box4 ,it should then be divided in two pieces by a perfectly flat cut1 the longer part being six inches in length4 ,this piece should be attached to the back board of the box by a small string and a tack1 as shown at 7c71 its end being bluntly pointed4 ,its attachment should be about five inches above the bottom board1 and in the exact centre of the width of the back4 ,illustration ,near the flat end of the other piece the bait consisting of a berry or other fruit1 should be secured1 and the further extremity of the stick should then be rounded to a blunt point4 ,the trap is now easily set4 ,raise the lid and lift the long stick to the position given in the illustration4 ,adjust the flat end of the bait stick against that of the former1 and allow the pressure of the lid to bear against the blunt point of the short stick at 7d71 as shown in the illustration1 a straight dent being made in the cover to receive it1 as also in the back of the box for the other piece4 ,if properly constructed1 this pressure will be sufficient to hold the sticks end to end1 as our engraving represents1 and the trap is ,page #ic thus set4 ,the slightest weight on the false perch thus made will throw the parts asunder1 and the cover closes with a snap4 ,the greatest difficulties in constructing the trap will be found in the bearings of the bait sticks 7b71 the ends of which must be perfectly flat and join snugly1 in order to hold themselves together4 ,the box may now be suspended in a tree by the aid of a string at the top4 ,the first bird that makes bold enough to alight on the perch is a sure captive1 and is secured without harm4 ,if desired1 the elastic may be attached to the inside of the cover1 extending to the back of the box1 as seen in the initial at the head of this chapter4 ,if the elastic in any event shows tendencies toward relaxing1 the tin catch described on page #hh should be adjusted to the lower edge of the box to insure capture4 ,,the ,,hawk ,,trap4 ,illustration ,our illustration represents a hawk in a sad plight4 ,the memory of a recent feast has attracted it to the scene of many of ,page #id its depredations3 but the ingenious farmer has at last outwitted his feathered foe and brought its sanguinary exploits to a timely end4 ,this trap is a ,yankee invention and has been used with great success in many instances where the hawk has become a scourge to the poultry yard4 ,the contrivance is clearly shown in an illustration1 consisting merely of a piece of plank two feet square1 set with stiff perpendicular pointed wires4 ,this affair was set on the ground in a conspicuous place1 the board covered with grass1 and the nice fat ,poland hen which was tied to the centre proved a morsel too tempting for the hawk to resist4 ,hence the fell swoop and the fatal consequences depicted in our illustration4 ,the owl has also been successfully captured by the same device4 ,,the ,,wild ,,duck ,,net4 ,following will be found two examples of traps in very common use for the capture of wild ducks1 and in the region of ,chesapeake bay1 immense numbers of the game are annually taken by their aid4 ,the first is the well known net trap1 so extensively used in nearly all countries1 both for the capture of various kinds of fish as well as winged game4 ,our illustration gives a very clear idea of the construction of the net1 and an elaborate description is almost superfluous4 ,it consists of a graduated series of hoops covered by a net work4 ,from each a converging net extends backward ending in a smaller hoop which is held in position by cords extending ,page #ie therefrom to the next larger hoop4 ,the depth of these converging nets should extend backward about three or four feet from the large hoop2 and the distance between these latter should be about five feet4 ,the length of the net should be about twenty feet1 terminating in a pound or netted enclosure1 as seen in the illustration4 ,the trap may be set on shore or in the water as seen4 ,decoy birds are generally used1 being enclosed in the pound4 ,illustration ,when set on land the bait consisting of corn or other grain should be spread about the entrance and through the length of the net4 ,it is remarkable that a duck which so easily finds its way within the netted enclosure1 should be powerless to make its escape1 but such seems to be the fact1 and even a single hoop with its reflex net1 has been known to secure a number of the game4 ,,the ,,hook ,,trap ,illustration ,our second example is one which we are almost tempted to exclude on account of its cruelty1 but as our volume is especially devoted to traps of all kinds and as this is a variety in very common use1 we feel bound to give it a passing notice4 ,our illustration fully conveys its painful mode of capture1 and a beach at low water is generally the scene of the slaughter4 ,a long stout cord is first stretched across the sand and secured ,page #if to a peg at each end4 ,to this shorter lines are attached at intervals1 each one being supplied with a fish hook baited with a piece of the tender rootstock of a certain water reed1 of which the ducks are very fond4 ,the main cord and lines are then imbedded in the sand1 the various baits only appearing on the surface1 and the success of the device is equal to its cruelty4 ,,the ,,fool',s ,,cap ,,trap4 ,of all oddities of the trap kind1 there is1 perhaps1 no one more novel and comical than the ,fool's ,cap crow-trap1 which forms the subject of our present illustration4 ,crows are by no means easy of capture in any form of trap1 and they are generally as coy and as shrewd in their approach to a trap as they are bold in their familiarity and disrespect for the sombre scarecrows in the com field4 ,but this simple device will often mislead the smartest and shrewdest crow1 and make a perfect fool of him1 for it is hard to imagine a more ridiculous sight than is furnished by the strange antics and evolutions of a crow thus embarrassed with his head imbedded in a cap which he finds impossible to remove1 and which he in vain endeavors to shake off by all sorts of gymnastic performance4 ,the secret of the little contrivance is easily told4 ,the cap consists of a little cone of stiff paper1 about three or four inches in diameter at the opening4 ,this is imbedded in the ground1 up to its edge1 and a few grains of corn are dropped into it4 ,the inside edge of the opening is then smeared with bird-lime1 ,page #ig a substance of which we shall speak hereafter4 ,illustration ,the crow1 on endeavoring to reach the corn1 sinks his bill so deep in the cone as to bring the gummy substance in contact with the feathers of his head and neck1 to which it adheres in spite of all possible efforts on the part of the bird to throw it off4 ,the cones may be made of a brownish-colored paper if they are to be placed in the earth1 but of white paper when inserted in the snow4 ,it is an excellent plan to insert a few of these cones in the fresh corn hills at planting season1 as the crows are always on the watch at this time1 and will be sure to partake of the tempting morsels1 not dreaming of the result4 ,the writer has often heard of this ingenious device1 and has read of its being successfully employed in many instances1 but he has never yet had an opportunity of testing it himself4 ,he will leave it for his readers to experiment upon for themselves4 ,,bird ,,lime4 ,this substance so called to which we have above alluded1 and which is sold in our bird marts under that name1 is a viscid1 sticky preparation1 closely resembling a very thick and gummy varnish4 ,it is astonishingly sticky1 and the slightest quantity between the fingers will hold them together with remarkable tenacity4 ,what its effect must be on the feathers of a bird can easily be imagined4 ,illustration ,this preparation is put up in boxes of different sizes1 and may be had from any of the taxidermists or bird-fanciers in any of ,page #ih our large towns or cities4 ,should a home made article be required1 an excellent substitute may be prepared from the inner bark of the slippery elm4 ,this should be gathered in the spring or early summer1 cut into very small pieces or scraped into threads1 and boiled in water sufficient to cover them until the pieces are soft and easily mashed4 ,by this time the water will be pretty much boiled down1 and the whole mass should then be poured into a mortar and beaten up1 adding at the same time a few grains of wheat4 ,when done1 the paste thus made may be put into an earthen vessel and kept4 ,when required to be used1 it should be melted or softened over the fire1 adding goose grease or linseed oil1 instead of water4 ,when of the proper consistency it may be spread upon sticks or twigs prepared for it1 and which should afterwards be placed in the locality selected for the capture of the birds4 ,an excellent bird-lime may be made also from plain linseed-oil1 by boiling it down until it becomes thick and gummy4 ,thick varnish either plain or mixed with oil1 but always free from alcohol1 also answers the purpose very well4 ,the limed twigs may be either set in trees or placed on poles and stuck in the ground4 ,if any of our readers chance to become possessed of an owl1 they may look forward to grand success with their limed twigs4 ,it is a well known fact in natural history that the owl is the universal enemy of nearly all our smaller birds4 ,and when1 as often happens1 a swarm of various birds are seen flying frantically from limb to limb1 seeming to centre on a particular tree1 and filling the air with their loud chirping1 it may be safely concluded that some sleepy owl has been surprised in his day-dozing1 and is being severely pecked and punished for his nightly depredations4 ,profiting from this fact1 the bird catcher often utilizes the owl with great success4 ,fastening the bird in the crotch of some tree1 he adjusts the limed twigs on an sides1 even covering the neighboring branches with the gummy substance4 ,no sooner is the owl spied by one bird than the cry is set up1 and a score of foes are soon at hand1 ready for battle4 ,one by one they alight on the beguiling twigs1 and one by one find themselves held fast4 ,the more they flutter the more powerless they become1 and the more securely are they held4 ,in this way many valuable and rare birds are often captured4 ,page #ii ,,the ,,humming ,,bird ,,trap4 ,one of the most ingenious uses to which bird lime is said to have been applied with success1 is in the capture of humming-birds4 ,the lime in this instance is made simply by chewing a few grains of wheat in the mouth until a gum is formed4 ,it is said that by spreading this on the inside opening of the long white lily or trumpet-creeper blossom1 the capture of a humming-bird is almost certain1 and he will never be able to leave the flower after once fairly having entered the opening4 ,there can be no doubt but that this is perfectly practicable1 and we recommend it to our readers4 ,the object in making the bird-lime from wheat consists in the fact that this is more easily removed from the feathers than the other kinds4 ,we would not wish our readers to infer from this that a humming-bird might be captured or kept alive1 for of all birds1 they are the most fragile and delicate1 and would die of fright1 if from nothing else4 ,they are chiefly used for ornamental purposes1 and may be caught in a variety of ways4 ,a few silk nooses hung about the flowers where the birds are seen to frequent1 will sometimes succeed in ensnaring their tiny forms4 ,the blow-gun is often used with good success1 and the concussion from a gun loaded simply with powder1 and aimed in the direction of the bird1 will often stun it so that it will fall to the ground4 ,if a strong stream of water be forced upon the little creature1 as it is fluttering from flower to flower1 the result is the same1 as the feathers become so wet that it cannot fly4 ,illustration ,page #aja ,illustration3 ,,miscellaneous ,,traps ,page #ajc ,,book ,,iv4 ,,miscellaneous ,,traps4 ,,the ,,common ,,box ,,trap4 ,illustration3 ,the following chapter includes a variety of traps which have not been covered by any of the previous titles4 ,several novelties are contained in the list1 and also a number of well known inventions4 ,there is probably no more familiar example of the trap kind than that of the common wooden box-trap1 better known1 perhaps1 by our country boys as the rabbit-trap4 ,a glance at our illustration1 will readily bring it to mind1 and easily explain its working to those not particularly acquainted with it4 ,these traps may be made of any size1 but1 being usually employed in catching rabbits1 require to be made quite large4 ,they should be made of hard seasoned wood--oak or chestnut is the best--and of slabs about an inch in thickness4 ,the pieces may be of the following dimensions3 let the bottom board be #bjg in42 side board1 #bji in42 lid board #aig in41 and the end piece of lid #g in4 square4 ,the tall end piece should be about #af inches high by #g broad4 ,let this be sharpened on the upper end1 as seen in the engraving1 and furnished with a slight groove on the summit1 for the reception of the cord4 ,now to put the pieces together4 ,nail the two sides to the edge of the bottom board1 and fit in between them the high end piece1 securing that also1 with nails through the bottom and side boards4 ,next nail the lid board on to the small1 square end piece1 and fit the lid thus made neatly into its place4 ,to make the hinge for the lid1 two small holes should be bored through the sides of the trap1 about four inches from the tall end1 and half an inch from the upper edge of each board4 ,let ,page #ajd small nails now be driven through these holes into the edge of the lid1 and it will be found to work freely upon them4 ,illustration ,the principal part of the trap is now made1 but what remains to be done is of great importance4 ,the spindle is a necessary feature in nearly all traps1 and the box-trap is useless without it4 ,in this case it should consist merely of a round stick of about the thickness of a lead pencil1 and we will say1 #g or #h in4 in length4 ,one end should be pointed and the other should have a small notch cut in it1 as seen in the separate drawing of the stick4 ,the spindle being ready1 we must have some place to put it4 ,another hole should be bored through the middle of the high end piece1 and about #d in4 from the bottom4 ,this hole should be large enough to allow the spindle to pass easily through it4 ,if our directions have been carefully followed1 the result will now show a complete1 closefitting trap4 ,in setting the trap there are two methods commonly employed1 as shown at a and b4 ,the string1 in either case1 must be fastened to the end of the lid4 ,in the first instance 7a7 the lid is raised and made fast by the brace1 holding itself beneath the tip of the projecting spindle1 and a nail or plug driven into the wood by the side of the hole4 ,page #aje ,of course1 when the spindle is drawn or moved from the inside the brace will be let loose and the lid will drop4 ,in the other method 7b7 the spindle is longer1 and projects several inches on the outside of the hole4 ,the brace is also longer1 and catches itself in the notch on the end of the spindle1 and another slight notch in the board1 a few inches above the hole4 ,illustration ,when the bait is touched from the inside1 the brace easily flies out and the lid falls1 securing its victim4 ,either way is sure to succeed1 but if there is any preference it is for the former 7a74 ,it is a wise plan to have a few holes through the trap in different places1 to allow for ventilation1 and it may be found necessary to line the cracks with tin1 as sometimes the enclosed creature might otherwise gnaw through and make its escape4 ,if there is danger of the lid not closing tightly when sprung1 a stone may be fastened upon it to insure that result4 ,this trap is usually set for rabbits1 and these dimensions are especially calculated with that idea4 ,rabbits abound in all our woods and thickets1 and may be attracted by various baits4 ,an apple is most generally used4 ,the box-trap may be made of smaller dimensions1 and set in trees for squirrels with very good success4 ,there is still another well known form of this trap represented in the tail piece at the end of this section4 ,the box is first constructed of the shape already given1 only having the lid piece ,page #ajf nailed firmly in the top of the box4 ,the tall end piece is also done away with4 ,the whole thing thus representing a simple oblong box with one end open4 ,two slender cleats should be nailed on each side of this opening1 on the interior of the box1 to form a groove into which a square end board may easily slide up and down1 the top board being slightly sawn away to receive it4 ,an upright stick should then be erected on the top centre of the box1 in the tip of which a straight stick should be pivoted1 working easily therein1 like the arms of a balance4 ,to one end of this balance1 the end board should be adjusted by two screw eyes1 and to the other the string with spindle attached4 ,by now lowering the spindle to its place1 the further end of the balance will be raised and with it the end board1 and on the release of the spindle the board will fall4 ,this plan is quite commonly adopted but we rather prefer the former4 ,but as each has its advantages we present them both4 ,,another ,,box ,,trap4 ,this works after the manner of the ordinary wire rat-trap2 our illustration explains itself4 ,illustration ,the box should be of the shape there shown1 with one of its end pieces arranged on hinges so as to fall freely4 ,an elastic should be fastened from the inside of this end to the inner surface of the top of the box1 to insure its closing4 ,if desired an elastic may be adjusted at the side as shown in the cut and a catch piece of stout tin should be attached to the bottom of the trap to secure the lid when it falls4 ,a small hole should then be bored in the top1 near the further end of the trap1 and ,page #ajg the spindle1 having a notch on its upper end1 passed through the hole thus made4 ,the top of the spindle is shown at 7a74 ,it should be held in its place by a small plug or pin through it1 below the surface of the box4 ,a slender stick1 long enough to reach and catch beneath the notch in the spindle should now be fastened to the lid and the trap is complete4 ,it may be baited with cheese1 bread1 and the like1 and if set for squirrels1 an apple answers every purpose4 ,when constructed on a larger and heavier scale it may be used for the capture of rabbits and animals of a similar size1 but for this purpose the previous variety is preferable4 ,,the ,,figure ,,four ,,trap4 ,illustration ,one of the most useful as well as the most ancient inventions in the way of traps is the common ,figure ,four ,trap1 which forms the subject of our next illustration4 ,it is a very ingenious contrivance1 and the mechanism1 consists merely of three sticks4 ,it possesses great advantages in the fact that it may be used in a variety of ways1 and a number of the machines may be carried by the young trapper with very little inconvenience4 ,our illustration shows the trap already set1 only awaiting for a slight touch at the bait to bring the heavy stone to the ground4 ,a box may be substituted for the stone1 and the animal may thus be ,page #ajh captured alive4 ,the three sticks are represented separate at a4 b4 and c4 ,of course1 there is no regular size for them1 as this would greatly depend upon the purpose for which they are designed to be used4 ,if for rabbits1 the following proportions will answer very well4 ,the sticks should all be square1 and about half an inch in thickness4 ,the bait-stick1 7a7 should be about nine or ten inches in length1 one end being pointed and the other furnished with a notch1 as indicated4 ,the upright stick1 7b7 should be a little shorter1 one end being whittled to a rather sharp edge4 ,at about three or four inches from the other end1 and on the side next to that whittled1 a square notch should be cut4 ,this should be about a third of an inch in depth and half an inch in width1 being so cut as exactly to receive the bait-stick without holding it fast4 ,the remaining stick 7c7 should have a length of about seven or eight inches1 one end being whittled1 as in the last1 to an edge1 and the other end furnished with a notch on the same side of the stick4 ,illustration ,when these are finished1 the trap may be set in the following manner3 ,place the upright stick1 7b7 with its pointed end uppermost4 ,rest the notch of the slanting stick1 7c7 on the summit of the upright stick1 placing the stone upon its end1 and holding the stick in position with the hand4 ,by now hooking the notch in the bait-stick on the sharpened edge of the slanting stick and fitting it into the square notch in the upright1 it may easily be made to catch and hold itself in position4 ,the bait should always project beneath the stone4 ,in case a box is used instead of a stone1 the trap may be set either inside of it or beneath its edge4 ,where the ground is very soft1 it would be well to rest the upright stick on a chip or small flat stone1 as otherwise it is apt to sink into the earth by degrees and spring by itself4 ,when properly made1 it is a very sure and sensitive trap1 and the bait1 generally an apple1 or nub of corn is seldom more than touched when the stone falls4 ,page #aji ,,the ,,double ,,ender4 ,illustration ,this is what we used to call it in ,new ,england and it was a great favorite among the boys who were fond of rabbit catching4 ,it was constructed of four boards two feet in length by nine inches in breath secured with nails at their edges1 so as to form a long square box4 ,each end was supplied with a heavy lid working on two hinges4 ,to each of these lids a light strip of wood was fastened1 the length of each being sufficient to reach nearly to the middle of the top of the box1 as seen in the illustration4 ,at this point a small auger hole was then made downward through the board4 ,a couple of inches of string was next tied to the tip of each stick and supplied with a large knot at the end4 ,the trap was then set on the simple principle of which there are so many examples throughout the pages of this work4 ,the knots were lowered through the auger hole and the insertion of the bait stick inside the box held them in place4 ,the edge of the bottom board on each end of the trap should be supplied with a tin catch such as is described on page #hh in order to hold the lid in place after it has fallen4 ,no matter from which end the bait is approached it is no sooner touched than both ends fall and bunny is prisoner4 ,like many other of our four-footed game1 the rabbit manifests a peculiar liking for salt and may be regularly attracted to a given spot by its aid4 ,a salted cotton string is sometimes extended several yards from the trap for the purpose of leading them to it1 but this seems a needless precaution1 as the rabbit is seldom behind hand in discerning a tempting bait when it is within his reach4 ,page #aaj ,,the ,,self ,,setting ,,trap4 ,one of the oldest known principles ever embodied in the form of a trap is that which forms the subject of the accompanying illustration4 ,it is very simple in construction1 sure in its action2 and as its name implies1 resets itself after each intruder has been captured4 ,illustration ,it is well adapted for ,rabbits and ,coons and when made on a small scale1 may be successfully employed in taking rats and mice4 ,it is also extensively used in the capture of the ,mink and ,muskrat1 being set beneath the water1 near the haunts of the animals and weighted by a large stone4 ,of course the size of the box will be governed by the dimensions of the game for which it is to be set4 ,its general proportions should resemble those of the illustration1 both ends being open4 ,a small gate1 consisting of a square piece of wood supplied with a few stiff wires is then pivoted inside each opening1 so as to work freely and fall easily when raised4 ,the bait is fastened inside at the centre of the box4 ,the animal1 in quest of the bait1 finds an easy entrance1 as the wires lift at a slight pressure1 but the exit after the gate has closed is so difficult that escape is almost beyond the question4 ,the wires should be so stiff as to preclude the possibility of them being bent by struggles of the imprisoned creature in his ,page #aaa efforts to escape1 and to insure further strength it is advisable to connect the lower ends of the wires by a cross piece of finer wire1 twisted about each4 ,the simultaneous capture of two rabbits in a trap of this kind is a common occurrence4 ,,the ,,dead-,,fall4 ,in strolling through the woods and on the banks of streams in the country1 it is not an uncommon thing to stumble against a contrivance resembling in general appearance our next illustration4 ,throughout ,new ,england1 the dead-fall1 as this is called1 has always been a most popular favorite among trappers1 young and old2 and there is really no better rough and ready trap for large game4 ,to entrap a fox by any device is no easy matter2 but the writer remembers one case where ,reynard was outwitted1 and the heavy log of the dead-fall put a speedy end to his existence4 ,the trap was set in a locality where the fox had made himself a nuisance by repeated nocturnal invasions among the poultry1 and the bait was cleverly calculated to decoy him4 ,a live duck was tied within the pen1 and the morsel proved too tempting for him to resist4 ,thrusting his head beneath the suspended log1 in order to reach his prey1 he thus threw down the slender framework of support2 and the log1 falling across his neck1 put him to death4 ,illustration ,our illustration gives a very correct idea of the general construction of the dead-fall1 although differing slightly in its mode of setting from that usually employed4 ,page #aab ,a pen of rough sticks is first constructed1 having an open front4 ,a log about seven or eight feet in length1 and five or six inches in diameter1 should then be procured4 ,an ordinary fence rail will answer the purpose very well1 although the log is preferable4 ,its large end should be laid across the front of the pen1 and two stout sticks driven into the ground outside of it1 leaving room for it to rise and fall easily between them and the pen1 a second shorter log being placed on the ground beneath it1 as described for the bear-trap1 page 7#ag74 ,a look at our illustration fully explains the setting of the parts4 ,a forked twig1 about a foot in length1 answers for the bait-stick4 ,the lower end should be pointed1 and the fork1 with its bait1 should incline toward the ground1 when set4 ,the upper end should be supplied with a notch1 square side down1 and directly above the branch which holds the bait4 ,another straight stick1 about fourteen inches in length1 should then be cut4 ,make it quite flat on each end4 ,a small thin stone1 chip of wood1 or the like1 is the only remaining article required4 ,now proceed to raise the log1 as shown in the drawing1 place one end of the straight stick beneath it1 resting its tip on the flat top of the upright stick on the outside of the log4 ,the baitstick should now be placed in position inside the inclosure1 resting the pointed end on the chip1 and securing the notch above1 as seen in the illustration1 beneath the tip of the flat stick4 ,when this is done1 the trap is set1 but1 there are a few little hints in regard to setting it finely1--that is1 surely1--which will be necessary4 ,it is very important to avoid bringing too much of the weight of the log on the flat stick1 as this would of course bear heavily on the bait-stick1 and render considerable force necessary to spring the trap4 ,the leverage at the point where the log rests on the flat stick should be very slight1 and the log should be so placed that the upright shall sustain nearly all the weight4 ,by this method1 very little pressure is brought to bear on the bait-stick1 and a very slight twitch will throw it out of poise4 ,the fork of the bait-stick should point to the side of the inclosure1 as1 in this case1 when the bait is seized by the unlucky intruder1 the very turning of the fork forces the notch from beneath the horizontal stick1 and throws the parts asunder4 ,if the trap is set for muskrats1 minks1 skunks1 or animals of similar size1 the weight of the log will generally be found sufficient to effect their death2 but1 if desired1 a heavy stone ,page #aac may be rested against it1 or the raised end weighted with other logs 7see p4 #ah71 to make sure4 ,when set for a coon or fox1 this precaution is necessary4 ,to guard against the cunning which some animals possess1 it is frequently necessary to cover the top of the pen with cross-sticks1 as there are numerous cases on record where the intended victims have climbed over the side of the inclosure1 and taken the bait from the inside1 thus keeping clear of the suspended log1 and springing the trap without harm to themselves4 ,a few sticks or branches laid across the top of the inclosure will prevent any such capers2 and the crafty animals will either have to take the bait at the risk of their lives1 or leave it alone4 ,for trapping the muskrat1 the bait may consist of carrots1 turnips1 apples1 and the like4 ,for the mink1 a bird's head1 or the head of a fowl1 is the customary bait2 and the skunk may usually be taken with sweet apples1 meats1 or some portion of a dead fowl4 ,in the case of the fox1 which we have mentioned1 the setting of the trap was somewhat varied2 and in case our readers might desire to try a similar experiment1 we will devote a few lines to a description of it4 ,in this instance1 the flat stick which supported the log was not more than eight inches in length2 and instead of the bait-stick1 a slight framework of slender branches was substituted4 ,this frame or lattice-work was just large enough to fill the opening of the pen1 and its upper end supported the flat stick4 ,the duck was fastened to the back part of the pen1 which was also closed over the top4 ,the quacking of the fowl attracted the fox2 and as he thrust his head through the lattice to reach his prey1 the frame was thrown out of balance and ,reynard paid the price of his greed and folly4 ,there is another mode of adjusting the pieces of the dead-fall1 commonly employed by professional trappers1 whereby the trap is sprung by the foot of the animal in quest of the bait4 ,this construction is shown correctly in the accompanying cut1 which gives the front view1 the pen being made as before4 ,the stout crotch represented at 7a7 is rested on the summit of a strong peg1 driven into the ground beneath the outside edge of the suspended log2 7b7 is the treacherous stick which seals the doom of any animal that dares rest his foot upon it4 ,this piece should be long enough to stretch across and overlap the guard-pegs at each side of the opening4 ,to set the trap1 rest the short crotch of 7a7 on the top of the peg1 and lower the log upon it1 keeping the leverage slight1 as directed in our last example1 letting much of the weight come on the ,page #aad top of the peg4 ,the long arm of the crotch should be pressed inward from the front1 and one end of the stick 7b7 should then be caught between its extreme tip1 and the upright peg about ten inches above the ground4 ,by now fastening the bait to a peg at the back part of the pen1 the affair is in working order1 and will be found perfectly reliable4 ,the ground log 7d7 being rested in place as seen in the illustration4 ,to make assurance doubly sure1 it is well to cut a slight notch in the upright stick at 7c7 for the reception of the foot-piece 7b74 ,by this precaution the stick1 when lowered1 is bound to sink at the right end1 thus ensuring success4 ,illustration ,the ,figure-,four ,trap1 already described in another part of this book1 is also well adapted to the dead-fall1 and is much used4 ,it should be made of stout pieces and erected at the opening of the pen1 with the bait pointing toward the interior1 the heavy log being poised on its summit4 ,,the ,,garrote4 ,there is another variety of trap1 somewhat resembling the dead-fall1 but which seizes its prey in a little different manner4 ,page #aae ,this trap1 which we will call the ,garrote1 is truly represented by our illustration4 ,a pen is first constructed1 similar to that of the dead-fall4 ,at the opening of the pen1 two arches are fastened in the ground4 ,they should be about an inch apart4 ,a stout forked stick should then be cut1 and firmly fixed in the earth at the side of the arches1 and about three feet distant4 ,illustration ,our main illustration gives the general appearance of the trap1 but we also subjoin an additional cut1 showing the setting or arrangement of the pieces4 ,they are three in number1 and consist3 ,first1 of a notched peg1 which is driven into the ground at the back part of the pen1 and a little to one side4 ,second1 of a forked twig1 the branch of which should point downward with the bait attached to its end4 ,the third stick being the little hooked piece catching beneath the arches4 ,the first of these is too simple to need description4 ,the second should be about eight inches long2 a notch should be cut in each end4 ,the upper one being on the side from which the branch projects1 and the other on the opposite side of the stick1 and at the other end1 as is made plain by our illustration4 ,the third stick may consist merely of a hooked crotch of some twig1 as this is always to be found4 ,indeed1 nearly all the parts of this trap may be found in any woods2 and1 with the exception of a jack-knife1 bait1 and string1 the trapper need not trouble himself to carry any materials whatever4 ,when the three pieces are thus made the trap only awaits the ,garrote4 ,this should be made from a stiff pole1 about six feet in length1 having a heavy stone tied to its large end1 and a loop of the shape of the letter ,u1 or a slipping noose1 made of stout cord or wire1 fastened ,page #aaf at the smaller end4 ,to arrange the pieces for their destructive work1 the pole should be bent down so that the loop shall fall between the arches4 ,the crotch stick should then be hooked beneath the front of the arch1 letting its arm point inward4 ,after this the bait stick should be placed in its position1 with the bait pointing downward1 letting one end catch beneath the notch in the ground-peg1 and the other over the tip of the crotch stick4 ,this done1 and the trap is set4 ,illustration ,like the dead-fall1 the bait stick should point toward the side of the pen1 as the turning involved in pulling it toward the front is positively sure to slip it loose from its catches4 ,be careful to see that the loop is nicely arranged between the arches1 and that the top of the pen is covered with a few twigs4 ,if these directions are carefully followed1 and if the young trapper has selected a good trapping ground1 it will not be a matter of many days before he will discover the upper portion of the arches occupied by some rabbit1 muskrat1 or other unlucky creature1 either standing on its hind legs1 or lifted clean off the ground4 ,coons are frequently secured by this trap1 although1 as a general thing1 they don't show much enthusiasm over traps of any kind1 and seem to prefer to get their food elsewhere1 rather than take it off the end of a bait stick4 ,,the ,,bow ,,trap4 ,this most excellent and unique machine is an invention of the author's1 and possesses great advantages1 both on account of its durability and of the speedy death which it inflicts4 ,illustration ,procure a board about two feet in length1 by five or six in width1 and commencing at about nine inches from one end1 cut a hole four or more inches square4 ,this may readily be done with a narrow saw1 by first boring a series of gimlet holes in which to insert it4 ,there will now be nine inches of board on one side of the hole and eleven on the other4 ,the shorter end constituting the top of the trap4 ,on the upper edge of the hole ,page #aag a row of stout tin teeth should be firmly tacked1 as seen in the illustration4 ,on the other side of the cavity1 and three inches from it a small auger hole 7the size of a lead pencil71 should be bored4 ,after which it should be sand-papered and polished on the interior1 by rubbing with some smooth1 hard tool1 inserted inside4 ,a round plug of wood should next be prepared4 ,let it be about half an inch in length1 being afterwards bevelled nearly the whole length of one side1 as shown at 7b71 leaving a little over an eighth of an inch of the wood unwhittled4 ,this little piece of wood is the most important part1 of the trap1 and should be made very carefully4 ,the remaining end of the board below the auger hole should now be whittled off to a point1 in order that it may be driven into the ground4 ,the next requisites consist of two pieces of wood1 which are seen at the sides of the square hole1 in our illustration1 and also seen at 7c71 side view4 ,these ,page #aah pieces should be about six inches in length and about an inch square4 ,a thin piece being cut off from one side of each1 to the distance of four inches1 and ending in a square notch4 ,the other end should be rounded off1 as is also there plainly indicated4 ,before adjusting the pieces in place1 two tin catches should be fastened to the board1 one on each side of the hole4 ,this catch is shown at 7d71 and consists merely of a piece of tin1 half an inch in width1 and three-quarters of an inch in length1 tacked to the wood1 and having its end raised1 as indicated4 ,its object is to hold the bow-string from being pulled down after once passing it4 ,the upper edge of these catch-pieces should be about an inch and a half from the top of the hole1 and1 if desired1 two or three of them may be arranged one above the other1 so that wherever the string may stop against the neck of the inmate it will be sure to hold4 ,the catches being in place1 proceed to adjust the pieces of wood1 letting the notch be on a line with the top of the pole1 or a little above it4 ,each piece should be fastened with two screws to make secure4 ,we will now give our attention to the bait stick4 ,this should be about six inches in length1 and square1 as our illustration shows4 ,there are two ways of attaching the bait-stick to the board1 both shown at 7e7 and 7f74 ,the former consists merely of a screw eye inserted into the end of the stick1 afterwards hinged to the board by a wire staple4 ,the point for the hinge1 in this case1 should be about an inch below the auger hole4 ,in the other method 7f71 the bait stick should be a half inch longer1 and the spot for the hinge a quarter inch lower4 ,at about a quarter of an inch from the square end of the bait stick a small hole should be made by the use of a hot wire4 ,an oblong mortice should next be cut in the board1 so as to receive this end of the stick easily4 ,a stout bit of wire should then be inserted in the little hole in the stick1 and laying this across the centre of the mortice1 it should be thus secured by two staples1 as the drawing shows4 ,this forms a very neat and simple hinge4 ,to determine the place for the catch1 insert the flat end of the little plug fairly into the auger-hole above the hinge4 ,draw up the bait stick1 and at the point where it comes in contact with the point of the plug1 cut a square notch1 as shown in 7b74 ,everything now awaits the bow4 ,this should be of hickory or other stout wood2 it is well to have it seasoned1 although a stout sapling will answer the purpose very well4 ,it should be fastened to the top of the board by two heavy staples1 or nails driven on each side of it4 ,the string should be heavy ,indian twine4 ,our ,page #aai illustration shows the trap1 as it appears when ready for business4 ,the plug is inserted1 as already described1 with the bevelled face downward1 and square end in the hole4 ,draw down the bow-string and pass it beneath the plug1 at the same time catching the tip of the latter in the notch of the bait stick4 ,if properly constructed the string will thus rest on the slight uncut portion of the under side of the peg1 and the trap is thus set4 ,if the bait is pushed when approached1 the notch is forced off from the plug1 and the string flies up with a twang6 securing the neck of its victim1 and producing almost instant death4 ,if the bait is pulled1 the bait stick thus forces the plug into the hole in the board1 and thus slides the cord on to the bevel1 which immediately releases it1 and the bow is sprung4 ,so that no matter whether the bait is pushed or drawn towards the front1 the trap is equally sure to spring4 ,in setting this curious machine1 it is only necessary to insert it into the ground1 and surround the bait with a slight pen1 in order that it may not be approached from behind4 ,by now laying a stone or a pile of sticks in front of the affair1 so that the bait may be more readily reached1 the thing is ready4 ,care is required in setting to arrange the pieces delicately4 ,the plug should be very slightly inserted into the auger hole1 and the notch in the bait stick should be as small as possible1 and hold4 ,all this is made clear in our illustration 7b74 ,by observing these little niceties the trap becomes very sure and sensitive4 ,bait with small apple1 nub of corn1 or the like4 ,,the ,,mole ,,trap4 ,if there is anyone subject upon which the ingenuity of the farmers has been taxed1 it is on the invention of a mole trap which would effectually clear their premises of these blind burrowing vermin4 ,many patented devices of this character are on the market1 and many odd pictured ideas on the subject have gone the rounds of the illustrated press1 but they all sink into insignificance when tested beside the trap we here present4 ,it has no equal among mole traps1 and it can be made with the utmost ease and without cost4 ,the principle on which it works is the same as the ,fish ,trap on page #abj4 ,construct a hollow wooden tube about five inches in diameter1 and eight inches in length4 ,a section of a small tree1 neatly excavated with a large auger is just the thing4 ,through ,page #abj the centre of one of the sides a small hole the size of a lead pencil should be bored1 this being the upper side4 ,about half an inch distant from each end a smaller hole should be made for the passage of the noose4 ,the spring should consist either of a stout steel rod1 whalebone or stiff sapling1 a foot or more in length1 inserted downward through holes in the side of the tube after the manner of the ,fish ,trap already alluded to4 ,no bait is required4 ,a simple stick the size of the central hole at one end1 and an inch in width at the other being sufficient4 ,the trap is set as described in the other instances1 and as the introduction of the spindle-stick is sometimes attended with difficulty owing to its position inside the trap1 the bottom of the latter is sometimes cut away for two or three inches to facilitate the operation4 ,the trap is then to be imbedded within the burrow of the mole4 ,find a fresh tunnel and carefully remove the sod above it4 ,insert the trap and replace the turf4 ,the first mole that starts on his rounds through that burrow is a sure prisoner1 no matter from which side he may approach4 ,immense numbers of these troublesome vermin have been taken in a single season by a dozen such traps1 and they possess great advantages over all other mole traps on account of their simplicity and unfailing success4 ,a ,,fish ,,trap4 ,our list of traps would be incomplete without a ,fish ,trap1 and although we have mentioned some contrivances in this line under our article on ,fishing we here present one which is both new and novel4 ,illustration ,its mode of construction is exactly similar to the ,double ,box ,snare1 page 7#eg74 ,a section of stove-pipe one foot in length should first be obtained4 ,through the iron at a point equidistant from the ends1 a hole should be made with some smooth1 sharp pointed instrument1 the latter being forced outward from the inside of the pipe1 thus causing the ragged edge of the hole to appear on the outside1 as seen in our illustration4 ,the diameter of the aperture ,page #aba should be about that of a lead pencil4 ,considering this as the upper side of the pipe1 proceed to pierce two more hole's downward through the side of the circumference1 for the admission of a stout stick or steel rod4 ,this is fully explained in our illustration4 ,the further arrangement of bait stick and nooses is exactly identical with that described on page 7#eg74 ,it may be set for suckers1 pickerel1 and fish of like size1 the bait stick being inserted with sufficient firmness to withstand the attacks of smaller fish4 ,the bait should be firmly tied to the stick1 or the latter supplied with two hooks at the end on which it should be firmly impaled4 ,to set the trap1 select a locality abounding in fish4 ,place a stone inside the bottom of the pipe1 insert the bait stick and arrange the nooses4 ,by now quietly grasping the curve of the switch the trap may be easily lowered to the bottom4 ,the bait soon attracts a multitude of small fishes2 these in turn attract the pickerel to the spot1 and before many minutes the trap is sprung and may be raised from the water with its prisoner4 ,this odd device is an invention of the author's1 and it is as successful as it is unique4 ,illustration3 ,maternal advice4 ,page #abc ,illustration3 ,,household ,,traps ,page #abe ,,book ,v4 ,,household ,,traps4 ,illustration3 ,for the most effectual domestic trap on record see our page title to this section4 ,there are several others also which have done good service in many households1 and for the sake of pestered housekeepers generally1 we devote a corner of our volume for their especial benefit4 ,foremost in the list of domestic pests the rat stands pre-eminent1 and his proverbial shrewdness and cunning render his capture often a very difficult1 if not an impossible task4 ,we subjoin1 however1 a few hints and suggestions of practical value1 together with some perfected ideas in the shape of traps1 by which the average rat may be easily outwitted and led to his destruction4 ,first on the list is ,,the ,,barrel ,,trap4 ,this most ingenious device possesses great advantages in its capabilities of securing an almost unlimited number of the vermin in quick succession4 ,it also takes care of itself1 requires no re-baiting or setting after once put in working order1 and is sure death to its prisoners4 ,a water-tight barrel is the first thing required4 ,into this pour water to the depth of a foot4 ,next dampen a piece of very thick paper1 and stretch it over the top of the barrel1 tying it securely below the upper hoops4 ,when the paper dries it will become thoroughly flat and tightened4 ,its surface should then be strewn with bits of cheese1 etc41 and the barrel so placed ,page #abf that the rats may jump upon it from some neighboring surface4 ,as soon as the bait is gone1 a fresh supply should be spread on the paper and the same operation repeated for several days1 until the rats get accustomed to visit the place for their regular rations1 fearlessly and without suspicion4 ,this is half the battle1 and the capture of the greedy victims of misplaced confidence is now an easy matter4 ,the bait should again be spread as before and a few pieces of the cheese should be attached to the paper with gum4 ,it is a good plan to smear parts of the paper with gum arabic1 sprinkling the bait upon it4 ,when dry1 cut a cross in the middle of the paper1 as seen in the illustration1 and leave the barrel to take care of itself and the rats4 ,the first one comes along1 spies the tempting morsels1 and with his accustomed confidence1 jumps upon the paper4 ,he suddenly finds himself in the water at the bottom of the barrel1 and the paper above has closed and is ready to practice its deception on the next comer4 ,there is not long to wait4 ,a second victim soon tumbles in to keep company with the first4 ,a third and a fourth soon follow1 and a dozen or more ,page #abg are sometimes thus entrapped in a very short space of time4 ,it is a most excellent and simple trap1 and if properly managed1 will most effectually curtail the number of rats in any pestered neighborhood4 ,illustration ,by some1 it is considered an improvement to place in the bottom of the barrel a large stone1 which shall project above the water sufficiently to offer a foothold for one rat4 ,the first victim1 of course1 takes possession of this retreat and on the precipitate arrival of the second a contest ensues for its occupancy4 ,the hubbub which follows is said to attract all the rats in the neighborhood to the spot1 and many are thus captured4 ,we can hardly recommend the addition of the stone as being an improvement4 ,the rat is a most notoriously shrewd and cunning animal1 and the despairing cries of his comrades must rather tend to excite his caution and suspicion4 ,by the first method the drowning is soon accomplished and the rat utters no sound whereby to attract and warn his fellows4 ,this contrivance has been thoroughly tested and has proved its efficacy in many households by completely ridding the premises of the vermin4 ,another excellent form of ,barrel ,trap is that embodying the principle described in page 7#aca74 ,a circular platform should be first constructed and hinged in the opening of the barrel ,this may be done by driving a couple of small nails through the sides of the barrel into a couple of staples inserted near the opposite edges of the platform4 ,the latter should be delicately weighted1 as described on the above mentioned page1 and previously to setting1 should be baited in a stationary position for several days to gain the confidence of the rats4 ,the bait should at last be secured to the platform with gum1 and the bottom of the barrel of course filled with water1 as already described4 ,this trap possesses the same advantages as the foregoing4 ,it is self-setting1 and unfailing in its action4 ,another method consists in half-filling the barrel with oats1 and allowing the rats to enjoy their repast there for several days4 ,when thus attracted to the spot1 remove the oats1 and pour the same bulk of water into the barrel1 sprinkling the surface thickly with the grain4 ,the delusion is almost perfect1 as will be effectually proven when the first rat visits the spot for his accustomed free lunch4 ,down he goes with a splash1 is soon drowned1 and sinks to the bottom4 ,the next shares the same fate1 and several more are likely to be added to the list of misguided victims4 ,page #abh ,many of the devices described throughout this work may be adapted for domestic use to good purpose4 ,the box-trap page #ajc1 box-snare1 page #ee1 figure-four1 page #ajg1 are all suitable for the capture of the rat2 also1 the examples given on pages #ajf1 #aji1 #aaj1 and #abi4 ,the steel-trap is often used1 but should always be concealed from view4 ,it is a good plan to set it in a pan covered with meal1 and placed in the haunts of the rats4 ,the trap may also be set at the mouth of the rats' hole1 and covered with a piece of dark-colored cloth or paper4 ,the runways between boxes1 boards1 and the like offer excellent situations for the trap1 which should be covered1 as before directed4 ,without one precaution1 however1 the trap may be set in vain4 ,much of the so-called shrewdness of the rat is nothing more than an instinctive caution1 through the acute sense of smell which the animal possesses2 and a trap which has secured one victim will seldom extend its list1 unless all traces of its first occupant are thoroughly eradicated4 ,this may be accomplished by smoking the trap over burning paper1 hens' feathers or chips1 taking care to avoid a heat so extreme as to affect the temper of the steel springs4 ,all rat-traps should be treated the same way1 in order to insure success1 and the position and localities of setting should be frequently changed4 ,,the ,,box ,,dead-,,fall4 ,illustration ,this trap is an old invention1 simplified by the author1 and for the capture of rats and mice will prove very effectual4 ,it consists of a box1 constructed of four slabs of #c-d inch boarding1 and open at both ends4 ,the two side boards should be #aj x #ah inches2 top and bottom boards1 #f x #ah inches4 ,for the centre of the latter1 a square piece should be removed by the aid of the saw4 ,the width of this piece should be four inches1 and the length eight inches4 ,before nailing the boards together1 the holes thus left in the bottom board should be supplied with a treadle platform1 working on central side pivots4 ,the board for this treadle should be much thinner and lighter than the rest of the trap1 and should fit loosely in place1 its surface being slightly below the level of the bottom board4 ,this is shown in the interior of the trap4 ,the pivots should be inserted in the exact centre of the sides1 through holes made in the edge of the bottom board4 ,these holes may be bored with a gimlet or burned with a red-hot wire4 ,the pivots may ,page #abi consist of stout brass or iron wire2 and the end of one should be flattened with the hammer1 as seen in 7a74 ,this pivot should project an inch from the wood1 and should be firmly inserted in the treadle-piece4 ,the platform being thus arranged1 proceed to fasten the boards together1 as shown in the illustration1 the top and bottom boards overlapping the others4 ,we will now give our attention to the stick shown at 7b74 ,this should be whittled from a piece of hard wood1 its length being three inches1 and its upper end pointed as seen4 ,the lower end should be pierced with a crevice1 which should then be forced over the flattened extremity of the point 7a7 as shown at 7c71 pointed end uppermost4 ,the weight 7d7 is next in order4 ,this should consist of a heavy oak plank two inches in thickness1 and of such other dimensions as will allow it to fit loosely in the box1 and fall from top to bottom therein without catching between two sides4 ,a stout staple should be driven in the centre of its upper face1 and from this a stout string should be passed upward through a hole in the centre of the box4 ,we are now ready for the spindle 7e74 ,this should be about three inches in length1 and bluntly pointed ,page #acj at each end1 a notch being made to secure it at a point five inches above the pivot 7c74 ,to set the trap1 raise the weight1 as seen in the illustration2 draw down the string to the point 7e71 and attach it to the spindle one-half an inch from its upper end1 which should then be inserted in the notch1 the lower end being caught against the extremity of the pivot stick4 ,the parts are now adjusted1 and even in the present state the trap is almost sure to spring at the slightest touch on the treadle-piece4 ,an additional precaution is advisable1 however4 ,two small wooden pegs 7f7 should be driven1 one on each side of the spindle1 thus preventing any side-movement of the latter4 ,it will now be readily seen that the slightest weight on either end of the treadle-piece within the trap must tilt it to one side1 thus throwing the pivot-piece from its bearing on the spindle2 and the latter being released1 lets fall the weight with crushing effect upon the back of its hapless victim4 ,the trap is very effective1 and is easily constructed4 ,the bait should be rested in the centre of the treadle platform4 ,built on a larger scale1 this device may be successfully adapted to the capture of the mink1 martien1 and many other varieties of game4 ,,the ,,board-,,flap4 ,illustration ,page #aca ,for the capture of mice this is both a simple and effective contrivance1 and it may be enlarged so as to be of good service for larger animals4 ,procure two boards1 one foot square and one inch thick1 and secure them together by two hinges1 as in the illustration4 ,assuming one as the upper board1 proceed to bore a gimlet hole three inches from the hinges4 ,this is for the reception of the bait stick1 and should be cut away on the inside1 as seen in the section 7a71 thus allowing a free play for the stick4 ,directly beneath this aperture1 and in the lower board1 a large auger hole should be made4 ,a stout bit of iron wire1 ten inches in length1 is now required4 ,this should be inserted perpendicularly in the further end of the lower slab1 being bent into a curve which shall slide easily through a gimlet hole in the edge of the upper board4 ,this portion is very important1 and should be carefully constructed4 ,the bait stick should be not more than three inches in length1 supplied with a notch in its upper end1 and secured in the aperture in the board by the aid of a pivot and staples1 as is clearly shown in our drawing4 ,the spindle is next in order4 ,it should consist of a light piece of pine eight and a half inches in length1 and brought to an edge at each end4 ,a tack should now be driven at the further edge of the upper board on a line with the aperture through which the wire passes4 ,our illustration represents the trap as it appears when set4 ,the upper band is raised to the full limit of the wire4 ,one end of the spindle is now adjusted beneath the head of the tack1 and the other in the notch in the bait stick4 ,the wire thus supports the suspended board by sustaining the spindle1 which is held in equilibrium4 ,a slight touch on the bait stick soon destroys this equilibrium3 a flap ensues1 and a dead mouse is the result4 ,the object of the auger hole in the lower board consists in affording a receptacle for the bait when the boards come together1 as otherwise it would defeat its object1 by offering an obstruction to the fall of the board1 and thus allow its little mouse to escape4 ,it is1 therefore1 an essential part of the trap1 and should be carefully tested before being finally set4 ,,the ,,box ,,pit-,,fall4 ,we now come to a variety of trap which differs in its construction from any previously described4 ,it secures its victims alive1 and without harm1 and1 when well made1 is very successful4 ,page #acb ,it may be set for squirrels1 chipmunks1 rats1 mice1 and the like1 and on a large scale for muskrats and mink4 ,illustration ,the trap is very easily made1 and is represented in section in our illustration1 showing the height and interior of the box4 ,for ordinary purposes the box should be about twelve or fourteen inches square1 with a depth of about eighteen inches4 ,a platform consisting of a piece of tin should then be procured4 ,this should be just large enough to fit nicely to the outline of the interior of the box without catching4 ,on two opposite sides of this piece of tin1 and at the middle of each of those sides1 a small strip of the same material should be wired1 or soldered in the form of a loop1 as shown in the separate diagram at 7b74 ,these loops should be only large enough to admit the end of a shingle-nail4 ,a scratch should now be made across the tin from loop to loop1 and on the centre of this scratch another and larger strip of tin should be fastened in a similar manner as shown in our diagram1 at 7a71 this being for the balance weight4 ,the ,page #acc latter may consist of a small stone1 piece of lead1 or the like1 and should be suspended by means of a wire bent around it1 and secured in a hole in the tin by a bend or knot in the other extremity4 ,further explanations are almost superfluous1 as our main illustration fully explains itself4 ,illustration ,after the weight is attached1 the platform should be secured in its place1 about five inches from the top of the box4 ,to accomplish this and form the hinges1 two shingle-nails should be driven through the side of the box into the tin loops prepared for them4 ,to do this nicely requires some considerable accuracy and care1 and it should be so done that the platform will swing with perfect freedom and ease1 the weight below bringing it to a horizontal poise after a few vibrations4 ,care should be taken that the weight is not too heavy1 as1 in such a case1 the platform will not be sensitive on its balance1 and1 consequently1 would not work so quickly and surely4 ,the weight should be just heavy enough to restore the platform to its perfect poise1 and no more4 ,this can be easily regulated by experiment4 ,the bait should then be strewn on both sides of the platform1 when the trap is set1 and the luckless animal1 jumping after the bait1 feels his footing give way1 and suddenly finds himself in the bottom of a dark box1 from which it is impossible for him to escape except by gnawing his way out4 ,to prevent this1 the interior of the box may be lined with tin4 ,by fastening the bait--a small lump or piece--on each side of the tin1 the trap will continually reset itself1 and1 in this way1 two or three individuals may be taken1 one after the other4 ,muskrats are frequently caught in this trap1 it being generally buried in the ground so that its top is on a level with the surface4 ,in this case it is necessary to arrange the platform lower down in the box1 and the latter should be of much larger dimensions than the one we have described4 ,page #acd ,for ordinary purposes the box should either be set in the ground or placed near some neighboring object which will afford easy access to it4 ,no less than a dozen rats have been caught in a trap of this kind in a single night4 ,,cage ,,trap4 ,illustration ,the common cage trap is well known to most of our readers1 and for the capture of rats and mice1 it is one of the most efficacious devices in existence4 ,the construction of one of these traps is quite a difficult operation1 and we would hesitate before advising our inventive reader to exercise his patience and ingenuity in the manufacture of an article which can be bought for such a small price1 and which1 after all1 is only a mouse trap4 ,if it were a device for the capture of the mink or otter1 it might then be well worth the trouble1 and would be likely to repay the time and labor expended upon it4 ,we imagine that few would care to exercise their skill over a trap of such complicated structure1 while our pages are filled with other simpler and equally effective examples4 ,for the benefit1 however1 of such as are of an inventive turn of mind1 we subjoin an illustration of the trap to serve as a guide4 ,the principle upon which it works is very simple4 ,the bait is ,page #ace strewn inside the cage1 and the rats or mice find their only access to it through the hole at the top4 ,the wires here converge at the bottom1 and are pointed at the ends4 ,the passage downwards is an easy matter1 but to escape through the same opening is impossible1 as the pointed ends of the wires effectually prevent the ascent4 ,it is a notable fact1 however1 that the efforts to escape through this opening are very seldom made4 ,the mode of entering seems to be absolutely forgotten by the captive animals1 and they rush frantically about the cage1 prying between all the wires in their wild endeavors1 never seeming to notice the central opening by which they entered4 ,this is easily explained by the fact that the open grating admits the light from all sides1 and the enclosed victims are thus attracted to no one spot in particular1 and naturally rush to the extreme edges of the trap1 in the hope of finding an exit4 ,if a thick cloth be placed over the cage1 leaving the opening at the top uncovered1 the confined creatures are soon attracted by the light1 and lose no time in rushing towards it1 where their endeavors to ascend are effectually checked by the pointed wires4 ,profiting by this experiment1 the author once improvised a simple trap on the same principle1 which proved very effectual4 ,we will call it ,,the ,,jar ,,trap4 ,in place of the wire cage1 a glass preserve-jar was substituted4 ,a few bits of cheese were then dropped inside1 and the top of a funnel inserted into the opening above4 ,this completed the trap1 and it was set on the floor near the flour barrel4 ,on the following morning the jar was occupied by a little mouse1 and each successive night for a week added one to the list of victims4 ,a stiff piece of tin1 bent into the required shape1 may be substituted for the funnel top1 or even a very heavy piece of pasteboard might answer4 ,,bowl ,,traps4 ,very effective extempore traps may be set up in a few minutes by the use of a few bowls4 ,there are two methods commonly employed4 ,one consists of the bowl and a knife-blade4 ,an ordinary tableknife is used and a piece of cheese is firmly forced on to the end of the blade1 the bowl is then balanced on the edge1 allowing the bait to project about an inch and a half beneath the bowl4 ,the odor of cheese will attract a mouse almost anywhere1 and he soon finds ,page #acf his way to the tempting morsel in this case4 ,a very slight nibble is sufficient to tilt the blade and the bowl falls over its prisoner4 ,in the second method a thimble is used in place of the knife4 ,the cheese is forced into its interior1 and the open end of the thimble inserted far beneath the bowl1 allowing about half its length to project outward4 ,the mouse is thus obliged to pass under the bowl in order to reach the bait1 and in his efforts to grasp the morsel1 the thimble is dislodged and the captive secured beneath the vessel4 ,where a small thimble is used1 it becomes necessary to place a bit of pasteboard or flat chip beneath it1 in order to raise it sufficiently to afford an easy passage for the mouse4 ,both of these devices are said to work excellently4 ,,fly ,,paper4 ,a sheet of common paper1 smeared with a mixture composed of molasses one part1 and bird-lime six parts 7see page #ig71 will be found to attract large numbers of flies and hold them prisoners upon its surface4 ,spruce gum1 warmed on the fire1 and mixed with a little linseed oil1 is also excellent4 ,for a genuine fly trap1 the following stands unrivalled4 ,,fly ,,trap4 ,take a tumbler1 and half-fill it with strong soap suds4 ,cut a circle of stiff paper which will exactly fit into the top of the glass4 ,in the centre of the paper cut a hole half an inch in diameter1 or1 better still1 a slice of bread may be placed on the glass4 ,smear one side of the disc with molasses1 and insert it in the tumbler with this side downward4 ,swarms of flies soon surround it1 and one by one find their way downward through the hole4 ,once below the paper1 and their doom is sealed4 ,for a short time the molasses absorbs their attention1 and they1 in turn1 absorb the molasses4 ,in their efforts to escape1 they one by one precipitate themselves in the soap suds below1 where they speedily perish4 ,the tumbler is soon half-filled with the dead insects1 and where a number of the traps are set in a single room1 the apartment is soon ridden of the pests4 ,illustration3 ,,steel ,,traps ,,and ,,the ,,art ,,of ,,trapping4 ,page #acg ,,book ,,vi4 ,,steel ,,traps ,,and ,,the ,,art ,,of ,,trapping4 ,illustration3 ,passing from our full and extended illustrated list of extempore1 or rough and ready examples of the trap kind1 we will now turn our attention to the consideration of that well-known implement1 the trade steel trap4 ,although the foregoing varieties often serve to good purpose1 the ,steel ,trap is the principal device used by professional trappers1 and possesses great advantages over all other traps4 ,it is portable1 sets easily and quickly1 either on land or beneath the water2 can be concealed with ease2 secures its victims without injury to their fur1 and by the application of the spring or sliding pole 7hereafter described7 will most effectually prevent the captive from making his escape by self-amputation1 besides placing him beyond the reach of destruction by other animals4 ,the author has known trappers who have plied their vocation largely by the aid of the various hand made traps1 described in the earlier pages of this book1 and with good success4 ,but in the regular business of systematic trapping1 their extensive use is not common4 ,the experience of modern trappers generally1 warrants the assertion that for practical utility1 from every point of view1 the steel trap stands unrivalled4 ,these traps are made of all sizes1 from that suitable for the capture of the house rat1 to the immense and wieldy machine adapted to the grizzly1 and known as the bear tamer4 ,they may be bought at almost any hardware shop1 although a large portion of the traps ordinarily sold are defective4 ,they should be selected with care1 and the springs always tested ,page #ach before purchase4 ,besides the temper of the spring1 there are also other necessary qualities in a steel trap1 which we subjoin in order that the amateur may know how to judge and select his weapons judiciously4 ,illustration ,,requisites ,,of ,a ,,good ,,steel ,,trap4 #a4 ,the jaws should not be too thin nor sharp cornered4 ,in the cheaper class of steel traps the jaws approach to the thinness of sheet-iron1 and the result is that the thin edges often sever the leg of their would-be captive in a single stroke4 ,at other times the leg is so deeply cut as to easily enable the animal to gnaw or twist it off4 ,this is the common mode of escape1 with many animals4 #b4 ,the pan should not be too large4 ,this is a very common fault with many steel traps and often defeats its very object4 ,where the pan is small1 the foot of the animal in pressing it1 will be directly in the centre of the snap of the jaw1 and he is thus firmly secured far up on the leg4 ,on the other hand1 a large pan nearly filling the space between the jaws as the trap is set1 may be sprung by a touch on its extreme edge1 and the animal's toe is thus likely to get slightly pinched1 if indeed the paw is not thrown off altogether by the forcible snap of the jaw4 #c4 ,the springs should be strong1 scientifically tempered1 and proportioned4 ,the strength of a perfectly tempered spring will always remain the same1 whether in winter or summer1 never losing its elasticity4 ,the best of tempering1 however1 is useless in a spring badly formed or clumsily tapered4 #d4 ,the jaws should be so curved as to give the bow of the spring a proper sweep to work upon4 ,the jaws should lie flat when open1 and should always work easily on their hinges4 #e4 ,every trap should be furnished with a strong chain with ring and swivel attached1 and in every case the swivel should turn easily4 ,the celebrated ,newhouse ,trap embodies all the above requisites1 and has deservedly won a reputation for excellence second to no other in this or any other country4 ,they are made in eight sizes1 as follows3 ,illustration3 ,no4 #j4 ,this is the smallest size and is known as the ,,rat ,,trap4 ,it has a single spring1 and the jaws spread three and a half inches when set4 ,page #aci ,illustration ,page #ada ,illustration3 ,no4 #a4 ,this size is called the ,,muskrat ,,trap1 and the jaws spread four inches4 ,it is especially designed for the capture of the mink1 marten1 and animals of similar size4 ,illustration3 ,no4 #b4 ,this is known in the trade as the ,,mink ,,trap1 and the jaws spread nearly five inches4 ,it is adapted for the fox1 raccoon1 or fisher4 ,illustration3 ,no4 #b-a_/b4 ,this size is called the ,,fox ,,trap4 ,the spread of the jaws is the same as in the foregoing1 but the trap is provided with two springs1 and consequently has double the power4 ,it is strong enough for the otter1 and is generally used for the capture of the fox and fisher4 ,illustration3 ,no4 #c4 ,no4#c goes by the name of the ,,otter ,,trap4 ,the jaws spread five and a half inches1 and the powerful double springs do excellent service in the capture of the beaver1 fox1 badger1 opossum1 wild cat1 and animals of like size4 ,illustration3 ,no4 #d4 ,commonly called the ,,beaver ,,trap4 ,jaws spread six and a half inches4 ,this size is especially adapted to the wolf1 lynx or wolverine4 ,it may also be set for deer1 and extra sets of jaws are made expressly for this purpose1 being easily inserted in the place of the ordinary jaws1 when desired4 ,page #adb ,illustration3 ,no4 #f4 ,this is known as the ,,great ,,bear ,,tamer1 and is a most formidable weapon4 ,the jaws spread sixteen inches1 and the weight of the machine is forty-two pounds4 ,it is extensively used in the capture of the moose and grizzly bear1 and is the largest and most powerful steel trap made in this or any other country4 ,the springs possess most tremendous power1 and require to be set by a lever1 as the weight of an ordinary man has not the slightest effect upon them4 ,this lever may be easily applied1 as follows3 ,have at hand four stout straps1 supplied with buckles4 ,these should always be carried by the trapper1 where the larger double-spring traps are used4 ,to adjust the lever1 cut four heavy sticks about three feet long4 ,take two of them and secure their ends together1 side by side1 with one of the straps4 ,now insert the spring of the trap between them1 near the strap4 ,bear down heavily on the other extremity of the lever1 and the spring will be found to yield easily1 after which the remaining ends of the levers should be secured by a second strap4 ,the other spring should now be treated in the same way1 after which the jaws should be spread and the pan adjusted4 ,the removal of the straps and levers is now an easy matter1 after which ,page #adc the trap is set4 ,the stoutest spring is easily made to yield by such treatment4 ,illustration3 ,no4 #e4 ,the ,,small ,,bear ,,trap4 ,the jaws of this size spread nearly a foot1 and the weight of the trap is seventeen pounds4 ,it is used in the capture of the black bear1 puma1 and animals of similar size4 ,all of the foregoing are supplied with swivels and chains4 ,,hints ,,on ,,baiting ,,the ,,steel ,,trap4 ,illustration ,there is a very common and erroneous idea current among amateur sportsmen and others in regard to the baiting of the steel trap2 viz41 that the pan of the trap is intended for the bait4 ,this was the old custom in the traps of bygone times1 but no modern trap is intended to be so misused1 and would indeed often defeat its object in such a case1 wherein it will be easily ,page #add seen4 ,the object of the professional trapper is the acquisition of furs2 and a prime fur skin should be without break or bruise1 from nose to tail4 ,a trap set as above described1 would of course catch its victim by the head or neck1 and the fur would be more or less injured at the very spot where it should be particularly free from blemish4 ,the true object of the steel trap is1 that it shall take the animal by the leg1 thus injuring the skin only in a part where it is totally valueless4 ,we give1 then1 this imperative rule--,never bait a steel trap on the pan4 ,the pan is intended for the foot of the game1 and in order to insure capture by this means1 the bait should be so placed as that the attention of the animal will be drawn away from the trap2 the latter being in such a position as will cause the victim to step in it when reaching for the tempting allurement4 ,there are several ways of doing this1 one of which we here illustrate4 ,a pen of stakes1 in the shape of the letter ,v1 is first constructed4 ,the trap is then set in the angle1 and the bait attached to the end stake directly over it4 ,another method is shown in the picture on our title-page to this section1 the bait being suspended on a stick above the trap4 ,there are various other methods on the same principle1 which will be described hereafter1 under the titles of the various game4 ,,the ,,spring ,,pole4 ,illustration ,this is nearly always used in connection with the steel trap1 in the capture of the smaller land animals4 ,it not only lifts the creature into the air1 and thus prevents its becoming a prey to other animals1 but it also guards against the escape of the victim by the amputation of its own leg4 ,this is a very common mode of release with many kinds of game--notably the mink1 marten1 and muskrat2 and for the successful trapping of these1 as well as many other animals1 the spring and sliding pole are absolute necessities4 ,it is a simple contrivance1 consisting merely of a pole inserted in the ground near the trap4 ,the pole is then bent down1 and the trap chain secured to its end4 ,a small1 notched peg is next driven into the ground and the top of the pole caught in it1 and thus held in a bent position4 ,when the animal is caught1 its struggles release the pole1 and the latter1 flying up with a jerk1 ,page #ade lifts the trap and its occupant high in the air1 out of the reach of marauders1 and beyond the power of escape by self-amputation4 ,even in the capture of large game the spring pole often serves to good purpose4 ,the struggles of a heavy animal are often so violent as to break a stout trap or chain2 and the force of the spring pole1 although not sufficient to raise the animal from its feet1 often succeeds in easing the strain1 and often thus saves a trap from being broken to pieces4 ,the power of the pole must of course be proportionate to the weight of the desired game4 ,,the ,,sliding ,,pole4 ,illustration ,the first impulse with almost every aquatic animal when caught in a trap1 is to plunge headlong into deep water4 ,with the smaller animals1 such as the mink and muskrat1 this is all that is desired by the trapper1 as the weight of the trap with the chain is sufficient to drown its victim4 ,but with larger animals1 the beaver and otter for instance1 an additional precaution1 in the shape of the sliding pole1 is necessary4 ,this consists of a pole about ten feet long1 smoothly trimmed of its branches1 excepting at the tip1 where a few stubs should be left4 ,insert this end obliquely into the bed of the stream1 where the water is ,page #adf deep1 and secure the large end to the bank by means of a hooked stick1 as seen in our illustration4 ,the ring of the chain should be large enough to slide easily down the entire length of the pole4 ,when the trap is set1 the ring should be slipped on the large end of the pole1 and held in place by resting a stick against it4 ,the animal1 when caught1 plunges off into deep water1 and guided by the pole1 is led to the bottom of the river4 ,the ring slides down to the bed of the stream1 and there holds its victim until drowned4 ,,the ,,clog4 ,a trap which is set for heavy game should never be secured to a stake4 ,many of the larger and more powerful animals when caught in a trap thus secured1 are apt either to pull or twist their legs off1 or break both trap and chain to pieces4 ,to guard against this1 the chain should be weighted with a pole or small log1 of a size proportionate to the dimensions of the game1 its weight being merely sufficient to offer a serious incumbrance to the animal1 without positively checking its movements4 ,this impediment is called the clog1 and is usually attached to the ring of the trap chain by its larger end1 the ring being slipped over the latter1 and secured in place by a wedge4 ,a look at our frontispiece will give a clear idea of both clog and attachment4 ,page #adg ,,the ,,grappling ,,iron4 ,illustration ,this answers the same purpose as the above1 and is often used instead4 ,it is manufactured in connection with the larger steel traps1 and is attached to the chain by a swivel joint4 ,its general shape is shown in an engraving1 and it offers a serious resistance to the victim1 who endeavors to run away with it4 ,,the ,,season ,,for ,,trapping4 ,the business of trapping for profit must be confined to the season between the first of ,october and the beginning of ,may1 as furs of all kinds are worthless when taken during the other months of the year4 ,the reason for this is obvious4 ,a prime fur must be thick and full1 and as all our fur-bearing animals shed their heavy winter coats as warm weather approaches1 it necessarily follows that the capture at this season would be unprofitable4 ,as the autumn approaches the new growth appears1 and the fur becomes thick and glossy4 ,by the middle of ,october most furs are in their prime1 but the heart of winter is the best time for general trapping4 ,page #adh ,the furs of the mink1 muskrat1 fisher1 marten and beaver are not in their perfect prime until this season4 ,and all other furs are sure to be in good condition at this time4 ,,the ,,art ,,of ,,trapping4 ,from time immemorial1 and in every nation of the world1 the art of trapping has been more or less practised4 ,by some as a means of supplying their wants in the shape of daily food1 and by others for the purpose of merchandise or profit4 ,to be a clever and successful trapper1 much more is required than is generally supposed4 ,the mere fact of a person's being able to set a trap cleverly and judiciously forms but a small part of his proficiency2 and unless he enters deeper into the subject and learns something of the nature and habits of the animals he intends to catch1 his traps will be set in vain1 or at best meet with but indifferent success4 ,the study of natural history here becomes a matter of necessity as well as pleasure and profit4 ,and unless the trapper thoroughly acquaints himself with the habits of his various game1 the sagacity and cunning of his intended victim will often outwit his most shrewd endeavors1 much to his chagrin4 ,the sense of smell1 so largely developed in many animals1 becomes one of the trappers most serious obstacles1 and seems at times to amount almost to positive reason1 so perfectly do the creatures baffle the most ingenious attempts of man in his efforts to capture them4 ,a little insight into the ways of these artful animals1 however1 and a little experience with their odd tricks soon enables one to cope with them successfully and overcome their whims4 ,for the benefit of the amateur who has not had the opportunity of studying for himself1 the peculiarities of the various game1 the author appends a comprehensive chapter on ,practical ,natural ,history1 in which will be found full accounts of the peculiar habits and leading characteristics of all the various animals commonly sought by the trapper1 together with detailed directions for trapping each variety1 supplemented with a faithful portrait of the animal in nearly every instance4 ,a careful reading of the above mentioned chapter will do much towards acquainting the novice with the ways of the sly creatures1 which he hopes to victimize1 and will thus prepare him to contend with them successfully4 ,in the art of trapping the bait is often entirely dispensed with1 the traps being set and carefully concealed in the runways of the various animals4 ,these by-paths are easily detected by an ,page #adi experienced trapper1 and are indicated either by footprints or other evidences of the animal1 together with the matted leaves and broken twigs and grasses4 ,natural channels1 such as hollow logs or crevices between rocks or fallen trees1 offer excellent situations for steel traps1 and a good trapper is always on the qui vive for such chance advantages1 thus often saving much of the time and labor which would otherwise be spent in the building of artificial enclosures1 etc4 ,the most effective baits used in the art of trapping are those which are used to attract the animal through its sense of smell1 as distinct from that of its mere appetite for food4 ,these baits are known in the profession as medicine1 or scent baits and possess the most remarkable power of attracting the various animals from great distances1 and leading them almost irresistibly to any desired spot4 ,such is the barks tone or castoreum1 of such value in the capture of the beaver1 and the oil of anise1 so commonly used for the trapping of animals in general4 ,these various substances will presently be considered under their proper heading4 ,many detailed and specific directions on the subject of trapping will be found in the long chapter following2 and1 in closing our preliminary remarks1 we would add just one more word of general caution1 which the young trapper should always bear in mind4 ,in all cases avoid handling the trap with the bare hand4 ,many an amateur has set and reset his traps in vain1 and retired from the field of trapping in disgust1 from the mere want of observing this rule4 ,animals of keen scent are quick in detecting the slightest odors1 and that left by the touch of a human hand often suffices to drive the creature away from a trap which1 under other circumstances1 would have been its certain destruction4 ,to be sure the various scent baits already alluded to1 will in a measure overcome human traces1 but not always effectually1 and in order to insure success no precautions so simple should be neglected4 ,a pair of clean buckskin gloves are valuable requisites to the trapper1 and should always be on hand when setting or transporting traps4 ,,medicines1 ,,or ,,scent ,,baits4 ,these form one of the most important requisites of the trapper's art4 ,a trap baited simply with the food of the ,page #aej required animal1 may and often will be successful1 but with the addition of the trapper's medicine judicially applied1 success is almost a certainty4 ,these scent baits are of various kinds1 some being almost universal in their usefulness1 while others are attractive only to some particular species of animal4 ,we give a few of the recipes of the most valued preparations used by trappers throughout the land4 ,the application and use of each is fully described in its proper place hereafter4 ,,castoreum4 ,this substance1 commonly known as ,barkstone1 by trappers and fur dealers1 is obtained from the beaver1 and is a remarkable aid in the capture of that animal4 ,it is an acrid secretion of a powerful musky odor1 found in two glands beneath the root of the tail of the beaver4 ,these glands are about two inches in length4 ,they are cut out and the contents are squeezed into a small bottle4 ,when fresh the substance is of a yellowish-red color1 changing to a light-brown when dried4 ,both male and female animals yield the castoreum1 but that of the male is generally considered the best4 ,castoreum is a commercial drug1 and in many beaver countries it is quite an article of trade4 ,there are other sacs lying directly behind the castor glands which contain a strong oil of rancid smell4 ,this should not be confounded with the ,castoreum4 ,,castoreum ,,composition4 ,the ,barkstone is used both pure and in combination with other substances1 the following prescription being much used3 ,into the contents of about ten of the castor bags1 mix two ground nutmegs1 thirty or forty cloves1 also powdered1 one drop essence of peppermint1 and about two thimblefuls of ground cinnamon4 ,into this stir as much whisky as will give the whole the consistency of paste1 after which the preparation should be bottled and kept carefully corked4 ,at the expiration of a few days the odor increases ten-fold in power and is ready for use4 ,a bottle1 if thus prepared1 will retain its strength for nearly a half year1 provided it is kept closely corked4 ,a few drops of either the pure castoreum or the combination spread upon the bait or in the neighborhood of the trap1 as described under the chapter on the ,beaver1 will entice that animal from a great distance4 ,page #aea ,,musk4 ,this substance is a secretion obtained from several different animals1 notably the otter and muskrat4 ,the glands which contain it are located similarly to the castor glands of the beaver1 and the musk should be discharged into a vial1 as previously described4 ,the musk of the female muskrat is said to be the most powerful1 and is chiefly used by trappers in the capture of that animal1 the otter being chiefly attracted by its own musk4 ,,assafoetida4 ,this foul smelling production seems to have a specially attractive fragrance to many animals1 and for general use is much esteemed by trappers4 ,it is a vegetable drug from ,persia and the ,east ,indies1 and is imported in the form of concrete juice1 of a brown color4 ,,oil ,,of ,,rhodium4 ,this is a vegetable oil obtained from a species of rose1 and is quite costly4 ,its power of attracting animals is surprising1 and it is in very common use among trappers4 ,,fish ,,oil4 ,this is especially useful in the capture of the majority of the fur tribe1 and particularly the water animals4 ,the oil may be bought ready for use1 or prepared with little trouble4 ,the common method consists in cutting up fish of any kind1 especially eels1 into small bits1 putting them in a bottle1 and setting the latter in the full exposure to the sun4 ,it should thus be left for about two weeks1 at the end of which time a rancid oil will have formed4 ,a few drops of this oil will entice many animals from surprising distances1 often drawing their attention to a bait which otherwise they might never have scented4 ,,oil ,,of ,,skunk4 ,this1 the ne plus ultra1 or quintessence of diabolical stench1 yields the tempting savor which irresistibly attracts many animals to their final doom4 ,it is contained in a pouch beneath the insertion of the tail of the animal1 and is spread abroad by the ,page #aeb creature with lavish extravagance when circumstances demand1 or we might say when occasion permits4 ,it may be taken from the animal and bottled as already described in other instances1 chloride of lime being used to eradicate the stench from the hands4 ,,oil ,,of ,,amber4 ,this substance is frequently referred to in the following pages1 and is a vegetable product of the amber gum of commerce4 ,the ,oil of ,ambergris is also sometimes used by trappers1 and is likewise known as ,amber ,oil4 ,the two are thus often confounded1 although the former is supposed to be most generally used4 ,,oil ,,of ,,anise4 ,this is strongly recommended by many trappers as a most excellent universal medicine4 ,it is a vegetable product1 and is obtainable at any drug store4 ,,sweet ,,fennel4 ,this plant is commonly cultivated all over the ,united ,states1 and the seeds are often powdered and used as a scent bait4 ,the ,oil of ,fennel is preferable1 however1 and may be had at almost any drug store4 ,,cummin4 ,this is another plant1 somewhat resembling the former1 and1 like it1 cultivated for its seeds4 ,it has an aromatic taste1 and its strong pungent odor renders it of great value to the trapper4 ,the seeds may be powdered and thus used1 or the oil of the plant may be easily procured4 ,the latter is preferable4 ,,fenugreek4 ,like the two foregoing this plant is valuable for its seeds1 which are used for medicinal purposes4 ,the oil or bruised seeds may be used4 ,,lavender4 ,this is another aromatic plant1 the oil of which1 either pure or diluted with alcohol1 is much used in the trapper's art4 ,page #aec ,,compound4 ,for ordinary use1 a mixture of ,assafoetida1 ,musk1 ,oil of ,anise1 and ,fish ,oil1 together with a few drops of the ,oil of ,rhodium1 is especially recommended by our most skilled trappers4 ,this preparation contains the various substances which are known to attract the different fur bearing animals1 and its use often insures success where anyone of the simple substances would be ineffectual4 ,,the ,,trail4 ,the object of the trail consists in offering a leading scent which1 when followed1 will bring the animal to the various traps1 and when properly made will be the means of drawing large numbers of game from all quarters and from great distances1 whereas without it the traps might remain undiscovered4 ,trails are sometimes made to connect a line of traps1 as when set along the banks of streams for mink1 etc41 at other times1 as in trapping the fox1 for instance1 they should extend from the trap on all sides1 like the spokes of a wheel from the hub1 thus covering considerable area1 and rendering success more certain than it would be without this precaution4 ,the combination medicine just described is excellent for the purposes of a trail for minks1 otter1 muskrat1 and many other animals4 ,soak a piece of meat1 or piece of wood in the preparation1 and drag it along the ground between the traps4 ,a dead fish smeared with the fluid will also answer the same purpose4 ,the soles of the boots may also be smeared with the medicine and the trail thus accomplished4 ,trails of various kinds are considered under their respective and appropriate heads in the chapters on animals1 all of which will be found useful and effective4 ,,how ,,to ,,trap4 ,in the following pages will be found full and ample directions for the trapping of all our leading game1 together with detailed descriptions of peculiar habits of each species4 ,the various articles contain careful descriptions1 whereby the species may be readily recognized1 and1 in nearly every case1 are accompanied by faithful illustrations4 ,we add also valuable directions for the best manner of removing the skin of each animal1 this being a matter of considerable importance1 as affecting their pecuniary value4 ,page #aed ,,the ,,fox4 ,foremost in the list of animals noted for their sly craft1 and the hero of a host of fables and well-authenticated stories1 in which artful cunning gains the advantage over human intelligence1 ,reynard1 the fox1 reigns supreme4 ,there is scarcely a professional trapper in the land who has not1 in his day1 been hoodwinked by the wily strategy of this sly creature1 whose extreme cunning renders him the most difficult of all animals to trap4 ,the fox belongs to the ,dog family1 and there are six varieties inhabiting the ,united ,states4 ,the red species is the most common and is too well known to need a description here4 ,the ,cross ,fox considerably resembles the above1 only being much darker in color1 the red hair being thickly speckled with black4 ,this species varies considerably in color in different individuals1 often much resembling the red variety1 and again approaching nearer in color to the ,black or ,silver ,fox4 ,this variation1 together with the name of the animal1 has given rise among trappers to the wide-spread belief of the animal being a cross between the two species which it so nearly resembles4 ,it seems to be a permanent variety1 however1 the term cross being applied1 we believe1 on account of a dark marking on the back1 between the shoulders of the animal1 suggestive of that title4 ,the ,silver or ,black ,fox is the most beautiful and most rare of the genus1 and yields the most valuable fur produced in this country4 ,its color is black1 with the exception of the tip of the tail1 which is white4 ,the ,prairie ,fox is the largest of the species4 ,it inhabits the ,western ,prairies1 and in color resembles the common red variety1 only being a trifle yellower4 ,the ,kit1 or ,swift ,fox1 is smaller than the ,red1 and abounds in the ,western ,states4 ,the ,gray ,fox is a ,southern variety1 and is very beautiful4 ,it is less daring and cunning than the ,common ,fox1 and seldom approaches a farm-yard1 where it is in close proximity to a dwelling4 ,the general habits and characteristics of all the foxes are similar4 ,for natural cunning they take the lead of all other animals4 ,they are all built for speed1 and their senses of smell and hearing are acutely developed4 ,their food consists of wild fowl of all kinds1 rabbits1 squirrels1 birds and their eggs1 together with many kinds of ripe fruits1 sour grapes not included4 ,they live in burrows1 often usurped1 or crevices between rocks2 and their ,page #aee young1 from three to nine in number1 are brought forth in ,march4 ,we are strongly tempted to narrate a few remarkable instances of the animal's cunning1 but we forbear for want of space4 ,our reader must take it for granted that when he attempts to trap a fox1 he will be likely to find more than his match in the superior craftiness of that animal4 ,if the trap is overturned and the bait gone1 or if repeatedly sprung and found empty1 he must not be surprised or discouraged1 for he is experiencing only what all other trappers have experienced before him4 ,there are instances on record where this knowing creature has sprung the trap by dropping a stick upon the pan1 afterwards removing the suspended bait to enjoy it at his leisure4 ,his movements are as lithe and subtile as those of a snake1 and when cornered there is no telling what caper that cunning instinct and subtlety of body will not lead him to perform4 ,when pursued by hounds he has been known to lead them a long chase at full speed up to the crest of a hill3 here he leaps a shrub1 swiftly as an arrow1 and landing on the ground on the opposite declivity quickly returns beneath the brushwood and crouches down closely upon the ground4 ,presently the hounds come along in full cry1 and blazing scent they dart over the shrub in full pursuit1 dash down the hillside1 never stopping until at the bottom of the hill they find they are off the trail4 ,as soon as the hounds are passed1 sly ,reynard cautiously takes to his legs3 creeping adroitly back over the brow of the hill1 he runs for a considerable distance on his back trail1 and at last1 after taking a series of long jumps therefrom returns to his covert at leisure4 ,page after page might be filled to the glory of this creature's cunning1 but enough has been said to give the young trapper an insight into the character of the animal he hopes to victimize1 and prepare him for a trial of skill which1 without this knowledge1 would be a most one-sided affair4 ,we would not advise our young amateur to calculate very confidently on securing a fox at the first attempt1 but we can truthfully vouch that if the creature can be caught at all1 it can be done by following the directions we now give4 ,one of the most essential things in the trapping of this1 as well as nearly all animals1 is that the trap should be perfectly clean and free from rust4 ,the steel trap ,no4#b1 page #ada is the best for animals of the size of the ,fox4 ,the trap should be washed in weak lye1 being afterwards well greased and finally smoked over burning hen's feathers4 ,page #aef ,all this and even more precaution is necessary4 ,no matter how strongly scented the trap may be1 with the smoke1 or other substances1 a mere touch of the bare hand will leave a human scent which the fox perceives as soon as the other1 and this is enough to deaden his enthusiasm over the most tempting bait4 ,on this account1 it is necessary always to handle the trap with buckskin gloves1 never allowing the bare hand to come in contact with it1 on any account1 after once prepared for setting4 ,before arranging the trap for its work1 it is necessary to construct what is called a bed4 ,there are several methods of doing this2 but from all we can learn from the most experienced trappers1 the following is the most successful4 ,the bed should be made on flat ground1 using any of the following substances3 ,buckwheat chaff1 which is the best1 oat1 wheat1 or hay chaff1 or in lieu of these1 moss or wood ashes4 ,let the bed be three feet in diameter1 and an inch and a half in depth4 ,to insure success it is the best plan to bait the bed itself for several days with scraps of beef or cheese strewn upon1 and near it4 ,if the fox once visits the place1 discovers the tempting morsels and enjoys a good meal unmolested1 he will be sure to revisit the spot so long as he finds a free lunch awaiting him4 ,when he is found to come regularly and take the bait1 he is as good as caught1 provided our instructions are carefully followed4 ,take the trap1 previously prepared as already described1 chain it securely to a small log of wood about two feet long4 ,dig a hole in the earth in the centre of the bed1 large enough to receive the trap1 with its log1 and chain4 ,set the traps1 supporting the pan by pushing some of the chaff beneath it4 ,now lay a piece of paper over the pan and sprinkle the chaff over it evenly and smoothly1 until every trace of the trap and its appendages is obliterated4 ,endeavor to make the bed look as it has previously done1 and bait it with the same materials4 ,avoid treading much about the bed and step in the same tracks as far as possible4 ,touch nothing with the naked hands4 ,cover up all the footprints as much as possible1 and leave the trap to take care of itself and any intruder4 ,if our directions have been accurately followed1 and due care has been exercised on the part of the young trapper1 there is every probability that the next morning will reward him with his fox4 ,but if a day or two elapse without success1 it is well to resort to the scent baits described on page #adi4 ,take the trap out of the bed1 and with a feather smear it with melted beeswax1 or rub it with a little ,oil of ,rhodium1 ,assafoetida1 or ,musk4 ,oil of ,amber1 and ,lavender water are also used for the same ,page #aeg purpose by many professional trappers4 ,these are not always necessary but are often used as a last resort1 and will most always insure success4 ,another method of baiting is shown in our page illustration opposite1 and consists in suspending the bait by a stick in such a position that the fox will be obliged to step upon the trap in order to reach it4 ,the bed should be baited in this way several times before the trap is set4 ,this method is very commonly employed4 ,another still1 is to bury the dead body of a rabbit or bird in loose earth1 covering the whole with chaff4 ,sprinkle a few drops of ,musk1 or ,oil of ,amber over the bed4 ,after the fox has taken the bait1 the place should be rebaited and the trap inserted in the mound and covered with the chaff1 being scented as before4 ,some trappers employ the following method with good results3 ,the trap is set1 in a spring or at the edge of a small shallow brook and attached by a chain to a stake in the bank1 the chain being under water4 ,there should be only about an inch and a half of water over the trap1 and its distance from the shore should be about a foot and a half1 or even less4 ,in order to induce the fox to place his foot in the trap it is necessary to cut a sod of grass1 just the size of the inside of the jaws of the trap1 and place it over the pan1 so that it will project above the water and offer a tempting foot rest for the animal while he reaches for the bait which rests in the water just beyond4 ,to accomplish this device without springing the trap by the weight of the sod1 it is necessary to brace up the pan from beneath with a small perpendicular stick1 sufficiently to neutralize the pressure from above4 ,the bait may be a dead rabbit or bird thrown on the water outside of the trap and about a foot from it1 being secured by a string and peg4 ,if the fox spies the bait he will be almost sure to step upon the sod to reach it1 and thus get caught4 ,if none of these methods are successful1 the young trapper may at least content himself with the idea that the particular fox he is after is an old fellow and is not to be caught with chaff or any thing else1--for if these devices will not secure him nothing will4 ,if he is a young and comparatively unsophisticated specimen1 he will fall an easy victim to any of the foregoing stratagems4 ,although steel traps are generally used in the capture of foxes1 a cleverly constructed and baited dead-fall such as is described on page #aac will often do capital service in that direction4 ,by ,page #aeh arranging and baiting the trap as therein described1 even a fox is likely to become its prey4 ,to skin the fox the pelt should be first ripped down each hind leg to the vent4 ,the skin being cut loose around this point1 the bone of the tail should next be removed4 ,this may be done by holding a split stick tightly over the bone after which the latter may be easily pulled out of the skin4 ,the hide should then be drawn back1 and carefully removed1 working with caution around the legs1 and particularly so about the eyes1 ears1 and lips when these points are reached4 ,the skin should be stretched as described on page #bgc4 ,,the ,,wolf4 ,the ,united ,states are blessed with several species of this animal4 ,the ,grey ,wolf1 which is the largest1 and the smaller1 ,prairie ,wolf or ,coyote1 being the most commonly known4 ,there are also the ,white ,wolf1 ,black ,wolf and the ,texan or ,red ,wolf4 ,in outward form they all bear a considerable resemblance to each other1 and their habits are generally similar in the different varieties4 ,wolves are fierce and dangerous animals1 and are very powerful of limb and fleet of foot4 ,they are extremely cowardly in character1 and will seldom attack man or animal except when by their greater numbers they would be sure of victory4 ,wolves are found in almost every quarter of the globe4 ,mountain and plain1 field1 jungle and prairie are alike infested with them1 and they hunt in united bands1 feeding upon almost any animal which by their combined attacks they can overpower4 ,their inroads upon herds and sheep folds are sometimes horrifying1 and a single wolf has been known to kill as many as forty sheep in a single night1 seemingly from mere blood-thirsty desire4 ,in the early colonization of ,america1 wolves ran wild over the country in immense numbers1 and were a source of great danger2 but now1 owing to wide-spread civilization1 they have disappeared from the more settled localities and are chiefly found in ,western wilds and prairie lands4 ,the ,grey ,wolf is the largest and most formidable representative of the ,dog tribe on this continent4 ,its general appearance is truthfully given in our drawing4 ,its length1 exclusive of the tail1 is about four feet1 the length of the tail being about a foot and a half4 ,its color varies from yellowish grey to almost ,page #aei white in the northern countries1 in which latitude the animal is sometimes found of an enormous size1 measuring nearly seven feet in length4 ,the fur is coarse and shaggy about the neck and haunches1 and the tail is bushy4 ,they abound in the region east of the ,rocky ,mountains and northward1 and travel in packs of hundreds in search of prey4 ,bisons1 wild horses1 deer and even bears fall victims to their united fierceness1 and human beings1 too1 often fall a prey to their ferocious attacks4 ,illustration ,the ,coyote1 or ,common ,prairie ,wolf1 also known as the ,burrowing ,wolf1 as its name implies inhabits the ,western plains and prairies4 ,they are much smaller than the ,grey ,wolf1 and not so dangerous4 ,they travel in bands and unitedly attack whatever animal they desire to kill4 ,their homes are made in burrows which they excavate in the ground4 ,the ,texan ,wolf inhabits the latitude of ,texas and southward4 ,it is of a tawny red color and nearly as large as the grey species1 possessing the same savage nature4 ,in ,april or ,may the female wolf retires to her burrow or den1 and her young1 from six to ten in number1 are brought forth4 ,the wolf is almost as sly and cunning as the fox1 and the same caution is required in trapping the animal4 ,they are extremely keen scented1 and the mere touch of a human hand on the trap is often enough to preclude the possibility of capture4 ,a mere footprint1 or the scent of tobacco juice1 they look upon with great suspicion1 ,page #afj and the presence of either will often prevent success4 ,the same directions given in regard to trapping the fox are equally adapted for the wolf4 ,the trap 7size ,no1 #d1 page #ada7 should be smoked or smeared with beeswax or blood1 and set in a bed of ashes or other material as therein described1 covering with moss1 chaff1 leaves or some other light substance4 ,the clog should be fully twice as heavy as that used for the fox4 ,some trappers rub the traps with brake leaves1 sweet fern1 or even skunk's cabbage4 ,gloves should always be worn in handling the traps1 and all tracks should be obliterated as much as if a fox were the object sought to be secured4 ,a common way of securing the wolf consists in setting the trap in a spring or puddle of water1 throwing the dead body of some large animal in the water beyond the trap in such a position that the wolf will be obliged to tread upon the trap1 in order to reach the bait4 ,this method is described both under the head of the ,fox and the ,bear4 ,another plan is to fasten the bait between two trees which are very close together1 setting a trap on each side and carefully concealing them as already directed1 and securing each to a clog of about twenty pounds in weight4 ,the enclosure described on page #add is also successful4 ,there are various scent or trail baits used in trapping the wolf4 ,oil of ,assafoetida is by many trappers considered the best1 but ,oil of ,rhodium1 powdered fennel1 fenugreek and ,cummin ,oil are also much used4 ,it is well to smear a little of the first mentioned oil near the traps1 using any one of the other substances1 or indeed a mixture of them all1 for the trail4 ,this may be made by smearing the preparation on the sole of the boots and walking in the direction of the traps1 or by dragging from one trap to another a piece of meat scented with the substance1 as described under the head of ,mink4 ,the wolf is an adept at feigning death1 playing 'possum with a skill which would do credit to that veritable animal itself4 ,a large dead-fall1 constructed of logs1 page #ag1 when skilfully scented and baited1 will often allure a wolf into its clutches1 and a very strong twitch-up1 with a noose formed of heavy wire1 or a strip of stout calf hide1 will successfully capture the crafty creature4 ,in skinning the wolf the hide may be removed either by1 first ripping up the belly1 or in a circular piece1 as described connection with the fox1 both methods being much used4 ,the board and hoop stretchers ,page #afa used in preparing the skin are described on pages #bgc and #bge4 ,,the ,,puma4 ,the puma1 commonly known also as the panther or cougar1 is the largest ,american representative of the ,cat tribe1 and for this reason is often dignified by the name of the ,american ,lion4 ,it is found more or less abundantly throughout the ,united ,states2 and although not generally considered a dangerous foe to mankind1 it has often been known in the wild districts to steal upon the traveller unawares1 and in many instances human beings have fallen a prey to the powerful claws and teeth of this powerful animal4 ,the life of the puma is mostly in the trees4 ,crouching upon the branches it watches for1 or steals1 cat-like1 upon its prey4 ,should a solitary animal pass within reach1 the puma will not hesitate in pouncing upon the unfortunate creature2 but if a herd of animals1 or party of men1 should be travelling together1 the caution of the brute asserts itself1 and he will often dog their footsteps for a great distance1 in hopes of securing a straggler4 ,birds are struck down by a single blow of the puma's ready paw1 and so quick are his movements that even though a bird has risen on the wing1 he can often make one of his wonderful bounds1 and with a light1 quick stroke1 arrest the winged prey before it has time to soar beyond reach4 ,the puma is a good angler4 ,sitting by the water's edge he watches for his victims1 and no sooner does an unfortunate fish swim within reach1 than the nimble paw is outstretched1 and it is swept out of the water on dry land1 and eagerly devoured4 ,a puma has been known to follow the track of travellers for days together1 only daring to show itself at rare intervals1 and never endeavoring to make an attack except through stealth4 ,the animal will often approach cautiously upon a traveller until sufficiently near to make its fatal spring2 but if the pursued party suddenly turn round and face the crawling creature1 the beast becomes discomfited at once1 and will retreat from the gaze which seems to it a positive terror4 ,so long as a puma can be kept in sight1 no danger need be feared from the animal but it will improve every opportunity of springing unobservedly upon a heedless passer by4 ,the total length of the puma is six feet and a half1 of which the tail occupies a little over two feet4 ,its color is of a uniform light tawny tint1 fading into light grey on the under parts1 and the tip of the tail ,page #afb is black4 ,the puma is one of the few members of the ,cat tribe1 which are without the usual spots or stripes so observable in the tiger and leopard4 ,the lion has the same uniformity of color1 and it is perhaps partly on that account that the panther is so often known as the ,american lion4 ,in infancy the young pumas possess decided tiger-like markings1 and leopard-like spots1 but these disappear altogether as the animal increases in size4 ,the cougar has learned by experience a wholesome fear of man1 and as civilization has extended throughout our country1 the animals have been forced to retire from the neighborhood of human habitations and hide themselves in thick1 uncultivated forest lands4 ,illustration ,sometimes1 however1 the animal1 urged by fierce hunger1 will venture on a marauding expedition for several miles1 and although not an object of personal dread to the inhabitants1 he often becomes a pestilent neighbor to the farmer1 committing great ravages among his flocks and herds1 and making sad havoc in his poultry yard4 ,it is not the fortune of every puma1 however1 to reside in the neighborhood of such easy prey as pigs1 sheep and poultry1 and the greater number of these animals are forced to depend for their ,page #afc subsistence on their own success in chasing or surprising the various animals on which they feed4 ,when a puma is treed by hunters1 it is said to show great skill in selecting a spot wherein it shall be best concealed from the gazers below1 and will even draw the neighboring branches about its body to hide itself from the aim of the hunter's rifle4 ,while thus lying upon the branches the beast is almost invisible from below1 as its fur1 when seen1 harmonizes so well with the the bark which covers the boughs1 that the one can scarcely be distinguished from the other4 ,the puma loves to hide in the branches of trees1 and from this eminence to launch itself upon the doomed animal that may pass within its reach4 ,it may1 therefore1 be easily imagined how treacherous a foe the creature may be when ranging at will among the countless trees and jungles of our ,american forests4 ,although so stealthy and sly a creature the cougar possesses very little cunning and is easily trapped4 ,the ,gun trap1 page #bj1 is commonly and successfully employed in ,south ,america in the capture of the jaguar1 as our title illustration1 page #ae1 represents1 and it may also be used with the same success in trapping the puma4 ,the ,bow trap1 page #bc1 and the dead-fall described in the early part of the book1 will all be found to work admirably in the destruction of this treacherous beast4 ,the animal may be entrapped alive1 should any of our young trappers dare to try the experiment4 ,there are two ways of accomplishing this4 ,the first is by the aid of a huge coop of logs1 as described on page #cj or #cc1 and the other by the ,pit-fall1 as exemplified on page #ca4 ,huge twitch-ups may also be constructed1 using very strong wire4 ,the bait may consist of a fowl1 sheep's head1 or the heart of any animal4 ,fresh meat of any kind will answer the purpose1 and in the case of the ,pit-fall a live fowl is preferable to a dead one as it will attract the puma by its motions1 or by its cackling1 and thus induce him to spring upon his prey1 which will precipitate him to the bottom of the pit and thus effect his capture4 ,they are commonly taken with the steel trap4 ,the puma seldom leaves the vicinity of the carcass of an animal it has killed until it is all devoured4 ,when such a carcass can be found the capture of the beast is easily effected4 ,set the trap1 size ,no4 #e1 page #adc1 near the remains1 and cover the carcass with leaves4 ,the next visit of the animal will find him more attached to the place than ever1--so much so that he will be unable to tear himself away4 ,page #afd ,the skin of the puma is properly removed by first cutting up the belly as described under the ,beaver1 using great care about the head and face4 ,use the hoop stretcher1 page #bge4 ,,the ,,canadian ,,lynx4 ,the lynx represents another of the ,cat tribe1 and as its name implies is a native of the regions north of the ,united ,states1 although sometimes found in upper ,maine and on the lower borders of the great lakes4 ,it is commonly known throughout ,canada as the ,peshoo1 or ,le ,chat4 ,our illustration is a truthful representation of the animal4 ,its total length exceeds three feet1 and its tail is a mere stub4 ,the fur is thick1 and the hairs are long1 the general color being grey1 sprinkled with black4 ,the legs are generally darker than the body1 and the ears are often edged with white4 ,the limbs and muscles are very powerful1 the paws are very large for the size of the animal1 and are furnished with strong white claws1 which are imbedded in the fur of the feet when not in use1 they are shown in our illustration4 ,the ears of the lynx form a distinct feature1 by which the animal could be easily identified2 they are long and tipped with stiff projecting hairs1 giving the creature a very odd appearance4 ,the peshoo can not be said to be a very dangerous animal1 unless it is attacked1 when it becomes a most ferocious antagonist4 ,the writer knew of a gentleman who was pounced upon and very nearly killed by one of these infuriated creatures1 and there are many like instances on record4 ,the principal food of the lynx consists of the smaller quadrupeds1 the ,american hare being its favorite article of diet4 ,it is a good swimmer1 and a most agile climber1 chasing its prey among the branches with great stealth and dexterity4 ,like the wolf1 fox1 and many other flesh eating-animals1 the lynx does not content itself with the creatures which fall by the stroke of its own talons1 or the grip of its own teeth1 but will follow the trail of the puma1 in its nocturnal quest after prey1 and thankfully partake of the feast which remains after its predecessor has satisfied its appetite4 ,illustration ,while running at full speed1 the lynx presents a most ludicrous appearance1 owing to its peculiar manner of leaping4 ,it progresses in successive bounds1 with its back slightly arched1 and all the feet striking the ground nearly at the same instant4 ,powerful as the animal is1 it is easily killed by a blow on the ,page #afe back1 a slight stick being a sufficient weapon wherewith to destroy the creature4 ,for this reason the ,dead-fall is particularly adapted for its capture1 and is very successful1 as the animal possesses very little cunning1 and will enter an enclosure of any kind without the slightest compunction1 when a tempting bait is in view4 ,the dead-fall should of course be constructed on a large scale1 and it is a good plan to have the enclosure deep1 and the bait as far back as will necessitate the animal being well under the suspended log in order to reach it4 ,the bait may consist of a dead quadruped or of fresh meat of any kind4 ,the ,gun trap1 page #bj1 and the ,bow trap1 page #bc1 will also be found efficient1 and a very powerful twitch-up1 constructed from a stout pole and extra strong wire will also serve to good purpose4 ,the lynx is not so prolific as many of the feline tribe1 the number of its young seldom exceeding two1 and this only once a year4 ,the fur of the animal is valuable for the purposes to which the feline skin is generally adapted1 and commands a fair price in the market4 ,those who hunt or trap the lynx will do well to choose the winter months for the time of their operations1 as during the cold season the animal possesses a thicker and warmer fur than it offers in the summer months4 ,when the steel trap is used1 it should be of size ,no4 #d1 page ,page #aff #ada1 set at the opening of a pen of stakes1 the bait being placed at the back of the enclosure in such a position1 as that the animal will be obliged to step upon the pan of the trap in order to reach it4 ,any of the devices described under ,hints on ,baiting will be found successful4 ,the skin of the animal may be removed as directed in the case of the fox1 being drawn off the body whole1 or it may be removed after the manner of the beaver1 and similarly stretched4 ,,the ,,wild ,,cat4 ,this animal is one of the most wide-spread species of the ,cat tribe1 being found not only in ,america1 but throughout nearly the whole of ,europe as well as in ,northern ,asia4 ,in many parts of the ,united ,states1 where the wild cat was wont to flourish1 it has become exterminated1 owing to civilization and the destruction of forest lands4 ,many naturalists are of the opinion that the wild cat is the original progenitor of our domestic cat1 but there is much difference of opinion in regard to the subject4 ,although they bear great resemblance to each other1 there are several points of distinction between the two2 one of the most decided differences being in the comparative length of the tails4 ,the tail of the wild cat is little more than half the length of that of the domestic cat1 and much more bushy4 ,the color of the wild animal is much more uniform than in the great raft of domestic mongrel specimens which make night hideous with their discordant yowls1 although we sometimes see a high bred individual which1 if his tail was cut off at half its length1 might easily pass as an example of the wild variety4 ,the ground tint of the fur in the wild cat is yellowish grey1 diversified with dark streaks over the body and limbs1 much after the appearance of the so-called tiger cat4 ,a row of dark streaks and spots extends along the spine1 and the tail is thick1 short and bushy1 tipped with black and encircled with a number of rings of a dark hue4 ,in some individuals the markings are less distinct1 and they are sometimes altogether wanting1 but in the typical wild cat they are quite prominent4 ,the fur is rather long and thick1 particularly so during the winter season1 and always in the colder northern regions4 ,the amount of havoc which these creatures often occasion is surprising1 and their nocturnal inroads1 in poultry yards and ,page #afg sheep folds1 render them most hated pests to farmers in the countries where these animals abound4 ,they seem to have a special appetite for the heads of fowls1 and will often decapitate a half dozen in a single night1 leaving the bodies in otherwise good condition to tell the story of their midnight murders4 ,the home of the wild cat is made in some cleft of rock1 or in the hollow of some aged tree1 from which the creature issues in the dark hours and starts upon its marauding excursions4 ,its family numbers from three to six1 and the female parent is smaller than the male1 the total length of the latter being three feet4 ,illustration ,inhabiting the most lonely and inaccessible ranges of rock and mountain1 the wild cat is seldom seen during the daytime4 ,at night1 like its domestic relative1 he prowls far and wide1 walking with the same stealthy step and hunting his game in the same tiger-like manner4 ,he is by no means a difficult animal to trap1 being easily deceived and taking a bait without any hesitation4 ,the wild cat haunts the shores of lakes and rivers1 and it is here that the traps may be set for them4 ,having caught and killed one of the colony1 the rest of them can be easily taken if the body of the dead victim be left near their hunting ground and surrounded with the traps carefully set and concealed beneath leaves moss or the like4 ,page #afh ,every wild cat that is in the neighborhood will be certain to visit the body1 and if the traps are rightly arranged many will be caught4 ,the trap ,no4 #c1 page #ada is generally used4 ,we would caution the young trapper in his approach to an entrapped wild cat1 as the strength and ferocity of this animal under such circumstances1 or when otherwise hard pressed1 is perfectly amazing4 ,when caught in a trap they spring with terrible fury at any one who approaches them1 not waiting to be assailed1 and when cornered or hemmed in by a hunter they will often turn upon their pursuer1 and springing at his face will attack him with most consummate fury1 often inflicting serious and sometimes fatal wounds4 ,when hunted and attacked by dogs1 the wild cat is a most desperate and untiring fighter1 and extremely difficult to kill1 for which reason it has been truthfully said that if a tame cat has nine lives1 a wild cat must have a dozen4 ,the twitch-up1 erected on a large scale1 is utilized to a considerable extent in ,england in the capture of these animals2 and these1 together with steel traps and dead-falls1 are about the only machines used for their capture4 ,we would suggest the garrote1 bow and gun trap also as being very effective4 ,the bait may consist of the head of a fowl or a piece of rabbit or fowl flesh3 or1 indeed1 flesh of almost any kind will answer1 particularly of the bird kind4 ,in skinning the wild cat the same directions given under the head of the ,fox may be followed1 or the pelt may be ripped up the belly and spread on a hoop stretcher1 page #bge4 ,,the ,,bear4 ,there are several species of the ,bear tribe which inhabit our continent1 the most prominent of which are the ,grizzly1 and the ,musquaw or common ,black ,bear4 ,there is no other animal of this country which is more widely and deservedly dreaded than the grizzly bear4 ,there are other creatures1 the puma and wild cat1 for instance1 which are dangerous when cornered or wounded1 but they are not given to open and deliberate attack upon human beings4 ,the grizzly1 however1 or ,ephraim1 as he is commonly termed by trappers1 often displays a most unpleasant readiness to attack and pursue a man1 even in the face of fire arms4 ,in many localities1 however1 where hunting has been pursued to considerable extent1 these animals have learned from experience a wholesome fear of man1 and are not so ready to assume the offensive1 but a wounded grizzly is one of the ,page #afi most horrible antagonists of which it is possible to conceive1 rushing upon its victim with terrible fury1 and dealing most tearing and heavy blows with its huge claws4 ,in length this formidable animal often exceeds eight feet1 and its color varies from yellowish to brownish black1 and some specimens are found of a dirty grey color4 ,the legs are usually darker than the rest of the body1 and the face is generally of a lighter tint4 ,the fore limbs of the animal are immensely powerful2 and the foot of a full-grown individual is fully eighteen inches long1 and armed with claws five inches in length4 ,the grizzly inhabits the ,rocky ,mountain regions and northward1 being found in considerable numbers in the western part of ,british ,america4 ,its hair is thick and coarse1 except in the young animal1 which possesses a beautiful fur4 ,all other creatures seem to stand in fear of this formidable beast4 ,even the huge bison1 or buffalo1 of the ,western ,prairies sometimes falls a victim to the grizzly bear1 and the very imprint of a bear's foot upon the soil is a warning which not even a hungry wolf will disregard4 ,its food consists of whatever animal it can seize1 whether human or otherwise4 ,he also devours green corn1 nuts1 and fruits of all kinds4 ,in his earlier years he is a good climber1 and will ascend a tree with an agility which is surprisingly inconsistent with the unwieldy proportions of his body4 ,the average weight of a full-grown grizzly is over eight hundred pounds1 and the girth around the body is about eight feet4 ,the ,black bear1 or ,musquaw1 which we illustrate is common throughout nearly all the half settled-districts of ,north ,america4 ,but as the fur and fat are articles of great commercial value1 the hunters and trappers have exercised their craft with such skill and determination that the animals are gradually decreasing in numbers4 ,the total length of the black bear is seldom more than six feet1 and its fur is smooth and glossy in appearance4 ,the color of the animal is rightly conveyed by its name1 the cheeks only partaking of a reddish fawn color4 ,it possesses little of that fierceness which characterizes the grizzly1 being naturally a very quiet and retiring creature1 keeping itself aloof from mankind1 and never venturing near his habitations except when excited by the pangs of fierce hunger4 ,when pursued or cornered it becomes a dangerous antagonist2 and its furious rage often results in fearful catastrophes to both man and beast4 ,nothing but a rifle ball in the right spot will ,page #agj check the creature1 when wrought up to this pitch of fury1 and an additional wound only serves to increase its terrible ferocity4 ,bear-chasing is an extremely dangerous sport2 and there are few bear-hunters in the land1 however skilful1 but what can show scars from the claws or teeth of some exasperated bruin4 ,illustration ,the food of the black bear is mostly of a vegetable character1 animal diet not being indulged in unless pressed by hunger4 ,at such times it seems to especially prefer a young pig as the most desirable delicacy2 and even full-grown hogs1 it is said1 are sometimes lifted from their pens and carried off in his deadly embrace4 ,honey is his especial delight2 and he will climb trees with great agility in order to reach a nest of bees1 there being few obstacles which his ready claws and teeth will not remove where that dainty is in view4 ,he is also very fond of acorns1 berries1 and fruits of all kinds4 ,the young of the bear are produced in ,january or ,february1 and are from one to four in number4 ,they are very small and covered with grey hair1 which coat they retain until they are one year of age4 ,the flesh of the bear is held in high esteem among hunters1 and when properly prepared is greatly esteemed by epicures4 ,the fat of the animal is much used under the title of ,bear ,page #aga grease1 and is believed to be an infallible hair rejuvenator1 and therefore becomes a valuable article of commerce4 ,the bear generally hibernates during the winter1 choosing some comfortable residence which it has prepared in the course of the summer1 or perhaps betaking itself to the hollow of some tree4 ,sometimes1 in case of early snow1 the track of the bears may be distinguished1 and if followed will probably lead to their dens1 in which they can be secured with logs until it is desired to kill them4 ,the black bear has a habit of treading in a beaten track1 which is easily detected by the eye of an experienced hunter or trapper1 and turned to good account in trapping the animal4 ,there are various modes of accomplishing this result4 ,the bear ,dead-fall1 described on page #ag1 is1 perhaps1 the most commonly used1 and the ,pit-fall1 page #ca1 and ,giant ,coop trap are also excellent4 ,the ,gun trap and stone dead-fall1 page #bj1 we also confidently recommend4 ,when a steel trap is used it requires the largest size1 especially made for the purpose4 ,it should be supplied with a short and very strong chain firmly secured to a very heavy clog or grappling-iron page #adg4 ,if secured to a tree or other stationary object1 the captured animal is likely to gnaw or tear his foot away1 if1 indeed1 he does not break the trap altogether by the quick tightening of the chain4 ,the clog should be only heavy enough to be an impediment1 and may consist of a log or heavy stone4 ,the grappling-iron1 however1 is more often used in connection with the bear trap4 ,it is a common method in trapping the bear to construct a pen of upright branches1 laying the trap at its opening1 and covering it with leaves4 ,the bait is then placed at the back in such a position that the animal1 on reaching for it1 will be sure to put his foot in the trap4 ,an experienced trapper soon discovers natural openings between rocks or trees1 which may be easily modified1 and by the addition of a few logs so improved upon as to answer his purpose as well as a more elaborate enclosure1 with much less trouble4 ,any arrangement whereby the bear will be obliged to tread upon the trap in order to secure the bait1 is1 of course1 all that is required4 ,the bait may be hung on the edge of a rock five feet from the ground1 and the trap set on a smaller rock beneath it4 ,he will thus be almost sure to rest his forefoot on the latter rock in order to reach the bait1 and will thus be captured4 ,another way is to set the trap in a spring of water or swampy ,page #agb spot4 ,lay a lump of moss over the pan1 suspending the bait beyond the trap4 ,the moss will offer a natural foot-rest1 and the offending paw will be secured4 ,bears possess but little cunning1 and will enter any nook or corner without the slightest compunction when in quest of food4 ,they are especially fond of sweets1 and1 as we have said1 are strongly attracted by honey1 being able to scent it from a great distance4 ,on this account it is always used1 when possible1 by trappers in connection with other baits4 ,these may consist of a fowl1 fruit1 or flesh of any kind1 and the honey should be smeared over it4 ,skunk cabbage is said to be an excellent bait for the bear2 and in all cases a free use of the ,oil of ,anise page #aeb1 sprinkling it about the traps1 is also advisable4 ,should the device fail1 it is well to make a trail 7see page #aec7 in several directions from the trap1 and extending for several rods4 ,a piece of wood1 wet with ,oil of ,anise1 will answer for the purpose4 ,the general method of skinning the bear consists in first cutting from the front of the lower jaw down the belly to the vent1 after which the hide may be easily removed4 ,the hoop-stretcher page #bge1 will then come into good use in the drying and preparing of the skin for market4 ,,the ,,raccoon4 ,although allied to the ,bear family1 this animal possesses much in common with the fox1 as regards its general disposition and character4 ,it has the same slyness and cunning1 the same stealthy tread1 besides an additional mischievousness and greed4 ,it is too common to need any description here1 being found plentifully throughout nearly the whole ,united ,states4 ,the bushy tail1 with its dark rings1 will be sufficient to identify the animal in any community4 ,raccoon hunts form the subject of many very exciting and laughable stories1 and a coon chase1 to this day is a favorite sport all over the country4 ,the raccoon1 or coon1 as he is popularly styled1 is generally hunted by moonlight4 ,an experienced dog is usually set on the trail and the fugitive soon seeks refuge in a tree1 when its destruction is almost certain4 ,hence the term treed coon1 as applied to an individual when in a dangerous predicament4 ,besides possessing many of the peculiarities of the fox1 the coon has the additional accomplishment of being a most agile and expert climber1 holding so firmly to the limb by its sharp claws as to defy all attempts to shake it off4 ,page #agc ,the home of the raccoon is generally in a hollow tree2 the young are brought forth in ,may1 and are from four to six in number4 ,in captivity this animal makes a very cunning and interesting pet1 being easily tamed to follow its master1 and when dainties are in view becomes a most adroit pickpocket4 ,its food is extensive in variety1 thus making it quite an easy matter to keep the creature in confinement4 ,nuts and fruits of all kinds it eagerly devours1 as well as bread1 cake and potatoes4 ,it manifests no hesitation at a meal of rabbit1 rat1 squirrel1 or bird1 and rather likes it for a change1 and when he can partake of a dessert of honey or molasses his enjoyment knows no bounds4 ,frogs1 fresh water clams1 green corn1 and a host of other delicacies come within the range of his diet1 and he may sometimes be seen digging from the sand the eggs of the soft-shelled turtle1 which he greedily sucks4 ,we cordially recommend the coon as a pet4 ,he becomes very docile1 and is full of cunning ways1 and if the young ones can be traced to their hiding-place in some hollow tree1 and secured1 if not too young1 we could warrant our readers a great deal of real sport and pleasure in rearing the little animals and watching their ways4 ,in cold climates the raccoon lies dormant in the winter1 only venturing out on occasional mild days2 but in the ,southern ,states he is active throughout the year1 prowling about by day and by night in search of his food1 inserting his little sharp nose into every corner1 and feeling with his slender paws between stones for spiders and bugs of all kinds4 ,he spies the innocent frog with his head just out of the water1 and pouncing upon him1 he despatches him without a moment's warning4 ,there seems to be no limits to his rapacity1 for he is always eating and always hungry4 ,the print of the raccoon's paw in the mud or snow is easily recognized1 much resembling the impression made by the foot of a babe4 ,the best season for trapping the coon is late in the fall1 winter1 and early spring1 or from and between the months of ,october and ,april4 ,during this time the pelts are in excellent condition4 ,early in the spring when the snow is disappearing1 the coons come out of their hiding places to start on their foraging tours2 and at this time are particularly susceptible to a tempting bait1 and they may be successfully trapped in the following manner3-- ,take a steel trap and set it on the edge of some pool1 or stream where the coons are known to frequent3 let it be an inch ,page #agd or so under the water1 and carefully chained to a clog4 ,the bait may consist of a fish1 frog1 or head of a fowl1 scented with ,oil of ,anise1 and suspended over the traps about two feet higher1 by the aid of a sapling secured in the ground4 7,see title page at the head of this section47 ,the object of this is to induce the animal to jump for it1 when he will land with his foot in the trap4 ,another method is to construct a ,v shaped pen set the trap near the entrance1 and1 fastening the bait in the angle1 cover the trap loosely with leaves1 and scent the bait as before with the anise4 ,the trap should be at such a distance from the bait that the animal1 in order to reach it1 will be obliged to tread upon the pan1 which he will be sure to do1 his greed overcoming his discretion4 ,any arrangement whereby the animal will be obliged to tread upon the trap in order to reach the bait will be successful4 ,illustration ,the beaten track of the coons may often be discovered in soft ground1 and a trap carefully concealed therein will soon secure its victim4 ,another method is to set the trap near the coon tracks1 spreading a few drops of anise on the pan and covering the whole with leaves4 ,the coon1 attracted by the scent1 will feel around in the leaves for ,page #age the bait1 and thus put his foot in it4 ,in the ,south they construct a coon trap from a hollow log1 either having the ends supplied with lids1 which fall just like the ,rat trap page #ajj as the animal passes through1 or else constructed with nooses1 similar to the ,box-snare1 page #ef4 ,box traps of a style similar to that described on page #ajc are also excellent1 and a strong twitch-up1 of any of the various kinds we have described1 will be found to work admirably4 ,many of the suggestions in trapping the mink1 page #aij1 will be found equally1 serviceable in regard to the coon4 ,the skin of this animal should be removed as recommended for the fox1 and similarly stretched4 ,it may also be skinned by first ripping up the belly1 and spread on a hoop stretcher4 page #bge4 ,,the ,,badger4 ,the ,american ,badger is mostly confined to the ,northwestern parts of the ,united ,states1 and it is a curious little animal4 ,in size its body is slightly smaller than the fox4 ,its general color is grey1 approaching to black on the head and legs4 ,there is a white streak extending from the tip of the animal's long nose over the top of the head and fading off near the shoulders4 ,the cheeks are also white1 and a broad and definitely marked black line extends from the snout back around the eyes ending at the neck4 ,the grey of this animal is produced from the mixture of the varied tints of its fur1 each hair presenting a succession of shades4 ,at the root it is of a deep grey2 this fades into a tawny yellow1 and is followed by a black1 the hair being finally tipped with white4 ,the fur is much used in the manufacture of fine paint brushes1 a good ,badger blender being a most useful accessory in the painter's art4 ,the badger is slow and clumsy in its actions1 except when engaged in digging1 his capacities in this direction being so great as to enable him to sink himself into the ground with marvellous rapidity4 ,the nest of the animal is made in the burrow1 and the young are three or four in number4 ,his diet is as variable and extensive as that of the coon1 and consists of anything in any way eatable4 ,snails1 worms1 rats1 mice and moles1 seem to have a particular attraction for him2 and he seems to take especial delight in unearthing the stores of the wild bees1 devouring honey1 wax and grubs together1 and caring as little for the stings of the ,page #agf angry bees as he would of the bills of so many mosquitoes1 the thick coating of fur forming a perfect protection against his winged antagonists4 ,the badger is very susceptible to human influence1 and can be effectually tamed with but little trouble4 ,although his general appearance would not indicate it1 he is a sly and cunning animal1 and not easily captured in a trap of any kind4 ,he has been known to set at defiance all the traps that were set for him1 and to devour the baits without suffering for his audacity4 ,he will sometimes overturn a trap and spring it from the under side1 before attempting to remove the bait4 ,although not quite as crafty as the fox1 it is necessary to use much of the same caution in trapping the badger1 as a bare trap seldom wins more than a look of contempt from the wary animal4 ,illustration ,the usual mode of catching the creature is to set the trap size ,no4 #c at the mouth of its burrow1 carefully covering it with loose earth and securing it by a chain to a stake4 ,any of the methods used in trapping the fox will also be found to work admirably4 ,the dead-fall or garrote will also do good service4 ,bait with a rat1 mouse1 or with whatever else the animal is especially fond1 and scent with ,oil of ,anise or ,musk4 ,in early spring1 while the ground is still hard1 badgers are easily captured by flooding their burrows4 ,after being satisfied that the animal is in its hole1 proceed to pour in pailful after pailful of water at the entrance4 ,page #agg ,he will not long be able to stand this sort of thing1 and he may be secured as he makes his exit at the opening of the burrow4 ,the skin should be removed whole1 as in the case of the fox1 or as described for the beaver1 and stretched as therein indicated4 ,,the ,,beaver4 ,the ,beaver of ,north ,america has now a world-wide reputation for its wonderful instinct and sagacity4 ,the general appearance of this animal is that of a very large muskrat with a broad flattened tail1 and the habits of both these animals are in many respects alike4 ,the beaver is an amphibious creature and social in its habits of living1 large numbers congregating together and forming little villages1 and erecting their dome-like huts like little ,esquimaux4 ,the muskrat has this same propensity1 but the habitation of the beaver is on a much more extensive scale4 ,these huts or ,beaver lodges1 are generally made in rivers and brooks2 although sometimes in lakes or large ponds4 ,they are chiefly composed of branches1 moss1 grass and mud1 and are large enough to accommodate a family of five or six4 ,the form of the lodges is dome-like1 and it varies considerably in size4 ,the foundation is made on the bottom of the river1 and the hut is built up like a mound1 often twenty feet in diameter and projecting several feet above the surface of the water4 ,the walls of this structure are often five or six feet thick1 and the roofs are all finished off with a thick layer of mud laid on with marvellous smoothness4 ,these huts form the winter habitations of the beavers1 and as this compost of mud1 grass and branches becomes congealed into a solid mass by the severe frosts of our northern winter1 it can easily be seen that they afford a safe shelter against any intruder and particularly the wolverine1 which is a most deadly enemy to the beaver4 ,so hard does this frozen mass become as to defy even the edges of iron tools1 and the breaking open of the ,beaver houses is at no time an easy task4 ,beavers work almost entirely in the dark2 and a pond which is calm and placid in the day time will be found in the night to be full of life and motion1 and the squealing and splashing in the water will bear evidence of their industry4 ,lest the beavers should not have a sufficient depth of water at all seasons1 they are in the habit of constructing veritable dams to ensure that result4 ,these dams display a wonderful amount of reason and skill1 and1 together with the huts1 have won for the beaver a reputation ,page #agh for engineering skill which the creature truly deserves4 ,in constructing these ingenious dams the beavers1 by the aid of their powerful teeth1 gnaw down trees sometimes of large size1 and after cutting them into smaller pieces float them on the water to the spot selected for the embankment4 ,in swift streams this embankment is built so as to arch against the current1 thus securing additional strength1 and evincing an instinct on the part of the animal which amounts almost to reason4 ,in cutting down the trees the beaver gnaws a circular cut around the trunk1 cutting deepest on the side toward the water1 thus causing the trunk to fall into the stream4 ,the first step in constructing the embankment is to lay the logs down cautiously in the required line of the dam1 afterwards weighting them with heavy stones1 which the beavers by their united efforts roll upon them4 ,the foundation of the embankment is often ten feet in width1 and is built up by continued heaping of branches1 stones and mud1 until it forms a barrier of immense strength and resisting power4 ,in many cases1 through a lapse of years1 and through a ,page #agi consequent accumulation of floating leaves1 twigs1 and seeds of plants1 these embankments become thickly covered with vegetation1 and1 in many cases in the ,hudson ,bay country1 have even been known to nurture trees of considerable dimensions4 ,the broad flat tail of the animal serves a most excellent purpose1 in carrying the mud to the dams or huts1 and in matting and smoothing it into a solidity4 ,illustration ,the entrances to the various huts are all beneath the water1 and they all open into one common ditch1 which is purposely dug in the bed of the river1 and is too deep to be entirely frozen4 ,in the summer time the huts are vacated1 and the beavers make their abode in burrows on the banks of the stream1 which serve as a secure retreat at all times1 and particularly in winter when their houses are molested4 ,the ,indians of the ,northwest are aware of this fact1 and turn it to good account in the capture of the animals4 ,when the beaver's village is in a small creek1 or brook1 it is first necessary to stake the water across both above and below the huts4 ,the next thing is to ascertain the exact spots of the burrows in the banks1 and when we consider the river is covered with ice1 this seems a rather difficult problem4 ,but this is where the ,indian shows his skill4 ,he starts upon the ice1 provided with an ice chisel secured to a long1 stout handle4 ,with this he strikes upon the ice1 following the edge of the stream4 ,the sound of the blow determines to his practiced ear the direct spot opposite the opening of the burrows1 and at this point a hole a foot in diameter is made through the ice4 ,following the edge of the bank he continues his search1 and in like manner cuts the holes through the ice until all the retreats are discovered4 ,while the expert ,indians are thus engaged1 the squaws are occupied in the more laborious work of breaking open the houses1 and the beavers1 alarmed at the invasion of their sanctums1 make for the banks1 and the ready huntsmen stationed at the various holes1 watch for their victims beneath the openings1 until a violent motion or discoloration of the water betrays their passage beneath4 ,the entrance to the holes in the bank are then instantly closed with stakes and the beaver is made prisoner in his burrow4 ,when the depth of the burrow will admit1 the arm of the hunter is introduced1 and the animal pulled out1 but otherwise a long hook lashed to a pole is employed for this purpose4 ,scores of beavers are sometimes taken in this way in a few hours4 ,spearing is also often successfully resorted to1 and when the ice is thin ,page #ahj and transparent the beavers may be clearly observed as they come to the surface1 beneath the ice1 for air4 ,the general color of the animal is reddish brown1 this tint being imparted principally by the long hairs of the fur4 ,there is an inner and softer down of a grey color1 which lies next the skin1 and which is the valuable growth of the fur4 ,the total length of the animal is about three feet and a half1 the flat1 paddle-shaped1 scale-covered tail being about a foot in length4 ,the young are brought forth in ,april or ,may1 from three to seven at a litter1 and take to the water when a month old4 ,the first four years in the beaver's life is spent under the maternal roof1 after which period they shift for themselves4 ,to trap the beaver successfully1 requires the utmost caution1 as the senses of the animal are so keen1 and he is so sagacious withal1 that he will detect the recent presence of the trapper from the slightest evidences4 ,the traps should be washed clean and soaked in ley1 before using1 and thereafter handled with gloves1 as a mere touch of the finger will leave a scent which the acute sense of the beaver will easily perceive4 ,all footprints should be carefully obliterated by throwing water upon them1 and some trappers say that the mere act of spitting on the ground in the neighborhood of the traps has been known to thwart success4 ,almost the only bait used in trapping the beaver is the preparation called barkstone by the trappers1 or castoreum in commerce4 ,this substance is fully described on page #aej under the head of ,scent ,baits4 ,to the barkstone the trapper is mostly indebted for his success1 and the effect of its odor on the beaver is something surprising4 ,our best trappers inform us that these animals will scent this odor for a great distance1 and will fairly squeal with delight1 not being easy until the savory bait is discovered1 which almost invariably results in capture4 ,taking advantage of this curious propensity1 the trapper always carries a supply of castoreum in a closed vessel4 ,there are various ways of trapping the beaver1 of which we shall present the best4 ,an examination of the river bank will easily disclose the feeding place of the beavers1 as evinced by the absence of the bark on the branches and trunks of trees4 ,at this spot1 in about four inches of water1 set your trap1 which should be a ,newhouse ,no4 #d4 ,weight the end of the chain with a stone as large as your head1 and1 if possible1 rest it on the edge of some rock projecting into deep water1 having a smaller rope or chain leading from the stone to the shore4 ,a small twig1 the size of your little ,page #aha finger1 should then be stripped of its bark1 and after chewing or mashing one end1 it should be dipped in the castoreum4 ,insert this stick in the mud1 between the jaws of the trap1 letting it project about six inches above the water4 ,the beaver is soon attracted by the odor of the bait1 and in reaching for it1 his foot is caught in the trap4 ,in his fright he will immediately jump for deep water1 thus dislodging the stone1 which will sink him to the bottom1 and thus drown him4 ,the smaller chain or rope will serve as a guide to the trap1 and the victim may be drawn to the surface4 ,another plan is to set the trap in about a foot of water1 chaining it fast to a stout pole securely driven in the mud further out in the stream1 and near deep water4 ,bait as before4 ,the trap being thus fastened will prevent the efforts of the animal to drag it ashore1 where he would be certain to amputate his leg and walk off4 ,there is another method1 which is said to work excellently4 ,the chain is secured to a very heavy stone1 and sunk in deep water1 and the trap set and baited near shore1 in about a foot of water4 ,this accomplishes the same purpose as the pole first described1 and is even surer1 as the animal will sometimes use his teeth in severing the wood1 and thereby make his escape4 ,in the case of the stone a duplicate rope or chain will be required to lift it in case of capture4 ,the trap may be set at the entrance to the holes in the banks1 two or three inches under water1 implanting the stick with the castoreum bait directly over the pan1 a few inches above the water4 ,if the water should be deep near this spot1 it is an excellent plan to weight the end of the chain with a large stone with a leader from it also1 as already described4 ,insert two or three sticks in the bank beneath the water1 and rest the stone upon them4 ,when the beaver is caught he will turn a somersault into deep water1 at the same time dislodging the stone1 which will sink him4 ,no sooner is a break ascertained in the dam than all the beavers unite in fixing it1 and this peculiarity of habit may be turned to account in trapping them4 ,make a slight break in the dam1 five inches across1 beneath the water4 ,on the under side of the break1 and of course1 on the inside of the dam1 the trap should be set4 ,the beavers will soon discover the leak and the capture of at least one is certain4 ,the trap may be also set where the beavers are wont to crawl on shore1 being placed several inches below the water in such a position that they will step on it when in the act of ascending the banks4 ,where the weighted stone is not used1 the sliding pole page #ade ,page #ahb should always be employed1 as it is necessary to drown the animal1 to prevent amputation and escape4 ,the food of the beaver consists chiefly of the bark of various trees1 together with aquatic plants4 ,the fur is valuable only in the late fall1 winter1 and early spring4 ,in skinning the beaver1 a slit is made from the under jaw to the vent1 after which it is easily removed4 ,it should be tacked to a flat board1 fur side in1 or stretched by means of a hoop1 as described on page #bge4 ,,the ,,muskrat4 ,the muskrat1 or musquash1 is very much like a beaver on a small scale1 and is so well-known throughout the ,united ,states that a detailed description or illustration will hardly be necessary4 ,reduce the size of the beaver to one foot in length1 and add a long flattened tail1 instead of the spatula-shaped appendage of this animal1 and we will have a pretty good specimen of a muskrat4 ,the body has that same thick-set appearance1 and the gnawing teeth are very large and powerful4 ,like the beaver1 the muskrat builds its dome-like huts in ponds or swamps1 which it frequents2 and although not as large as those of the beaver they are constructed in the same manner and of the same materials4 ,muskrats are mostly nocturnal in their habits2 they are tireless swimmers1 and in the winter travel great distances beneath the ice2 all of which peculiarities are like the beaver4 ,their food is quite variable1 consisting of grass and roots1 oats1 corn and other grain1 apples and nuts1 and even tomatoes1 turnips1 carrots1 mussels and clams1 whenever these can be found4 ,the muskrat is a native of all of the ,eastern1 ,western1 and ,middle ,states and also the ,southern ,states1 with the exception of ,georgia1 ,alabama and ,florida4 ,they are also found in ,canada and the ,arctic regions1 and in the ,north-west4 ,they are hunted and captured as a means of support to the native tribes of ,indians who sell or trade the furs to ,eastern dealers4 ,the fur somewhat resembles that of the mink in texture1 although not as fine1 and the color varies from dark brown above to grey beneath4 ,it is in its best condition during the winter1 especially in ,march4 ,the animal possesses a musky smell1 from which it takes its name4 ,it is said by many that the flesh of the animal1 when carefully prepared1 becomes quite palatable food4 ,their houses are so nearly like those of the beaver that a ,page #ahc second description is scarcely necessary4 ,they are often five or six feet in height1 and the entrances are all under water4 ,dozens of these huts may often be seen in ponds and marshes1 and sometimes they exist in such numbers as to give the appearance of a veritable ,esquimaux village4 ,these houses are used only in the winter season4 ,in general the muskrat lives in burrows1 which it excavates in the banks of ponds or streams1 bringing forth its young1 from three to nine in number1 in the nest1 which it forms at the end of the tunnel4 ,they are very prolific1 producing three litters a year4 ,like the beaver1 otter and mink1 the muskrat can travel long distances under the ice with only one supply of fresh air1 and its method is certainly very interesting4 ,before plunging beneath the ice the animal fills its lungs with air1 and when under the water it swims until it can no longer hold its breath4 ,it then rises up beneath the ice1 empties its lungs1 the air remaining in bubbles beneath the ice4 ,in a short time this air absorbs sufficient oxygen from the water and ice as to be life-sustaining1 when the animal again inhales it and proceeds on its journey4 ,it is by this means that the beaver1 muskrat and mink are enabled to travel such great distances beneath unbroken ice1 and it is certainly a very novel and interesting method4 ,where the ice is thin and transparent these animals are sometimes captured through the means of this habit4 ,a heavy stroke on the frozen hut will drive its occupants to the water1 and their course may easily be followed through the ice4 ,if one of them is tracked1 he will presently be seen to stop at the surface of the water for fresh oxygen1 as already described4 ,the bubbles will soon appear1 and if the hunter immediately strikes with an axe or heavy stick directly on the spot1 the submerged animal will be literally driven away from its breath1 and will of course drown in a very few minutes4 ,a short search will soon reveal the dead creature1 after which he may be taken out through a hole cut in the ice4 ,otter and mink are sometimes taken in the same way4 ,in many localities great numbers of muskrats are also captured by spearing1 either through the ice or through the walls of their houses4 ,in the latter case1 two are often taken at once4 ,this method is quite uncertain and unreliable1 as the walls of the hut are often so firmly frozen as to defy the thrust of the hardest steel1 and a fruitless attempt will drive the inmates from their house at once4 ,the spear generally used consists of a single shaft of steel about eighteen inches in length and half an inch in diameter1 barbed at the point1 and is feruled to a ,page #ahd solid handle five feet long4 ,in spearing through the hut the south side is generally selected1 as being more exposed to the heat of the sun4 ,great caution is necessary1 as the slightest noise will drive out the inmates4 ,the spear should be thrust in a slanting direction1 a few inches above the surface of the ice4 ,where many houses exist it is well to destroy all but one4 ,into this the whole tribe will centre1 and by successive spearing they may all be captured4 ,when the spear has been thrust into the house1 it must be thus left until a hole is cut with a hatchet1 through which to remove the game4 ,spearing through the ice is a better method1 but for general service there is no means of capture more desirable than by trapping4 ,the steel trap ,no4 #a or #b is the size particularly adapted for the muskrat1 and may be set in various ways4 ,the most common method is to set the trap under two inches of water on the projecting logs or stones on the border of the streams where the signs of the animal indicate its recent presence4 ,the trap should of course be secured by a chain1 ringed to a sliding pole1 page #ade1 which will lead the animal into deep water when captured1 and thus effect its speedy death by drowning4 ,in this case bait is not necessary4 ,if their feeding grounds can be discovered1 or if their tracks indicate any particular spot where they crawl ashore at the water's edge1 at this point a trap may be set with good success4 ,in this instance it is well also to set it under water1 baiting with a piece of turnip1 parsnip1 apple1 or the like1 suspended a few inches above the pan of the trap4 ,late in the fall1 when collecting their building material1 they often form large beds of dried grasses and sticks1 and a trap set in these beds and covered with some loose substance1 such as grass1 chaff1 or the like1 will often secure the animal4 ,the trap1 in this case should be attached to a spring-pole1 page #ade as the muskrat is a wonderful adept at self-amputation1 when its escape depends upon it4 ,the trap is sometimes set in the interior of the house1 and may be accomplished by first breaking an opening in the wall1 near the ice1 the trap being inserted and set1 afterwards covering it with the loose grass and moss1 which is generally abundant in the interior of these huts4 ,when this is done1 the chain should be secured to a stick on the outside1 and the hole repaired4 ,no spring or sliding-pole is necessary in this method1 as the animal when caught will immediately run for the water1 and the weight of the trap will sink and drown its prisoner4 ,scent baits are sometimes used in trapping the muskrat1 the ,page #ahe musk taken from the female animal being particularly valued4 ,the ,oils of ,rhodium and ,amber1 page #aea are also successfully employed by many trappers2 a few drops of either in the neighborhood of the trap1 or directly upon it1 being sufficient4 ,although steel traps are most generally used1 there are several other devices which are equally if not even more desirable4 ,chief among these is the barrel trap1 commonly and successfully employed in many parts of ,new ,england1 where these animals often exist in such numbers as to render their destruction a matter of necessity4 ,the above trap consists merely of an old barrel1 sunk to its upper edge in the river bank1 and about half filled with water4 ,on the surface of the water a few light pieces of wood are floated1 over which the bait1 consisting of carrot1 sweet apple1 or turnip1 is placed4 ,a trail is then made by dragging a piece of scented meat from the barrel in various directions1 and a few pieces of the bait are also strewn along these trails4 ,the muskrats will thus be led to the barrel1 and will be certain to jump in after the tempting morsels1 and their escape is impossible4 ,no less than a dozen muskrats have been thus caught in a single barrer in one night1 and a few of these traps have been known almost to exterminate the musquashes in localities where they had previously existed in such numbers as to become a pestilence to the neighborhood4 ,a barrel trap constructed on the principle described on page #aca is also equally effective1 although rather more complicated in construction4 ,the ,twitch-up is often used1 and possesses the advantage of a trap and spring-pole combined4 ,box traps1 page #ajc1 are also to be recommended4 ,the skin of the muskrat may be removed in the same manner as hereinafter described for the otter1 with the exception of the tail4 ,this is considered the best method4 ,it may also be taken off flat by ripping from the under jaw to the vent1 and peeling around the eyes and mouth1 letting the skin of the legs come off whole1 without cutting4 ,another common method consists in cutting off the feet1 and then ripping with a knife from the front of the lower jaw down the neck and belly to a point a little beyond the forelegs4 ,the lips1 eyes1 and ears are then carefully skinned1 and the hide is stripped backwards from the body4 ,in the latter method the bow-stretcher1 page #bgd1 is used4 ,page #ahf ,,the ,,otter4 ,the fur of this animal is of such exquisite softness and beauty as to be in great demand for commercial purposes1 bringing a very high price in the fur market4 ,illustration ,the otter cannot be said to be a common animal1 although it is found throughout the ,united ,states and ,canada1 being rather more plentiful in the cold northern localities than in the southern latitudes4 ,it is an amphibious animal1 and can remain for a long time beneath the water4 ,in size it is larger than a cat1 and it possesses a tapering tail some eighteen inches in length4 ,its fur is of a rich brown color1 and the hair is of two kinds1 the one a close1 fine1 and exquisitely soft down1 which lies next the skin1 and which serves to protect the animal from the extremes of heat and cold1 and the other composed of long shining coarser hairs1 which permit the animal to glide easily through the water4 ,in producing the beautiful otter furs of fashion these long hairs are plucked out1 leaving only the softer down next the hide4 ,the food of the otter mostly consists of fish1 for the pursuit of which he has been admirably endowed by nature4 ,his body is lithe and supple1 and his feet are furnished with a broad web1 which connects the toes1 and is of infinite service in propelling the animal through ,page #ahg the water when in search of his finny prey4 ,his long1 broad and flat tail serves as a most effectual rudder1 and the joints of his powerful legs are so flexible as to permit of their being turned in almost any direction4 ,the habitation of the otter is made in the banks of the river which it frequents1 or sometimes in a hollow log or crevice beneath rocks4 ,the animal generally prefers to adopt and occupy a natural hollow or deserted excavation1 rather than to dig a burrow for itself4 ,the nest is composed of dry rushes1 grasses and sticks1 and the young1 three or four in number1 are produced in early spring4 ,the track which the otter makes in the mud or snow is easily distinguished from that of any other animal1 on account of the seal or impression which is made by a certain ball on the sole of the foot4 ,otter hunting is a favorite sport in ,england1 and indeed in the northern parts of our own country4 ,hounds are used to pursue the animal1 and on account of the powerfully scented secretion with which the creature is furnished by nature1 its track is readily followed4 ,when attacked1 the otter is a fierce and terrible fighter1 biting and snapping with most deadly energy and never yielding as long as life remains in the body4 ,the bite of an angry otter is extremely severe1 and for this reason we would caution the amateur trapper on handling the animal should one be taken alive4 ,although so fierce and savage when attacked1 the otter is easily tamed when taken young1 and can be taught to catch fish for the service of its master1 rather than for the gratification of its own palate4 ,in the winter when the snow is on the ground1 the otter navigates by sliding1 and when on the ice he may often be seen to run a few steps and then throw himself on his belly and slide the distance of several feet4 ,they are very fond of playing in the snow1 and make most glorious use of any steep snow-covered bank1 sloping toward the river4 ,ascending to the top of such an incline they throw themselves on the slippery surface and thus slide swiftly into the water4 ,this pastime is often continued for hours1 and is taken advantage of in trapping the playful creatures4 ,a short search will reveal the place where they crawl from the water on to the bank1 and at this spot1 which will generally be shallow1 a steel trap should be set on the bed of the river1 about four inches under water4 ,the trap should be secured by a stout chain1 the latter being ringed to a sliding pole1 page #ade1 which will lead the animal when caught into deep ,page #ahh water4 ,if deep water is not near at hand1 the spring pole1 page #add1 may be used1 the object of either being to prevent the animal from gnawing off its leg and thus making its escape4 ,the trap may also be placed at the top or the slide1 two or three feet back of the slope1 a place being hollowed out to receive it and the whole covered with snow4 ,to make success more certain a log may be laid on each side of the trap1 thus forming an avenue in which the animal will be sure to run before throwing itself on the slope4 ,care should be taken to handle nothing with the bare hands1 as the otter is very keen scented and shy4 ,anoint the trap with a few drops of fish oil or otter musk1 see page #aea4 ,if none of these are handy1 ordinary musk will answer very well4 ,the trap may also be set and weighted with a heavy stone and chain1 as described for trapping the beaver4 ,another method still is to find some log in the stream having one end projecting above water4 ,sprinkle some musk on this projecting end and set the trap on the log in three or four inches of water1 securing it firmly by a chain1 also beneath the water4 ,a rock which projects over the stream may also be utilized in the same way as seen in the page title at the opening of this section4 ,smear the musk on the edge which juts into the water1 and secure the trap by the chain as before4 ,when the animal is caught he will fall or jump into the water1 and the weight of the trap and chain will sink him4 ,in every case it is necessary to obliterate every sign of human presence by throwing water over every foot print1 and over everything with which the naked hands have come in contact4 ,where the traps are thus set in the water it should be done while wading or in a boat4 ,in the winter when the ponds and rivers are frozen over the otters make holes through the ice at which they come up to devour their prey4 ,where the water is a foot deep beneath any of these holes the trap may be set in the bottom1 the chain being secured to a heavy stone4 ,when the otter endeavors to emerge from the hole he will press his foot on the trap and will thus be caught4 ,if the water is deep beneath the hole the trap may be baited with a small fish attached to the pan1 and then carefully lowered with its chain and stone to the bottom4 ,for this purpose the ,newhouse1 ,no4 #c1 is best adapted1 as the otter is in this case caught by the head4 ,the beaten track of the animal may often be discovered in the snow in the winter time1 and a trap carefully sunk in such a furrow and covered so as to resemble its surroundings1 will be likely to secure the first otter that endeavors to pass over it4 ,a trap set at the mouth of the otter's burrow and carefully covered ,page #ahi is also often successful1 using the sliding pole1 page #ade1 to lead him into deep water4 ,every trapper has his pet theories and methods of trapping all the different animals1 and the otter has its full share4 ,we have given several of the best methods2 and anyone of them will secure the desired result of capture1 and all of them have stood the test of time and experience4 ,the skin of the otter should be removed whole1 and the operation may be performed in the following manner3 ,slit down the hind legs to the vent2 cut the skin loose around the vent1 and slit up the entire length of the tail1 freeing it from the bone4 ,with the aid of the knife the skin should now be peeled off1 drawing it backward and carefully cutting around the mouth and eyes before taking it from the head4 ,with the fur thus inside1 the skin is ready for the stretcher as described on page #bgc1 and the tail should be spread out and tacked around the edges4 ,,the ,,mink4 ,this animal1 as will be seen by our illustration1 has a long1 slender body1 something like the weasel1 to which scientific family it belongs4 ,it inhabits the greater part of ,north ,america1 and is also found abundantly in ,northern ,europe4 ,the color of its fur varies considerably in different individuals1 the general tint being a rich1 dark brown4 ,the chin and throat are light colored1 sometimes white1 and this spot varies considerably in size in different individuals1 sometimes extending down on the throat to a considerable distance4 ,the total length of the animal is from thirteen to sixteen inches1 its size being variable4 ,the fur of the mink is excellent in quality1 and has for many years been one of the fancy furs of fashion1 a good prime skin often bringing from ten to twelve dollars4 ,the introduction of the fur seal1 however1 and the universal demand for this as well as otter fur1 has somewhat thrown the mink into comparative shade1 although extra fine skins will still command high prices4 ,the mink is an aquatic animal1 inhabiting small rivers and streams1 and living somewhat after the manner of the otter4 ,it has a most wide range of diet1 and will eat almost anything which is at all eatable4 ,fishes1 frogs1 and muskrats are his especial delight1 and he will occasionally succeed in pouncing upon a snipe or wild duck1 which he will greedily devour4 ,crawfish1 ,page #aij snails1 and water insects of all kinds also come within the range of his diet1 and he sometimes makes a stray visit to some neighboring poultry yard to satisfy the craving of his abnormal hunger4 ,a meal off from his own offspring often answers the same purpose2 and a young chicken in the egg he considers the ne plus ultra of delicacies4 ,the voracity of this animal is its leading characteristic1 and is so largely in excess of its cunning or sagacity that it will often run headlong into a naked trap4 ,its sense of smell is exceedingly well developed1 and through this faculty it is often enabled to track its prey with ease and certainty4 ,the mink lives in burrows1 in steep banks1 or between rocks or the roots of trees1 and the young1 five or six in number1 are brought forth in ,may4 ,illustration ,the chief occupation of the mink consists in perpetual search for something to eat1 and1 when so engaged1 he may be seen running along the bank of the stream1 peering into every nook and corner1 and literally leaving no stone unturned in its eager search4 ,taking advantage of this habit1 it becomes an easy matter to trap the greedy animal4 ,set your trap1 a ,newhouse ,no4 #b1 in an inch of water near the edge of the stream1 and directly in front of a steep bank or rock1 on which you can place your bait4 ,the bait may be a frog1 fish1 or head of a ,page #aia bird1 suspended about eighteen inches above the water1 and should be so situated that in order to reach it1 the mink will be obliged to tread upon the trap4 ,the trap may also be set in the water and the bait suspended eighteen inches above it1 by the aid of a switch planted in the mud near the trap4 ,it is a good plan to scent the bait with an equal mixture of sweet oil and peppermint1 with a little honey added4 ,if there is deep water near1 the sliding pole1 page #ade1 should be used1 and if not1 the spring pole in every case1 in order to prevent the captured mink from becoming a prey to larger animals1 and also to guard against his escape by amputation1 which he would otherwise most certainly accomplish4 ,the trap may be set on the land1 near the water's edge1 baiting as just described1 and lightly covered with leaves or dirt4 ,any arrangement of the trap whereby the animal is obliged to tread upon it in order to secure the bait1 will be found effectual4 ,the trap may be set at the foot of a tree1 and the bait fastened to the trunk1 eighteen inches above it4 ,a pen1 such as is described on page #add1 may be constructed1 and the trap and bait arranged as there directed4 ,minks have their regular beaten paths1 and often visit certain hollow logs in their runways4 ,in these logs they leave unmistakable signs of their presence1 and a trap set in such a place is sure of success4 ,some trappers set a number of traps along the stream at intervals of several rods1 connecting them by a trail1 see page #aec1 the mink being thus led directly and almost certainly to his destruction4 ,this trail is made by smearing a piece of wood with the medicine described at page #aec1 and dragging it on the line of the traps4 ,any mink which crosses this trail will follow it to the first trap1 when he will1 in all probability1 be captured4 ,a dead muskrat1 crow1 fish1 or a piece of fresh meat dragged along the line answers the same purpose4 ,the beaten tracks of the mink may often be discovered1 and a trap set in such a track and covered with leaves1 dirt or the like1 will often be successful4 ,minks may also be easily caught in the dead-fall4 ,garrote trap or a twitch-up1 baiting with fish1 muskrat1 flesh1 or the head of a bird1 of which the animal is especially fond4 ,a liberal use of the medicine is also desirable4 ,the fur of the mink is in its best condition in the late autumn1 winter1 and early spring1 and the animal should be skinned as described for the fox4 ,page #aib ,,the ,,pine ,,marten4 ,this animal belongs to the tribe of weasels1 and is closely allied to the celebrated sable1 which it greatly resembles4 ,the pine marten is so called because it inhabits the northern climates where pine forests abound1 and spends much of its life in the trees in search of its prey4 ,its general appearance is truly represented in our illustration1 its fur being of a rich brown color1 with a lighter or white patch on the throat4 ,its total length1 including the tail1 is about twenty-eight or thirty inches1 of which the tail represents ten inches4 ,it is mostly confined to the forests in the far north1 and is comparatively rare further south than the latitude of ,maine and the lakes4 ,the fur of the pine marten is of considerable value1 particularly if the animal be killed in the winter4 ,a really fine skin is but little inferior to the celebrated sable1 and is hardly distinguishable from it4 ,the hair is long and glossy1 and the under fur is beautifully soft and very thick4 ,the dark colored skins are the most valuable4 ,although so nearly like the sable1 the same comparison does not exist in regard to their proportionate market values1 the marten fur bringing a much lower price4 ,illustration ,the marten is a shy and wary animal1 withdrawing itself as far as possible from the sight of man1 and building its habitation in the tops of trees1 often seizing on the ready nest of some squirrel or bird1 and adapting it to its purposes4 ,page #aic ,it is a night prowler1 and in the dark hours it traverses the trunks and branches of the trees in search of its prey4 ,it moves with wonderful stealth and activity1 and is enabled by its rapid and silent approach to steal unnoticed on many an unfortunate bird or squirrel1 seizing it in its deadly grip before the startled creature can think to escape4 ,coming across a bird's nest1 it makes sad havoc with the eggs or young1 often adding the parent bird to his list of victims4 ,rabbits1 partridges1 and mice also fall into the marten's bill of fare1 and the list is often further increased by a visit to a poultry yard1 when the animal murders and eats all it can and kills the rest for sport4 ,in pouncing upon its prey1 the marten invariably seizes its victim by the throat1 often dispatching the luckless creature with a single bite4 ,the martens generally are said to be very susceptible to human influence when taken young1 and are very lively in a state of domestication4 ,they are among the most graceful of animals1 and in place of the disagreeable scent which renders many of their tribe offensive1 this creature possesses an odor which is quite agreeable1 and for this reason is often called the sweet marten in contradistinction to the foul marten or pole cat of ,britain1 which is like unto our skunk in the disgusting stench which it exhales4 ,the dead-fall and ,garrote traps are very successful in trapping the martin4 ,they should be set several rods apart1 in the forest or on the banks of streams1 and a trail established by dragging a dead or roasted crow1 entrails of a bird1 or fresh meat from one trap to another1 as described in relation to the mink1 page #aij4 ,the twitch-up may also be used1 and possesses the additional advantage of acting as a spring pole1 thus holding the captured victim out of reach of larger animals1 to which it might otherwise become a prey4 ,any of the varieties described under the title of twitch-up will answer the purpose1 and a little experimenting will soon prove which one will be the most successful for this particular animal4 ,the bait may consist of a bird's or fowl's head1 fish1 liver1 or any fresh meat or entrails4 ,the common box trap1 page #ajc1 or the box snare1 page #ef1 may also be used to good purpose1 but the former will need to be carefully watched lest the enclosed prisoner gnaw his way out and thus escape4 ,when the steel trap is employed1 it should be of the size of ,newhouse1 ,no4 #b-a_/b1 set on the ground beneath some rock1 ,page #aid and covered with leaves1 rotten wood1 or earth1 and the bait fastened or suspended about eighteen inches above it1 in such a position that the animal will be obliged to step upon the trap in order to reach it4 ,an enclosure may be constructed of stones piled together1 the trap being set and covered in the opening and the bait secured at the back4 ,a staked pen1 such as is described on page #adc1 with the trap and bait arranged as there directed1 also works well4 ,wherever or however the trap is set1 the bait should be so placed that the animal cannot possibly climb on any neighboring object to reach it4 ,the hollow of a tree trunk forms an excellent situation for the trap1 and the same hollow may also be baited at the back and a dead-fall constructed across its opening4 ,the box or barrel pit-fall1 described on page #abg1 is said to be very successful in trapping the marten1 always baiting it with the platform secure for a few days before setting for capture4 ,the same methods directed for the capture of the mink are also useful in trapping the marten4 ,the animal should be skinned as described for the fox4 ,,the ,,fisher4 ,this animal is classed among the martens1 and is principally to be found in ,canada and the ,northern ,united ,states1 where it is known as the black cat1 or woodshock4 ,in our natural histories it is described under the name of the pekan4 ,in general habits1 this species resembles the other martens1 but its body inclines more to the weasel shape4 ,the fur is quite valuable1 and much resembles the sable4 ,its color is generally of a greyish brown1 the grey tint being found chiefly on the back1 neck1 head and shoulders1 the legs1 tail1 and back of the neck being marked with dark brown4 ,like the marten1 the fisher prowls by night1 frequenting swampy places in quest of food4 ,it builds its habitation in hollow trees1 and in burrows1 which it excavates in the banks of rivers or streams1 and its young 7generally twins7 are produced in early spring4 ,the trapping season for the fisher commences at about the middle of ,october1 and extends to the middle of ,may1 after which time the fur decreases in value4 ,in trapping the fisher1 the same plans may be used as for the marten and mink1 as these animals much resemble each other in general habits4 ,the steel trap arranged in an artificial or ,page #aie natural enclosure1 or otherwise so set as that the animal will be obliged to step on it in order to reach the bait1 will be successful and the use of composition scent bait1 described on page #aec will be found to enhance success4 ,in every case where the steel trap is used the spring pole1 page #add1 should always be employed1 for the reasons already described4 ,dead-falls1 garrotes1 box-traps1 twitch-ups1 or pit-falls1 may all be employed to good advantage4 ,bait with a fish or bird1 or fresh meat of any kind1 and connect the various traps by a trail1 as described for the mink and marten4 ,remove the skin as directed for the fox1 and stretch as described on page #bgc4 ,,the ,,skunk4 ,this disgusting animal has won the unenviable but deserving reputation of being the most foul-smelling creature on the face of the globe4 ,he belongs to the weasel tribe1 and all these animals are noted for certain odors which they possess1 but the skunk is pre-eminent in the utter noisomeness of the horrid effluvium which it exhales4 ,this scent proceeds from a liquid secretion which collects in a gland beneath the insertion of the tail1 and the animal has the power to eject or retain it at will4 ,it must have been given to the creature as a means of defence1 for there seems to be no animal that can withstand the influence of its fetid stench4 ,dogs are trained to hunt the animal1 but until they have learned from experience the right method of attacking the fetid game1 and have discovered the whereabouts of the animal's magazine of ammunition1 they are of little use to the hunter1 and are only too glad to plunge into some neighboring brook1 or roll in some near earth1 in hopes of ridding themselves of the stench which almost distracts them4 ,the offensive propensities of the skunk are only exercised when the animal is alarmed or frightened4 ,there are generally certain premonitory symptoms of attack which the creature usually exhibits1 and it is well to retire from his shooting range as soon as they are observed4 ,when the animal is ready to discharge his battery1 he suddenly elevates his large bushy tail1 over his body1 and turns his back on his enemy4 ,the result of the discharge fills the air for a great distance around1 and man and beast fly from the neighborhood of the indescribable and fetid effluvium1 which fairly makes one's nostrils ache4 ,page #aif ,a single drop of this disgusting secretion on the clothes is enough to scent the whole garment1 and it is almost impossible to rid the tainted fabric from the odor4 ,it is extremely acrid in quality1 and if a very small quantity fall upon the eyes1 it is very apt to produce permanent blindness4 ,dogs1 in their first experiences with the skunk1 are frequently thus blinded1 and there are well authenticated instances of human beings who have been deprived of their sight through their close proximity to an infuriated skunk4 ,illustration ,the writer1 in his extreme youth1 learned1 through dear experience1 the putrid qualities of this noisome quadruped4 ,it was on one bright ,sunday1 in ,new ,england1 and he was out in his ,sunday clothing1 gathering wild strawberries4 ,he suddenly discovered a pretty little playful animal with bushy tail1 romping in the grass near him4 ,the creature was seemingly gentle1 and showed no inclination to run away1 and the pet-loving nature of the writer prompted an irresistible desire to capture so pretty a creature4 ,encouraged by its gentle manner1 he eagerly ran towards the tempting prize1 and grasping it by the bushy tail1 which the animal had raised perpendicularly1 as if for a handle1 the pretty creature was locked ,page #aig in the affectionate embrace of its youthful admirer4 ,but alas6 he soon repented his rashness1 and the treacherous pet was quickly flung away leaving its victim in such a foul state of overwhelming astonishment as can be more easily imagined than described4 ,every article of clothing worn on that eventful ,sunday had to be buried1 and it took weeks of ,sundays before the odor could be thoroughly eradicated from the hair and skin of the individual who wore those ,sunday garments4 ,after this adventure1 the youth became more cautious with respect to pretty little playful animals1 with black and white fur and bushy tails4 ,there is hardly a farmer in the country but what has had some amusing or serious experience with the skunk1 and almost every trapper has1 at one time or another1 served as a target for his shooting propensities4 ,natural histories are replete with anecdotes of which this animal is the mephitic hero1 and volumes might be filled to the glory of his strong-smelling qualities4 ,perhaps it is through the prejudice of the writer that he cannot enthusiastically recommend the skunk as a domestic pet2 but it is nevertheless asserted1 on good authority1 that these animals1 when reared from the young1 become very interesting and playful in the household1 and completely shut down on their objectionable faculties4 ,our illustration gives a very good idea of the animal1 and it is so unlike any other creature that a further description will not be necessary4 ,the prevailing colors are white and black2 but these vary much in proportion1 the animal sometimes being almost totally white1 or altogether black4 ,the fur is long1 and comparatively coarse1 being intermixed with long1 glossy hairs1 and is most valuable in the black animal4 ,the body of the creature is about a foot and a half in length1 exclusive of the tail1 which adds about fourteen inches more4 ,the skunk is generally nocturnal in its habits1 secreting itself during the day in hollow trees1 or crevices in rocks1 or wood-piles4 ,at night it ventures forth in quest of its food1 which consists chiefly of grasshoppers1 worms and other insects1 wild fruit and such small animals in the shape of frogs1 mice and birds as it can capture4 ,the poultry yard often offers an irresistible temptation1 and both fowls and eggs often serve to appease his appetite4 ,the skunk is common throughout the greater part of ,north ,america1 and in many localities the numbers increase very ,page #aih rapidly unless checked4 ,the young are brought forth in burrows or holes in rocks during ,april or ,may1 and are from six to nine in number4 ,skunk fur does not sound well when thought of in connection with a set of fashionable furs2 and for this reason the pelt of this animal is dignified by the name of ,alaska sable by all dealers in the article4 ,when known by this fancy title it suddenly becomes a very popular addition to fashion's winter wardrobe1 and is one of the leading furs which are exported to meet the demand of foreign countries4 ,foul as the animal is1 it seldom soils its own fur with its offensive fluid2 and when carefully skinned the fur is as saleable as that of any other animal4 ,the ,skunk is trapped in a variety of ways2 and as the animal is not cunning1 no great skill is required4 ,the steel trap is most commonly used1 as other wooden varieties1 box traps or dead-falls1 for instance1 are apt to absorb and retain the stench of the animal4 ,in using the steel trap the size ,no4 #b should be taken4 ,it may be set at the entrance to their burrows or in their feeding grounds4 ,it should be covered with loose earth or chaff1 or some other light substance1 and baited with small bits of meat1 dead mice1 or eggs placed around it4 ,the enclosure illustrated on page #adc also answers well1 and in all cases the spring pole1 page #add1 should be used4 ,the dead-fall1 page #ajg1 is often employed1 and the twitch-up1 page #dc1 is a particularly effective contrivance for their capture1 often preventing the evil consequences of the odor by causing instant dislocation of the neck1 and this without injuring the fur4 ,a stroke upon the backbone near the tail1 by producing paralysis of the parts1 also prevents the animal from using his offensive powers1 and a dead-fall so constructed as to fall upon the animal at this part will accomplish the same effect4 ,to manage this it is only necessary to place the bait far back in the enclosure1 so that the skunk on reaching it will bring the rear portion of his body beneath the suspended log4 ,the scent of the skunk is as we have said1 almost ineradicable1 but we would recommend chloride of lime as the most effectual antidote4 ,it is also said by some trappers that the odor may be dissipated by packing the garment in fresh hemlock boughs1 letting it thus remain for a couple of days4 ,this is certainly a valuable hint if true1 and is well worth remembering4 ,for skinning the skunk1 see ,beaver1 ,otter and ,fox4 ,page #aii ,,the ,,wolverine4 ,this1 one of the most ferocious as well as detestable of ,american animals1 is principally found in ,british ,america and the upper portion of the ,united ,states4 ,it has won a world wide reputation for its fierceness and voracity1 and on this account is popularly known as the ,glutton4 ,it is not confined to ,america1 but is also found in ,siberia and ,northern ,europe4 ,illustration ,the general appearance of this animal1 ugly in disposition as in appearance1 is truthfully given in our illustration4 ,it is not unlike a small bear in looks1 and was formerly classed among that genus4 ,the general color of the wolverine is dark brown4 ,the muzzle1 as far back as the eye-brows1 is black1 and the immense paws partake of the same hue4 ,the claws of the animal are ,page #bjj long and almost white1 forming a singular contrast to the jetty fur of the feet4 ,so large are the feet of this animal1 and so powerful the claws1 that a mere look at them will tell the story of their death dealing qualities1 a single stroke from one of them often being sufficient for a mortal wound4 ,although the wolverine is not as large as the bear1 its foot prints in the snow are often mistaken for those of that creature1 being nearly of the same size4 ,the glutton feeds largely on the smaller quadrupeds1 and is a most determined foe to the beaver during the summer months2 the ice-hardened walls of their houses serving as a perfect protection against his attacks in the winter time4 ,to the trapper of the north the wolverine is a most detested enemy1 following the rounds of the traps and either detaching the baits or tearing away the dead animals which have fallen a prey to them4 ,the trapper's entire circuit will be thus followed in a single night1 and where the veritable glutton does not care to devour its victim it will satisfy its ferocious instinct by scratching it in pieces1 leaving the mutilated remains to tell the story of its nocturnal visit4 ,the wolverine is a dangerous foe to many animals larger than itself1 and by the professional hunter it is looked upon as an ugly and dangerous customer4 ,there are several methods of trapping this horrid creature1 and in many localities successful trapping of other animals will be impossible without first ridding the neighborhood of the wolverines4 ,dead-falls of large size will be found to work successfully1 baiting with the body of some small animal1 such as a rat or squirrel4 ,a piece of cat1 beaver or muskrat flesh is also excellent1 and by slightly scenting with castoreum success will be made sure4 ,several of these traps may be set at intervals1 and a trail made by dragging a piece of smoked beaver meat between them4 ,the gun trap1 as described on page #bj1 will also do good service in exterminating this useless and troublesome animal4 ,steel traps of size ,no4 #c or #d are commonly used to good purpose4 ,they may be arranged in any of the various methods already described1 the plan of the enclosure1 page #adc1 being particularly desirable4 ,in all cases the trap should be covered with leaves1 moss or the like1 and the bait slightly scented with castoreum4 ,like all voracious animals1 the perpetual greed of the wolverine completely overbalances its caution1 and thus renders its capture an easy task4 ,page #bja ,the home of the animal is generally in a crevice or cave between rocks1 and its young1 two or three in number1 are brought forth in ,may4 ,in removing the skin1 it may be ripped up the belly1 or taken off whole1 as described for the fox4 ,,the ,,opossum4 ,illustration ,the opossum is found more or less throughout nearly all the ,united ,states4 ,in size it equals a large cat1 the tail being about fifteen inches long1 very flexible and covered with scales4 ,the general color of the fur is grayish-white1 slightly tinged with yellow1 ,page #bjb and the legs are of a brownish hue1 which color also surrounds the eyes to some extent4 ,the fur is comparatively soft and wooly1 and thickly sprinkled with long hairs1 white at the base and brown at the tips4 ,the nature and habits of the animal are very interesting4 ,its nest is made in some sheltered hollow in an old fallen or live tree1 or beneath overhanging roots or rocks1 and composed of moss and dead leaves4 ,the young are produced in several litters during the year1 and when born are transferred by the mother to a pouch situated in the lower front portion of her body4 ,here they remain and are nourished by the parent until they are five weeks old1 at which time they emerge and travel with their mother1 and their little ring tails do them good service in holding fast to their guardian4 ,it is an amusing sight to see a family of young 'possums thus linked together1 and so attached to each other4 ,the opossum is a voracious and destructive animal1 prowling about during the hours of darkness and prying into every nook and corner in hope of finding something that may satisfy the cravings of imperious hunger4 ,rats1 mice1 nuts1 berries1 birds1 insects and eggs are all devoured by this animal2 and when not content with these he does not hesitate to insinuate himself into the poultry yard1 and make a meal on the fowls and young chickens4 ,his fondness for fruit and ,indian corn often leads him to commit great havoc among plantations and fruit trees1 and his appetite for the fruit of the persimmon tree is proverbial4 ,while feeding on these fruits he frequently hangs by his tail1 as seen in our illustration1 gathering the persimmons with his fore paws and eating them while thus suspended4 ,he is a most agile climber1 and his tenacity and terminal resources in this direction are admirably depicted in that well known ,methodist sermon1 as follows3 ,an' you may shake one foot loose1 but 'tothers thar2 an' you may shake all his feet loose1 but he laps his tail around the lim' an' he clings forever4 ,he is an adept at feigning death1 playing 'possum so skilfully as frequently to deceive an expert4 ',possums are hunted in the ,southern ,states much after the manner of coons2 and to the negroes a 'possum hunt signifies most unbounded sport4 ,though cunning in many ways1 the opossum is singularly simple in others4 ,there is hardly any animal more easily captured2 for it will walk into the clumsiest of traps1 and permit itself to be ensnared by a device at which an ,american rat would look with utter contempt4 ,page #bjc ,the dead-fall1 garrote1 or stout snare may all be employed1 being baited with any of the substances already described4 ,the steel trap #b-a_/a or #c is most commonly used1 being set in the haunts of the animal1 and slightly scented with musk4 ,see ,fox and ,beaver1 for directions for skinning1 stretching1 etc41 etc4 ,,the ,,rabbit4 ,the rabbit or cotton tail1 as he is familiarly termed1 is too well-known to need any description here4 ,from ,maine to ,texas our woods abound with these fleet-footed little creatures1 of which there are several ,american species4 ,they are the swiftest of all ,american quadrupeds1 and have been known to clear over twenty feet in a single leap4 ,they are all natural burrowers1 although they often forego the trouble of excavating a home when one can be found already made1 and which can be easily modified or adapted to their purposes4 ,the common rabbit of ,new ,england often makes its home or form1 beneath a pile of brush or logs1 or in crevices in rocks4 ,here it brings forth its young1 of which there are often three or four litters a year4 ,the creature becomes a parent at a very early age1 and by the time that a rabbit is a year old it may have attained the dignity of a grand parent4 ,the food of the rabbit consists of grasses1 bark1 leaves1 bulbs1 young twigs1 buds1 berries and the like1 and of cultivated vegetables of all kinds1 when opportunity favors4 ,when surprised in the woods it manifests its alarm by violently striking the ground with its feet1 causing the peculiar sound so often noticed at their first jump4 ,the animal is fond of pursuing a beaten path in the woods1 and is often snared at such places4 ,its enemies1 beside man1 are the lynx1 and other carnivorous animals1 hawks1 owls1 and even the domestic cat4 ,the rabbit is a favorite game with all amateur sportsmen1 and the devices used in its capture are multitudinous4 ,it is by no means a difficult animal to trap1 and a glance through the second and fourth sections of our book1 will reveal many ingenious snares and other contrivances1 commonly and successfully used4 ,the ,box trap1 page #ajc1 is perhaps the most universal example of rabbit trap1 but the ,self-setting trap1 page #aaj1 and ,double-ender1 page #aji1 are also equally effective where the animal is desired to be taken alive4 ,if this is not an object1 the snare is to be recommended as simple in construction and sure in its result4 ,page #bjd ,the above constitute the only devices commonly used for the capture of the rabbit1 the steel trap being dispensed with4 ,on page #aji will be found additional remarks concerning the rabbit1 and many hints no baiting1 etc41 are also given under the heads of the various traps above alluded to4 ,the skin of the rabbit is very thin and tender1 and should be carefully removed1 either as described for the fox1 or in the ordinary method1 by incision up the belly4 ,full directions for curing and tanning the skins will be found under its proper head in a later portion of this work4 ,,the ,,wood-,,chuck4 ,this animal also called the marmot1 is so well-known to most of our readers1 that a detailed description will not be necessary1 suffice it to say that the general color is brownish grey above1 changing to reddish brown on the under parts4 ,the head1 tail and feet partaking of a darker color4 ,the length of the animal is about a foot and a-half1 exclusive of the tail1 which is four inches long4 ,the woodchuck is a clumsy looking animal1 and anything but active in its movements4 ,it is very unintelligent1 and is always too ready to use its powerful teeth on the hand of any one who may attempt to handle it4 ,it is naturally a timid animal1 but when cornered or brought to bay1 it fights most desperately4 ,the woodchuck is an expert excavator1 and where the animals exist in large numbers great damage is done by their united burrowing4 ,they generally remain in their burrows during the day1 only venturing out casually to see what is going on1 and keeping near their entrance4 ,towards evening they start out to feed1 devouring certain grasses and weeds1 and also pumpkins and green corn with avidity1 ever and anon sitting upright on their haunches1 to see if the coast is clear4 ,in case they are surprised in their meal1 they hurry home in a pell-mell sort of a way1 giving as much the appearance of rolling as running1 but1 nevertheless1 getting over the ground with fair speed for such an unwieldy animal4 ,the skin is loose and very tough1 and possesses no commercial value1 being principally used for whiplashes4 ,their burrows are generally on the slope of a hill1 and often at the foot of a rock or tree4 ,these tunnels vary from ten to thirty feet in length1 sloping downward from the opening1 afterward taking an upward turn and terminating in a roomy chamber1 in which the animal sleeps in ,page #bje winter and where the young from three to eight in number are brought forth4 ,the woodchuck is found throughout nearly the whole of the ,united ,states1 and is especially abundant in ,new ,england1 where it is a decided nuisance4 ,it is found as far south as ,tennessee1 and westward to the ,rocky ,mountains4 ,the flesh of the woodchuck is by many much esteemed as food1 particularly in the ,fall4 ,when used for this purpose1 the animal should be skinned and carefully cleaned immediately after death1 taking especial care to remove the masses of fat which lie inside of the legs1 as these1 if allowed to remain1 are sure to taint the flesh in cooking4 ,the animals are easily caught by setting the traps at the entrance of their burrows1 and carefully covering them with loose earth1 no bait being required4 ,they may also be captured by the aid of a spring-pole1 with noose attached1 the pole being bent down and caught under a notched stick1 and the noose being arranged at the opening of the burrow1 see page #dc1 the ,woodchuck in passing in or out will become entangled in the noose1 and in his efforts to escape the pole will be loosened from the peg1 thus lifting the animal in mid-air4 ,woodchucks are also sometimes drowned out of their holes1 and the turtle is often put to good use for the purpose of smoking the animals from their subterranean dwellings4 ,a ball of wicking saturated with kerosene is attached by a wire to the tail of the reptile4 ,when the ball is ignited the creature is introduced into the entrance of the hole1 and of course in fleeing from its fiery pursuer it traverses the full length of the burrow1 and as another matter of course drives out its other occupants1 which are shot or captured as they emerge4 ,the woodchunk's skin is generally taken off as described for the muskrat1 and stretched accordingly4 ,,the ,,gopher4 ,this remarkable little animal somewhat resembles the ,mole in its general appearance and habits4 ,it is also commonly known as the ,canada ,pouched ,rat1 and is principally found west of the ,mississippi and northward4 ,it is a burrowing animal1 and like the ,mole drives its subterranean tunnels in all directions1 throwing up little hillocks at regular intervals of from five to twenty feet4 ,its body is thick set and clumsy and about ten inches long1 and its ,mole-like claws are especially adapted for digging4 ,its food consists of roots and vegetables1 and its ,page #bjf long and projecting incisors are powerful agents in cutting the roots which cross its path in making its burrow4 ,the most striking characteristic of the animal1 and that from which it takes its name1 consists in the large cheek pouches which hang from each side of the mouth and extend back to to shoulders4 ,they are used as receptacles of food which the animal hurriedly gathers when above ground1 afterward returning to its burrow to enjoy its feast at its leisure4 ,it was formerly very commonly and erroneously believed that the ,gopher used its pouches in conveying the earth from its burrow1 and this is generally supposed at the present day1 but it is now known that the animal uses these pockets only for the conveyance of its food4 ,the color of the fur is reddish-brown on the upper parts1 fading to ashy-brown on the abdomen1 and the feet are white4 ,in making its tunnels1 the dirt is brought to the surface1 thus making the little mounds after the manner of the mole4 ,after having dug its tunnel for several feet the distance becomes so great as to render this process impossible1 and the old hole is carefully stopped up and a new one made at the newly excavated end of the tunnel1 the animal continuing on in its labors and dumping from the fresh orifice4 ,these mounds of earth occur at intervals on the surface of the ground1 and although no hole can be discovered beneath them1 they nevertheless serve to indicate the track of the burrow1 which lies several inches beneath4 ,the ,gopher is a great pest to western cultivators1 and by its root feeding and undermining propensities does extensive injury to crops generally4 ,they may be successfully trapped in the following manner3 ,strike a line between the two most recent earth mounds1 and midway between them remove a piece of the sod4 ,by the aid of a trowel or a sharp stick the burrow may now be reached4 ,insert your hand in the tunnel and enlarge the interior sufficiently to allow the introduction of ,no4 7#j7 steel trap4 ,set the trap flatly in the bottom of the burrow1 and then laying a piece of shingle or a few sticks across the excavation replace the sod4 ,several traps may be thus set in the burrows at considerable distances apart1 and a number of the animals thus taken4 ,the traps are sometimes inserted in the burrows from the hillocks1 by first finding the hole and then enlarging it by inserting the arm and digging with the hand beneath4 ,the former method1 however1 is preferable4 ,the skin of the ,gopher may be pulled off the body either by cutting up the hind less1 as described in reference to the ,fox1 ,page #bjg or by making the incision from the lower jaw down the neck1 as decided for the muskrat1 a simple board stretcher being used4 ,,the ,,mole4 ,of all the mammalia the ,mole is entitled to take the first place in the list of burrowers4 ,this extraordinary creature does not merely dig tunnels in the ground and sit at the end of them1 as is the case with many animals1 but it forms a complicated subterranean dwelling place with chambers1 passages and other arrangements of wonderful completeness4 ,it has regular roads leading to its feeding grounds2 establishes a system of communication as elaborate as that of a modern railway1 or1 to be more correct1 as that of the subterranean network of the sewers of a city4 ,it is an animal of varied accomplishments4 ,it can run tolerably fast1 it can fight like a bull-dog1 it can capture prey under or above ground1 it can swim fearlessly1 and it can sink wells for the purpose of quenching its thirst4 ,take the mole out of its proper sphere1 and it is awkward and clumsy as the sloth when placed on level ground1 or the seal when brought ashore4 ,replace it in the familiar earth and it becomes a different being1 full of life and energy1 and actuated by a fiery activity which seems quite inconsistent with its dull aspect and seemingly inert form4 ,we all know that the mole burrows under the ground1 raising at intervals the little hillocks or mole hills with which we are so familiar2 but most of us little know the extent or variety of its tunnels1 or that the animal works on a regular system and does not burrow here and there at random4 ,how it manages to form its burrows in such admirably straight lines1 is not an easy problem1 because it is always done in black darkness1 and we know of nothing which can act as a guide to the animal4 ,as for ourselves and other eye-possessing creatures1 the feat of walking in a straight line with closed eyelids is almost an impossibility1 and every swimmer knows the difficulty of keeping a straight course under water1 even with the use of his eyes4 ,the ordinary mole hills1 so plentiful in our fields1 present nothing particularly worthy of notice4 ,they are merely the shafts through which the quadruped miner ejects the material which it has scooped out1 as it drives its many tunnels through the soil1 and if they be carefully opened after the rain has consolidated the heap of loose material1 nothing more will be discovered than a simple hole leading into the tunnel4 ,but let us ,page #bjh strike into one of the large tunnels1 as any mole catcher will teach us1 and follow it up to the real abode of the animal4 ,the hill under which this domicile is hidden1 is of considerable size1 but is not very conspicuous1 being always placed under the shelter of a tree1 shrub1 or a suitable bank1 and would scarcely be discovered but by a practiced eye4 ,the subterranean abode within the hillock is so remarkable that it involuntarily reminds the observer of the well-known maze1 which has puzzled the earliest years of youth throughout many generations4 ,the central apartment1 or keep1 if we so term it1 is a nearly spherical chamber1 the roof of which is almost on a level with the earth around the hill1 and therefore situated at a considerable depth from the apex of the heap4 ,around this keep are driven two circular passages or galleries1 one just level with the ceiling and the other at some height above4 ,five short descending passages connect the galleries with each other1 but the only entrance into the keep is from the upper gallery1 out of which three passages lead into the ceiling of the keep4 ,it will be seen therefore that when the mole enters the house from one of its tunnels1 it has first to get into the lower gallery to ascend thence into the upper gallery1 and so descend into the central chamber4 ,there is1 however1 another entrance into the keep from below4 ,a passage dips downward from the centre of the chamber1 and then1 taking a curve upwards1 opens into one of the larger burrows or high roads1 as they may be fitly termed4 ,it is a noteworthy fact that the high roads1 of which there are several radiating in different directions1 never open into the gallery opposite one of the entrances into the upper gallery4 ,the mole therefore is obliged to go to the right or left as soon as it enters the domicile before it can find a passage to the upper gallery4 ,by the continual pressure of the moles upon the walls of the passages and roof of the central chamber1 they become quite smooth1 hard1 and polished1 so that the earth will not fall in1 even after the severest storm4 ,the use of so complicated a series of cells and passages is extremely doubtful1 and our total ignorance of the subject affords another reason why the habits of this wonderful animal should be better studied4 ,about the middle of ,june the moles begin to fall in love1 and are as furious in their attachments as in all other phases of their nature4 ,at that time two male moles cannot meet without mutual jealousy1 and they straightway begin to fight1 scratching1 tearing1 and biting with such insane fury that they seem unconscious ,page #bji of anything except the heat of battle4 ,indeed the whole life of the mole is one of fury1 and he eats like a starving tiger1 tearing and rending his prey with claws and teeth1 and crunching audibly the body of the worm between the sharp points4 ,magnify the mole to the size of the lion and you will have a beast more terrible than the world has yet seen4 ,though nearly blind1 and therefore incapable of following its prey by sight1 it would be active beyond conception1 springing this way and that way as it goes along1 leaping with lightness and quickness upon any animal which it meets1 rending it in pieces in a moment1 thrusting its blood-thirsty snout into the body of its victim1 eating the still warm and bleeding flesh1 and instantly searching for fresh prey4 ,such a creature would1 without the least hesitation1 devour a serpent twenty feet in length1 and so terrible would be its voracity that it would eat twenty or thirty of such snakes in a day as easily as it devours the same number of worms4 ,with one grasp of its teeth and one stroke of its claws1 it could tear an ox asunder2 and if it should happen to enter a fold of sheep or enclosure of cattle1 it would kill them all for the mere lust of slaughter4 ,let1 then1 two of such animals meet in combat1 and how terrific would be the battle6 ,fear is a feeling of which the mole seems to be utterly unconscious1 and1 when fighting with one of its own species1 he gives his whole energies to the destruction of his opponent without seeming to heed the injuries inflicted upon himself4 ,from the foregoing sketch the reader will be able to estimate the extraordinary energies of this animal1 as well as the wonderful instincts with which it is endowed4 ,the fur of the mole is noted for its clean1 velvety aspect2 and that an animal should be able to pass unsoiled through earth of all textures is a really remarkable phenomenon4 ,it is partly to be explained by the character of the hair1 and partly by that of the skin4 ,the hair of the mole is peculiar on account of its want of set4 ,the tops of the hairs do not point in any particular direction1 but may be pressed equally forward or backward or to either side4 ,the microscope reveals the cause of this peculiarity4 ,the hair is extremely fine at its exit from the skin1 and gradually increases in thickness until it reaches its full width when it again diminishes4 ,this alternation occurs several times in each hair1 and gives the peculiar velvet-like texture with which we are all so familiar4 ,there is scarcely any coloring matter in the slender portion of the hair1 and the beautiful changeable coppery ,page #baj hues of the fur is owing to this structure4 ,another reason for the cleanliness of the fur is the strong1 though membranous muscle beneath the skin4 ,while the mole is engaged in travelling1 particularly in loose earth1 the soil for a time clings to the fur2 but at tolerably regular intervals the creature gives the skin a sharp and powerful shake1 which throws off at once the whole of the mould that has collected upon the fur4 ,some amount of dust still remains1 for1 however clean the fur of a mole may seem to be1 if the creature be placed for an hour in water1 a considerable quantity of earth will be dissolved away and fall to the bottom of the vessel4 ,the improvement in the fur after being well washed with soft tepid water and soap1 is almost incredible4 ,many persons have been struck with such admiration for the fur of the mole1 that they have been desirous of having a number of the skins collected and made into a waist-coat4 ,this certainly can be done1 but the garment thus made is so very hot that it can only be worn in winter4 ,such garments are very expensive1 and owing to the tender quality of the skin1 possess but little lasting powers4 ,there is also a wonderfully strong smell about the mole2 so strong1 indeed1 that dogs will sometimes point at moles instead of game1 to the great disgust of their masters4 ,this odor adheres obstinately to the skin1 and even in furs which have been dried for more than ten years1 this peculiar savor has been noticed4 ,we have given much space to the mole1 not particularly on account of its particular usefulness to the trapper1 but because of its many claims to our notice4 ,if the creature were a rare and costly inhabitant of some distant land1 how deep would be the interest which it would incite4 ,but because it is a creature of our country1 and to be found in every field1 there are but few who care to examine a creature so common1 or who experience any feelings save those of disgust when they see a mole making its way over the ground in search of a soft spot in which to burrow4 ,in many localities this interesting animal exists in such numbers as to become a positive nuisance1 and the invention of a trap which would effectually curtail their depredations has been a problem to many a vexed and puzzled farmer4 ,mole traps of various kinds have found their way into our agricultural papers1 but none has proved more effectual than the one we describe on page #aai4 ,an arrangement of the figure four1 page #ajg1 is also sometimes employed with good success4 ,in this case the bait stick crosses the upright stick close to the ground1 and rests over ,page #baa the burrow of the mole1 the earth being previously pressed down to the surrounding level4 ,the stone should be narrow and very heavy1 and of course no bait is required4 ,the pieces should be set carefully1 and so adjusted that the lifting of the soil beneath the stick as the mole forces its way through the compressed earth will dislodge the bait stick and let down the stone with its crushing weight4 ,another method consists in embedding a deep flower pot in one of the main tunnels of the animal1 and carefully replacing the soil above4 ,the mole in traversing his burrow thus falls into the pit and is effectually captured4 ,this is a very ingenious mode of taking the animal1 and rewarded its inventor with seven moles on the first night of trial4 ,there are a number of other devices said to work excellently1 but the above we believe to be the most effectual of all4 ,there are several species of ,american moles1 the star-nosed variety being familiar to most of us4 ,the most common moles are the shrew moles1 with pointed noses4 ,the silver mole is a large species1 of a changeable silvery color1 found on the ,western prairies4 ,the ,oregon mole is nearly black1 with purplish or brownish reflections4 ,the most beautiful of all the moles is found at the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,it is of about the size of the ordinary ,american species1 and its soft fur glistens with brilliant green and golden reflections4 ,the fur of this species is probably the most wonderful and beautiful in the whole animal kingdom4 ,,squirrels4 ,there are many species of squirrels found in the ,united ,states1 but their fur is of little value1 and of trifling importance in the fur trade2 the squirrel fur of our markets being that of a small grey ,european variety4 ,squirrels1 as a class1 possess much the same peculiarities and habits4 ,their claws are particularly adapted for life among the trees2 their tails are long and bushy1 covering over the backs of the animals when in a sitting posture4 ,they are all lithe and quick of movement1 and their senses of sight and hearing are especially keen4 ,they are constantly on the alert1 and are full of artifice when pursued4 ,their food consists chiefly of nuts1 fruits1 and grain1 but when pushed by hunger1 there is no telling what they will not eat4 ,they generally provide for the ,page #bab winter months by laying up a store of the foregoing provisions1 either in holes in trees or interstices in the bark1 or in cavities under ground4 ,the shag-bark hickory offers an especial inducement to these provident creatures in the numerous crevices and cracks throughout the bark4 ,it is not an uncommon thing to find whole handfuls of nuts carefully packed away in one of these cracks1 and a sharp stroke with an ax in the trunk of one of these trees will often dislodge numbers of the nuts4 ,the writer has many a time gone nutting in this way in the middle of winter with good success4 ,the nests of squirrels are generally built in trees1 either in a crotch between the branches or in some deserted woodpecker's hole4 ,some species live in burrows in the ground1 and those individuals who are lucky enough to be in the neighborhood of a barn often make their abode therein1 taking their regular three meals a day from the granary4 ,in many localities these animals thus become a perfect pest to the farmers1 and their destruction becomes a matter of urgent necessity4 ,illustration ,squirrels1 although resembling each other much as regards ,page #bac their general habits1 differ considerably in the size and color of the different species4 ,the principal varieties found on our continent are3-- ,the large grey squirrel1 which is common in the ,eastern and ,middle ,states1 and which is about two feet in length1 including the tail4 ,the common red squirrel1 or chicaree1 smaller than the foregoing1 and found more or less all through the ,united ,states4 ,the black squirrel1 which is about the size of the grey1 and found in the north-eastern part of the ,united ,states1 near the great lakes4 ,in the ,southern ,states there is a variety known as the fox squirrel1 about the size of the red squirrel1 and quite variable in color4 ,the ,middle ,states furnishes a species called the cat squirrel1 rather smaller than the preceding4 ,its tail is very broad1 and its color varies from very light to very dark grey4 ,the ground squirrel1 or chipmuck1 with its prettily striped sides1 is common to most of our readers1 its general color being red and the stripes being black and white4 ,another burrowing species1 known as the ,oregon or downy squirrel1 is found in the ,territory from which it takes its name1 and also northward in ,british ,america4 ,in size it resembles the chipmuck1 and its color is light red above1 pure white beneath1 and silver grey at the sides4 ,the beautiful silky variety1 known as the flying squirrel1 with its grey chinchilla-like fur and loose skin1 is found throughout the ,united ,states east of the ,mississippi4 ,louisiana and ,texas furnish the golden-bellied squirrel1 which is about twenty inches in length1 with tail golden yellow beneath1 and golden grey above4 ,the sooty squirrel is also found in this locality1 being about the same size as the last mentioned1 and black above and brownish red beneath4 ,there are other varieties in ,california known as the woolly1 soft-haired1 and weasel squirrels2 and in the ,western ,states we find the large red-tailed squirrels1 which are about the size of the large grey variety of the ,eastern and ,middle ,states4 ,squirrels1 as a tribe1 are much sought for as pets1 and most of the species are easily tamed4 ,box traps of various kinds are used in taking them alive4 ,the varieties on pages #ajc1 #ajf and #aaj are especially adapted for this purpose1 and should be set either in the trees or on the ground1 and baited with an apple1 a portion of an ear of corn1 or of whatever the animal is particularly fond4 ,when the animals exist in such numbers as to become a destructive ,page #bad nuisance to the farm1 the small-sized steel trap1 ,no4 #j1 arranged with bait hung above it1 will work to good advantage4 ,twitch-ups are also successful1 and we might also recommend the traps on pages #ajg1 #aaf and #abh as worthy of trial when the animal is not desired to be captured alive4 ,squirrels may be skinned either by ripping up the belly1 or in a whole piece1 as described in regard to the fox4 ,we pause before going further into the mysteries of trapping in connection with the animals which we are about to consider1 as they are generally exempt from the wiles of the trapper's art1 coming more properly in the field of the hunter or sportsman4 ,the idea of trapping a deer1 for instance1 seems barbarous indeed2 but are not all the ways of deceiving and killing these splendid animals equally so8 ,are not the various strategies and cunning devices of the sportsman1 by which these noble creatures are decoyed and murdered1 equally open to the same objection8 ,as far as barbarity goes1 there is to us but little choice between the two methods2 and1 generally speaking1 we decry them both1 and most especially do not wish to be understood as encouraging the trapping of these animals1 except where all other means have failed1 and in cases where their capture becomes in a measure a matter of necessity4 ,this is often the case in the experience of professional trappers4 ,the life of the trapper during the trapping season is spent almost entirely in the wilderness1 often many miles from any human habitation2 and at times he is solely dependent upon his gun or trap for his necessary food4 ,sometimes in a dry season1 when the leaves and twigs crackle under foot1 the rifle is as good as useless1 for it becomes impossible to approach a deer within shooting range4 ,and there are other times when ammunition is exhausted1 and the trapper is thus forced to rely only on his traps for his supply of food4 ,in such circumstances1 the necessities of the trapper are paramount1 and the trapping of deer1 in such straits1 as the most desirable food is rather to be recommended than condemned4 ,the same remarks also in a measure apply to the moose and prong-horn antelope1 as well as to several other animals hereinafter mentioned1 as they are generally considered more in the light of the hunter's than the trapper's game4 ,page #bae ,,the ,,deer4 ,there are upwards of eight varieties of this animal which inhabit ,north ,america4 ,the common red or ,virginian deer is found throughout the ,united ,states4 ,the stag or ,wapiti deer is now chiefly confined to the country west of the ,mississippi and northward to ,british ,america4 ,the moose we shall speak of hereafter4 ,the ,rocky ,mountain mule deer1 and the long-tailed deer of the same locality1 are two more species1 and there are also the black-tailed deer and the reindeer1 the latter of which is a native of ,british ,america4 ,the scope of our volume will not of course admit of detailed directions for trapping each variety1 but1 as the habits of all the species are in a measure similar1 our remarks will apply to them in general1 and particularly to the red or ,virginian deer1 which is the most important to ,american trappers4 ,the trap for taking deer should be large1 strong1 and covered with spikes4 ,the ,newhouse 7,no4 #d7 is particularly adapted1 and is especially arranged for this purpose4 ,when the path of the deer is discovered on the border of a stream or lake1 the trap should be set beneath the surface of the water1 near the tracks of the animal1 and covered by a handful of dried grass thrown upon it4 ,when thus set1 it may either be left to run its chances1 or success1 further insured by the following precaution3 ,in winter the principal food of the deer consists of the twigs1 buds1 and bark of various forest trees1 and particularly those of the basswood and maple4 ,in the season when the traps are set as above described1 a most tempting bait is furnished by a large branch of either of those trees1 freshly cut1 and laid near the trap4 ,the deer in feeding are thus almost sure to be captured4 ,there are certain glands which are located on the inner side of the hind legs of the deer1 and which emit a very strong and peculiar odor4 ,the scent of these glands seems to attract the animal1 and for this reason are cut out and used by trappers as a scent-bait4 ,in the case already described1 it is well to rub the glands on the twigs of the trees1 thus serving as an additional attraction to the bait4 ,there is still another method of trapping deer1 which is commonly employed in the winter time4 ,the trap is sunk in the snow at the foot of a tree1 and the bait1 consisting of an ear of corn or a few beards of other grain1 is fastened to the tree1 above the trap1 three or more feet from the ground4 ,the animal1 in reaching for the bait1 places its foot in the trap and is secured4 ,page #baf ,when first caught1 the deer becomes very wild and violent2 so much so that if the trap were chained or retarded by a heavy clog1 the chain1 or even the trap itself1 would most likely be broken4 ,the weight of a trap of this size is generally a sufficient impediment1 no clog1 or at best a very light one1 being required4 ,the first frantic plunge being over1 the entrapped creature immediately yields and lies down upon the ground1 and is always to be found within a few rods of where the trap was first sprung upon him4 ,during the winter the traps may also be set in the snow1 using the same bait already described4 ,it is a common method to fell a small tree for the purpose1 setting the traps beneath the snow1 around the top branches4 ,the deer1 in browsing in the tender twigs or buds1 are almost certain to be captured4 ,dead-falls of different kinds are sometimes used in trapping the deer1 with good success2 using the scent bait already described1 together with the other bait4 ,the food of the deer during the summer consists of nuts1 fruits1 acorns1 grass1 berries1 and water plants1 and when in convenient neighborhood of cultivated lands1 they do not hesitate to make a meal from the farmer's turnips1 cabbages1 and grain4 ,as we have said1 the winter food consists chiefly of the twigs of trees4 ,when the snow is deep the deer form what are called yards1 about such trees as they particularly select for their browsing4 ,these yards are made simply by tramping down the snow1 and large numbers of the deer are often thus found together4 ,as the supply of food is consumed1 the yard is enlarged1 so as to enclose other trees for browsing1 and where deep snows abound throughout the winter1 these enclosures often become quite extensive in area4 ,panthers1 wolves1 and wolverines take especial advantage of these1 and easily secure their victims4 ,by wolves especially entire herds of deer are thus destroyed1 and whole yards depopulated in a single night4 ,panthers secrete themselves in the trees above the boughs overhanging the yards1 and1 with stealthy movements1 approach and pounce upon their unsuspecting prey4 ,the blood-thirsty wolverine secretes himself in the nooks and by-ways to spring upon its tawny victim unawares4 ,these1 together with man1 form the principal foes of the deer1 and we can truthfully assert that the hunter is much more its enemy than the trapper4 ,as we do not wish to encourage the wanton trapping of this noble creature1 it would perhaps be well for us to devote also few words in describing the various modes of hunting the animal1 ,page #bag adopted by the professional sportsmen throughout the land4 ,the most common method is that called still hunting1 most generally pursued in winter4 ,the hunter is shod with deer-skin or other soft sandals1 and starts out with his rifle and ammunition4 ,finding the fresh track of the deer1 he cautiously and noiselessly follows up the trail1 keeping a sharp lookout ahead4 ,a practised deer-hunter becomes very skillful and accurate1 and the animal is nearly always tracked to discovery1 when he is shot4 ,the deer's sense of smell is extremely acute1 and1 when in shooting range1 it is very necessary to approach them in the face of the wind1 the direction of which may be easily determined by holding the finger in the mouth for a moment1 afterward pointing it upward toward the sky4 ,the cool side of the finger will indicate the direction from which the wind blows1 and toward that direction the deer should always be approached1 or as far toward that direction as possible4 ,it will sometimes happen that the hunter will surprise the buck1 doe1 and fawn together4 ,in order to secure the three1 shoot the doe first4 ,the buck and fawn will remain near the spot4 ,the buck should next be shot1 and then the fawn1 the charge being aimed at the breast4 ,never approach a wounded deer without reloading the gun1 as he is often more frightened than hurt1 and is likely to start and run away1 unless prevented by another shot4 ,during the snow season1 deer are always watchful of their back track4 ,they are generally at rest during the day1 starting out late in the afternoon on their usual ramblings1 which they continue through the night4 ,during the dark hours they love to resort to the water side in quest of aquatic plants1 and are here often taken by hunters1 many of which consider night hunting the favorite and most exciting sport4 ,it is pursued in the following manner3 ,the hunter requires a boat or canoe1 page #bfa1 a good rifle1 and a lamp4 ,the lamp1 with a screen or reflector behind it1 is placed at the bow of the boat4 ,one hunter takes the oar1 and1 with noiseless paddle1 propels or sculls the boat from the stem4 ,the armed hunter crouches behind the light1 with the muzzle of his rifle projecting beyond the screen sufficiently to easily show the forward sight on the tip of the barrel4 ,a dark lantern is sometimes used as a light4 ,the eyes of the deer shine very perceptibly at night1 and his presence on the banks is thus easily detected4 ,if he is noiselessly approached1 he will remain transfixed by the effect of the light from the boat1 and he may be neared even to a very close range1 when he is easily despatched4 ,hundreds of deer ,page #bah are thus taken during the summer and autumn4 ,deer are also chased by dogs until they are forced to take refuge in the nearest rivers or lakes1 when the hunter in his canoe overtakes and shoots them4 ,another method is frequently employed in the hunting of the deer4 ,these animals are very fond of salt1 and with it they are often decoyed to a spot where the hunter lies in wait for them4 ,these places are called deer licks1 or salting places1 and can be made as follows3 ,select a locality where deer are known to frequent1 and place a handful of salt either on a smooth spot of ground or in the hollow of a log4 ,a section of a log is sometimes slightly dug out at one end and the other inserted in the earth1 the salt being placed in the hollow4 ,the hunter secretes himself in a neighboring tree1 sometimes erecting a bench or scaffolding for comfort1 and1 provided with gun and ammunition1 he awaits the coming of the deer4 ,hunters say that a deer seldom looks higher than his head1 and that a sportsman on one of these scaffoldings1 even though he is clumsy in his movements1 is seldom noticed by the animal4 ,the salt lick is also utilized for night hunting4 ,a head-lantern is generally required4 ,this can be made in the following manner3 ,construct a cylinder of birch bark or paste-board or any like substance1 ten inches in height1 and of sufficient size to fit closely on the head4 ,a circular partition should next be firmly inserted at about the middle of the cylinder1 and the centre of the partition should be provided with a socket for the reception of a candle4 ,on this end of the cylinder a piece should now be cut to admit of the passage of light from the candle on that side4 ,having this fire-hat at hand wait patiently for the game4 ,when a significant noise is heard light the candle and place the cylinder on the head1 with the open cut in front1 thus directing the light toward the ground4 ,as the deer approaches1 his fiery eyes will easily be seen1 and the light from the candle will shine sufficiently on the rifle to clearly reveal the sights and admit of a sure aim4 ,there is still another method of night hunting by the salt lick4 ,the rifle is aimed directly at the salted spot1 and thus firmly fixed--this preparation being made in the daytime4 ,when night approaches1 the hunter finds a piece of phosphorescent wood or fox fire1 and places it on the ground1 at a point which he has previously determined to be on a direct line of the aim of his gun4 ,the fox fire is plainly seen from the tree1 and as soon as it is darkened he knows that it is obscured by the deer1 and he pulls the trigger and kills his game4 ,deer are hunted at all seasons of the year1 but ought not to ,page #bai be hunted during the summer4 ,the sport legitimately begins in ,september1 when the buck begins to harden his horns1 and when his flesh is in its best condition for food4 ,in ,october the deer is more shy1 and during this month and after1 the sport is at its height4 ,the deer should be skinned from an incision down the belly1 and the hide spread on a hoop stretcher1 page #bge4 ,,the ,,moose4 ,we have already given so much space to the hunting of the deer that we shall be obliged to cut short our remarks on the ,moose1 particularly as it is a representative of the same family4 ,this animal is the largest of the ,deer tribe1 being seven or eight feet in height and often weighing over fifteen hundred pounds4 ,it is supplied with immense flat spreading horns1 sometimes expanding to the distance of six feet between the tips4 ,it is found in ,maine1 ,oregon and ,washington ,territories1 and in the neighborhood of the great lakes1 and inhabits the regions as far ,page #bbj north as the ,arctic ,sea4 ,its color is yellowish brown4 ,the fur is thicker in winter than summer1 and on the neck of the animal the hair is very coarse and hangs in an immense tuft of over a foot in length4 ,the flesh is most excellent food and is much esteemed by trappers4 ,the habits of the moose are in most respects identical with the deer1 already described1 and like them they form yards during the winter season4 ,illustration ,in the ,north the moose is hunted on snow-shoes by the natives1 and in summer they are shot like the deer4 ,they are often very dangerous and terrible creatures to hunt1 and the utmost care and skill1 as described in regard to the deer1 is required on the part of the hunter in order to avoid detection through the exquisite sense of smell which the animal possesses4 ,the moose is easily trapped4 ,the ,newhouse1 ,no4 #f1 is especially adapted for the purpose1 and it should be chained to a clog of stone or wood of over fifty pounds in weight4 ,set the trap in the yard1 or beneath the snow where the moose frequents1 or in the summer1 or fall seasons1 as described for the deer1 using the same methods in regard to baiting1 etc4 ,skin after the manner of cattle1 and stretch the hide on a hoop-spreader4 ,page #bge4 ,,rocky ,,mountain ,,sheep4 ,these creatures are natives of the entire range of the ,rocky ,mountains1 and are especially prized on account of the superior quality of their flesh as food4 ,they are much larger and more powerful than the domestic sheep1 and the ram is provided with enormous curved horns4 ,the wool of the animal is intermixed with coarse grey hairs1 and the general appearance of the fur is russet grey1 with the exception of the rump and under parts1 which are of a dirty white color4 ,the animal is generally very wary and retiring1 and inhabits the most secluded and inaccessible mountain regions and rocky cliffs4 ,they are easily captured by the steel trap 7,no4 #e7 set in their haunts4 ,the dead-fall is also used in some instances4 ,remove the skin as described for the deer4 ,,the ,,buffalo4 ,the ,buffaloes or ,bison of the ,western plains is too well known to need description4 ,they travel in migrating herds of thousands1 and are found from ,texas to ,british ,america4 ,their food ,page #bba consists chiefly of grass1 of which the ,buffalo grass is their great delight4 ,they graze and travel through the day and rest by night4 ,they are more the game of the hunter than the trapper1 although the largest side ,newhouse would effectually secure one of the animals4 ,the ,buffalo is generally hunted on horseback1 the usual method being that of stealing into the drove while grazing1 always moving against the wind in order to avoid being scented4 ,the flesh is palatable and by many much relished4 ,the ,buffalo skins of commerce are furnished by the cows4 ,the bull skins are almost devoid of fur on the hinder parts1 the hair being confined to the huge heavy mass on the hump and mane4 ,skin the animal as described for the ,moose4 ,,the ,,prong ,,horn ,,antelope4 ,this sole ,american representative of the ,antelope tribe we believe is seldom trapped2 but as it is a well-known animal on the ,western plains1 a short mention of it is required here4 ,in general shape this creature bears considerable resemblance to the deer1 the form of the horn being its chief peculiarity1 each one of which is provided with a single prong1 from which the animal takes its name1 of ,prong ,horn4 ,the color of the body is brownish-yellow1 with the exception of the rump and belly which are almost white4 ,the ,antelopes generally travel in herds1 and are much hunted by the ,indians who surround them and destroy them with heavy clubs4 ,like the deer1 their sense of smell is especially keen and the same caution is required in hunting them4 ,in size they are about the same as the ,virginian ,deer4 ,they are wonderfully graceful in all their movements1 and are even more fleet of foot than the deer4 ,these ,antelopes inhabit the ,western ,prairies and wooded borders from ,new ,mexico northward1 and their flesh is much esteemed as an article of diet4 ,they may be caught in their feeding places1 as recommended for the deer1 using the same sized trap4 ,the dead fall is also efficacious in their capture1 and they are also sometimes taken in large pit-falls covered over with light sticks and leaves1 to resemble the natural surroundings4 ,on this false covering1 the bait1 consisting of green corn or other vegetables1 is strewn and a high wall of logs or stones is erected around it1 in order that the animal will be obliged to jump slightly in order to reach the bait4 ,remove the hide as recommended for the deer4 ,page #bbb ,,shooting ,,and ,,poisoning4 ,until the introduction of the steel-trap1 shooting was a common method of taking fur bearing animals1 and even to the present day it is quite prevalent in some localities4 ,anyone who has had any experience with the fur trade must have learned that furs which are shot1 are much affected in value4 ,some furriers will not purchase such skins at any price2 and they never meet with any but a very low offer4 ,trapped furs and shot furs are terms of considerable significance in the fur trade1 and anyone who wishes to realize from a profitable sale of his furs1 should use his gun as little as possible4 ,a shot grazing through the fur of an animal cuts the hairs as if with a knife1 and a single such furrow is often enough to spoil a skin4 ,it is these oblique grazing shots which particularly damage the fur1 and an animal killed with a shot gun is seldom worth skinning for the value of its pelt4 ,if firearms are used1 the rifle is preferable4 ,if the animal chances to be hit broadside or by a direct penetrating bullet1 the two small holes thus made may not particularly effect the value of its skin1 although even then the chances are rather slight4 ,trapped furs are of the greatest value4 ,the use of poison is objectionable as a means of capture in animals especially desired for their fur4 ,strychnine is the substance generally employed1 and unless its victim is skinned immediately after death the pelt becomes considerably injured by the absorption of the poison4 ,it has the effect of loosening the fur and the hair sheds easily4 ,the poison is principally used in the capture of ,wolves and animals considered in the light of vermin4 ,for a wolf or fox1 the poison is mixed with lard or tallow and spread on pieces of meat1 or a small amount of the powder is inclosed in an incision in the bait4 ,the amount sufficient for a single dose may be easily held on the point of a knife blade1 and death ensues in a a very few moments after the bait is taken4 ,for a ,bear the dose should be a half thimbleful1 and it should be deposited in the centre of a piece of honey comb1 the cells being emptied of their honey for that purpose4 ,other animals may be taken by proportionate quantities of the poison1 but for general purposes we discourage its use4 ,page #bbc ,illustration3 ,,the ,,campaign4 ,page #bbe ,,book ,,vii4 ,,campaign ,,life ,,in ,,the ,,wilderness4 ,illustration3 ,it has been the author's object in the preparation of this book not simply to content the reader with a mere superficial knowledge of so-called ,amateur trapping1 but to carry him further into the art professionally considered1 and for this reason we present in the following chapter a full catalogue of the trapper's outfit1 containing detailed descriptions of all the necessaries for a most thorough campaign1 including boats and canoes1 log cabins1 shanties and tents1 snow shoes and camp furniture of all kinds1 together with numerous and valuable hints on trapper's food4 ,,plan ,,of ,,campaign4 ,the first thing to be considered in reference to a campaign is the selection of a trapping ground1 and it is always desirable to choose a locality where travel by water can be resorted to as much as possible4 ,otter1 mink1 beaver and muskrat are among the most desirable game for the trapper1 and as these are all amphibious animals1 a watered district is therefore the best on all accounts4 ,lakes1 ponds1 and streams1 bordered by wild woods1 form the best possible grounds for general trapping1 and the mountain lakes of the ,adirondacks and ,alleghenies1 and all similar regions are especially desirable on this account4 ,almost any wild country1 intersected with streams1 lakes1 and rivers1 is apt to abound with game1 and some trappers confine their labors to the borders of a single lake1 and adjoining forest4 ,this plan is especially to be recommended to the amateur1 as much of the travelling to and fro can be done by boat1 ,page #bbf the labor being thus much lightened4 ,having decided upon the seat of operations1 the young trappers should immediately set to work at building their shanties and boats4 ,the home shanty is of the greatest importance1 and should be constructed first4 ,select some flat bit of land near the water and clear it of brush wood1 or other rubbish and proceed to work as described on page #bdb4 ,a good axe is the only tool required by an experienced trapper in the construction of such a shanty4 ,should the trapping lines be very extensive1 additional bark shanties1 page #bde1 will require to be made at intervals along the line1 for sleeping stations and shelters in case of storm4 ,the professional trapper generally attends to the building of his shanties and boats before the trapping season commences1 and thus has everything in readiness for his campaign4 ,if in a birch bark country the ,indian canoe1 page #bfj1 is the most desirable craft1 on account of its lightness and portability4 ,the dug-out1 or bateau1 described on page #bei1 will also do good service4 ,the trapping season begins in ,october1 and everything should be in readiness at this time1 so that the trappers may devote all their time strictly to business4 ,the route of the professional trapper often extends over fifty miles1 and the number and weight of traps and provisions which these rough-and-ready individuals often carry as personal luggage is most astounding4 ,fifty or sixty pounds apiece is considered a fair burden1 and they deem no one a fit physical subject for a campaign who cannot at least manage thirty pounds with comparative ease4 ,the number of the trapping party generally consists of from two to four4 ,a few days prior to the opening of the trapping season1 the party start out1 laden with their burden of traps and provisions1 and deposit them at intervals along the line1 the provisions being mainly kept in the home shanty4 ,several trips may be necessary to complete these preparations1 unless the trapping ground is readily accessible by wagon or boat1 in which case the transportation is much easier4 ,the home shanty is generally built only when the trapping grounds are far in the wilderness1 miles away from civilization4 ,if the line extends from the outskirts of some town or village1 such a hut may be dispensed with4 ,it is used principally as a storehouse for furs1 provisions1 ammunition1 tools1 and other valuables1 and also serves as a point of rendezvous1 or a home1 for the trappers1 one of the number being generally left in charge to keep shanty while his companions are on their tramps in search of game4 ,if desired1 a boy may be taken ,page #bbg along for this especial purpose4 ,in every case1 some such guardian is very necessary1 and particularly in wild districts1 abounding in wolves and bears1 as these animals have an odd trick of breaking into unguarded shanties1 and often make sad havoc with its stores4 ,steel traps are almost exclusively used by the professional trapper1 and the supply for a single campaign will often exceed one hundred and fifty4 ,many of the traps described in the early part of this work are also used1 and for the amateur who has not the ready cash to layout in steel traps1 are decidedly to be recommended and will be found very efficient4 ,from thirty to fifty traps would be a fair number for an ordinary amateur trapping season1 and the probable cost of such a lot would be from #ae to #be4 ,the sizes of the traps will depend upon the game sought1 ,no4 #b-a_/b being a good average4 ,with this supply1 relying somewhat on dead-falls1 twitch-ups1 and the various other devices described in our early pages1 we can guarantee lively sport1 of course1 presuming that good judgment has been used in the selection of a trapping ground4 ,in later articles1 under the proper headings1 we give full details concerning food and cooking utensils1 shelter and bedding1 as well as many other requisites for the trapper's comfort4 ,to complete the list he should provide himself with a good sharp axe1 and hatchet1 and if the log canoe is in anticipation he will also require the other tools mentioned on page #bei an oilstone being carried in order to keep the various tools in good repair2 an auger1 saw1 and some large nails are also to be desired1 and a small parcel containing needles1 thread1 pins1 scissors1 etc41 will be found indispensable4 ,cleanliness is next to ,godliness1 and there are no more luxurious necessities in camp life than a piece of soap and a clean towel4 ,for light it is advisable to carry a supply of candles1 or a lantern with a can of oil4 ,the latter is1 of course1 more bulky1 and for a campaign wholly on foot is hardly to be recommended on this account4 ,each trapper should be provided with a stout jack-knife1 pocket-compass1 and a supply of matches1 a number of these being always carried on the person to provide for the emergencies to which the hunter is always subject4 ,one of the party should carry a double-barrelled shot-gun and another a rifle1 or both may be combined in a single weapon4 ,a revolver is also a desirable acquisition4 ,purified neats-foot oil should be used on the fire-arms1 and in lieu of this1 some trappers use the melted fat of the grouse for the same purpose4 ,a good supply of fishing tackle is almost indispensable1 and ,page #bbh with these valuable equipments the young trapper may defy the wilderness with all its hazards4 ,with his traps1 gun and rod1 together with his store of provisions1 he may look forward to a larder well stocked and may calculate on an appetite which will do it justice4 ,the list of portable provisions and cooking utensils best adapted for a campaign are given under their proper title1 and will be found to cover all the wants of the most fastidious4 ,the stove is the most cumbersome article1 but trappers generally dispense with its use altogether1 looking at it rather in the light of a luxury as well as a nuisance4 ,the open camp fire will answer every purpose1 both for cooking and for comfort in cold weather4 ,for clothing it is desirable to carry at least two suits1 in order to have a change4 ,they should be of woolen1 and from the hunter's point of view1 should be of a sombre shade1 so as to be as inconspicuous as possible4 ,the use of high-top boots is to be deprecated1 as they are tiresome and unwieldy4 ,short boots1 with thick1 iron-pegged soles1 are generally preferred by trappers1 and in order to render them soft1 pliable1 and waterproof they may be soaked or smeared with a hot mixture1 composed of one part rosin1 two parts beeswax1 and three parts tallow4 ,simple tallow1 or even the fat of the deer1 is sometimes used for the same purpose4 ,calculating on a successful campaign1 a supply of board-stretchers1 page #bgc1 will be needed for the curing of the skins1 and if our adventurous enthusiasts should extend their experience along into the winter1 the toboggan and snow-shoes will come into good use for convenient winter travel4 ,the trapping season properly commences in ,october and ends in ,april4 ,the pelts of fur bearing animals are in their best condition during this time1 and in the winter are in their prime4 ,the various modes of setting and baiting traps for all our leading animals are clearly set forth in another part of this volume4 ,and in the accompanying engravings will be found life like representations of each species4 ,in a trapping campaign it is an excellent plan to select a central point for the home shanty1 extending the trapping lines in several directions therefrom1 following the borders of the lakes or streams for the otter1 beaver1 mink and muskrat2 and setting a few lines inland for the capture of martens1 racoons1 foxes1 etc4 ,for an amateur campaign this a most excellent and convenient ,page #bbi arrangement1 the lines may extend all the way from one to five miles each1 and connect at their edges1 the whole ground plan resembling the form of a wheel1 the shanty corresponding to the hub1 and the trapping lines the spokes1 the tire representing the circuit connecting the various lines4 ,where the latter extend over many miles it is well to construct bark shanties at the limits4 ,let each trapper take a certain spoke1 and follow it to its terminus1 returning on the adjacent line4 ,on his arrival at the shanty he should immediately set to work skinning the animals taken1 and stretching their furs4 ,full directions for skinning the various game are given under their respective titles1 and the curing of skins is treated in detail in another chapter of this work4 ,we also present a table of the comparative values of the various ,american furs at the present date of publication4 ,of course these values are constantly varying1 but the table will serve at least to gauge the relative values of common and scarce furs4 ,great care should always be used in removing the skins from the various animals1 as the final value of the fur much depends upon this4 ,they should not be removed from the stretchers until perfectly dry1 and should then be laid in a cool1 airy place4 ,when near a village or settlement it is advisable to send into town every few days with a batch of furs for safe keeping1 and particularly so when the skins are valuable1 and in cases where the home shanty is left unguarded4 ,the value of prime otter or mink pelt is a matter of no small importance1 and a good trapping ground furnishes a rare field for light fingered prowlers who are well posted on the market price of raw furs1 and who are constantly on the lookout for such prizes1 either in the shape of the prepared skin1 or on the back of the live animal4 ,these trap robbers1 or poachers1 are the pests of trappers1 and many have learned from dear experience the advisability of placing their choice furs beyond the reach of the marauders4 ,the hut in which they are stored is nearly always kept guarded1 and1 where this is impracticable1 the skins are hid in hollow trees1 or carried to some near settlement1 as we have already mentioned4 ,if the campaign proves successful and promises well for another season1 it is customary to hide the traps beneath rocks1 thus saving the labor of a second transportation4 ,in order to keep the traps from rusting1 it is well to cover them with oat or buckwheat chaff4 ,the rock should be first rolled from its resting place1 and a bed of the chaff made beneath it1 in which the traps should be covered1 the rock being afterwards replaced4 ,in a few such ,page #bcj places all the traps may be effectually stored away1 and they will be found in prime order and ready for business on the following season4 ,in the months of ,september and ,october trappers are much annoyed by gnats and mosquitoes1 and1 as a preventive against the attacks of these pests1 we give on page #bee some valuable receipts1 which have stood the test of time1 and are still the most effective remedies4 ,the smudge1 consisting of a smouldering pile of birch bark is also used where the insects infest the tents or shanties by night4 ,the bark should be dry1 and should not be allowed to blaze4 ,the smudge is generally placed at the entrance of the tent1 and the trapper may then take his choice between smoke or mosquitoes1 both cannot exist together1 and a tent infested with the blood-thirsty pests may be effectually cleared in a few minutes by the introduction of smoking brand for a few seconds4 ,if the tent is now closely buttoned and the smudge kept burning directly outside1 there will be no further trouble with the mosquitoes1 and the odor of the smoke is1 after all1 but a slight annoyance and to some is even enjoyable after being once accustomed to it4 ,when the home shanty is infested1 it may be cleared in the same way1 and by the aid of two or more smudges on the windward side may be kept free from the insects4 ,,food ,,and ,,cooking ,,utensils4 ,the professional trapper on a campaign depends much upon his traps for his food1 and often entirely contents himself with the subsistence thus gained4 ,we encourage and believe in roughing it to a certain extent1 but not to that limit to which it is often carried by many professional followers of the trap throughout our country4 ,the course of diet to which these individuals subject themselves1 would often do better credit to a half civilized barbarian than to an enlightened white man1 and when it comes to starting on a campaign with no provision for food excepting a few traps1 a gun1 and a box of matches1 and relying on a chance chip for a frying-pan1 he would rather be counted out4 ,in ordinary cases we see no necessity for such deprivation1 and1 on the other hand1 we decry the idea of transporting a whole kitchen and larder into the woods4 ,there is a happy medium between the two extremes1 whereby a light amount of luggage in the shape of cooking utensils and closely packed portable food1 may render the wild life of the trapper very cozy and comfortable1 and his meals a source of enjoyment1 instead of a ,page #bca fulfilment of physical duty4 ,what with the stock of traps1 necessary tools1 blankets1 etc41 the trapper's burden is bound to be pretty heavy1 and it becomes necessary to select such food for transportation as shall combine the greatest amount of nutriment and the least possible weight1 and to confine the utensils to those absolutely necessary for decent cooking4 ,the trapper's culinary outfit may then be reduced to the following items1 and in them he will find a sufficiency for very passable living4 ,one of the most nutritious and desirable articles of food consists of fine sifted ,indian meal2 and it is the only substantial article of diet which many trappers will deign to carry at all4 ,by some it is mixed with twice its quantity of wheat flour1 and is thus used in the preparation of quite a variety of palatable dishes4 ,one or two pounds of salt pork will also be found a valuable addition2 boxes of pepper and salt and soda should also be carried4 ,with these simple provisions alone1 relying on his gun1 traps and fishing tackle for animal food1 the young trapper may rely on three enjoyable meals a day1 if he is anything of a cook4 ,pork fritters are not to be despised1 even at a hotel table2 and with the above they can be made to suit the palate of the most fastidious4 ,indian meal is a valuable accessory with cooks generally1 and to the trapper it often becomes his great staff of life4 ,if our young enthusiast desires to try his hand at roughing it to the fullest extent1 compatible with common sense and the strength of an ordinary physical constitution1 he may endeavor to content himself with the above portable rations2 but with anything less it becomes too much like starvation to arouse our enthusiasm4 ,for cooking utensils1 a small frying-pan and a deep tin basin are indispensable2 and a drinking cup is also to be desired4 ,the kind known as the telescope cup1 constructed in three parts1 which close within each other1 when not in use1 possesses great advantages on account of its portability4 ,with these one can get along pretty decently4 ,illustration ,the pork fritters already mentioned form a favorite dish with trappers generally1 and can be made in the following ,page #bcb way2 have at hand a thick batter of the ,indian meal and flour2 cut a few slices of the pork1 and fry them in the frying-pan until the fat is tried out2 cut a few more slices of the pork2 dip them in the batter and drop them in the bubbling fat1 seasoning with salt and pepper2 cook until light brown and eat while hot4 ,the question now arises1 ,what shall we eat them with8 ,if you are roughing it1 such luxuries as plates and knifes and forks are surely out of the question2 and you must content yourself with a pair of chop sticks a la ,chinee1 or make your jackknife do double purpose1 using a flat chip or stone as a plate4 ,a small tin plate may be added to the list of utensils if desired1 but we are now confining ourselves to the lowest limit of absolute necessities4 ,that wholesome dish known as boiled mush1 may come under the above bill of fare2 and fried mush is an old stand-by to the rough and ready trapper4 ,in the first case the ,indian meal is slowly boiled for one hour1 and then seasoned as eaten4 ,it is then allowed to cool1 and is cut in slices and fried in fat4 ,indian meal cakes are easily made by dropping a quantity of the hot mush in the frying-pan1 having previously stirred in a small quantity of soda1 and turning it as soon as the lower side is browned4 ,a ,johnny cake thus made is always appetizing1 and with the addition of a little sugar1 it becomes a positive luxury4 ,hoe cakes1 so much relished by many1 can be made by mixing up a quantity into a thick mass1 adding a little soda4 ,bake in the fire on a chip or flat stone4 ,the trapper's ground is generally in the neighborhood of lakes or streams1 and fresh fish are always to be had4 ,they may be cooked in a manner which would tempt a city epicure2 and when it comes to the cooking of a fresh brook trout1 neither a ,prof4 ,blot nor a ,delmonico can compete with the trapper's recipe4 ,the trout is first emptied and cleaned through a hole at the neck1 if the fish is large enough to admit of it2 if not1 it should be done by a slit up the belly4 ,the interior should be carefully washed and seasoned with salt and pepper2 and in the case of a large fish1 it should be stuffed with ,indian meal4 ,build a good fire and allow the wood to burn down to embers2 lay the fish in the hot ashes and cover it with the burning coals and embers2 leave it thus for about half an hour1 more or less1 in proportion to the size of the fish 7this may be easily determined by experiment72 when done1 remove it carefully from the ashes1 and peel off the skin4 ,the clean pink flesh and delicious savor which now manifest themselves will create an appetite where none before existed4 ,all the delicate ,page #bcc flavor and sweet juices of the fish are thus retained1 and the trout as food is then known in its perfection4 ,by the ordinary method of cooking1 the trout loses much of its original flavor by the evaporation of its juices2 and although a delicious morsel in any event1 it is never fully appreciated excepting after being roasted in the ashes1 as above described4 ,the other method consists in rolling the fish in the ,indian meal and frying it in the frying-pan with a piece of the salt pork4 ,seasoning as desired4 ,partridges1 ducks1 quail1 and other wild fowl are most delicious when cooked in the ashes as described for the trout4 ,the bird should be drawn in the ordinary manner1 and the inside washed perfectly clean4 ,it should then be embedded in the hot coals and ashes1 the feathers having been previously saturated with water4 ,when done1 the skin and feathers will easily peel off1 and the flesh will be found to be wonderfully sweet1 tender1 and juicy4 ,a stuffing of pounded crackers and minced meat of any kind1 with plenty of seasoning1 greatly improves the result1 or the ,indian meal may be used if desired4 ,a fowl thus roasted is a rare delicacy4 ,a partridge1 squirrel1 pigeon1 woodcock1 or any other game can be broiled as well in the woods as at home1 using a couple of green-branched twigs for a spider or toaster1 and turning occasionally4 ,for this purpose the bird should be plucked of its feathers1 cleanly drawn and washed1 and spread out by cutting down the back4 ,venison1 moose1 or bear meat1 can be deliciously roasted in joints of several pounds before a good fire1 using a green birch branch as a spit1 and resting it on two logs1 situated on opposite sides of the fire4 ,the meat can thus be occasionally turned and propped in place by a small stick1 sprinkling occasionally with salt and pepper4 ,the above manner of making the fire is that adopted by most woodsmen4 ,two large green logs1 of several feet in length1 being first laid down at about three feet distant1 between these the fire is built1 and when a kettle is used a heavy pole is so arranged as to project and hold it over the fire4 ,a cutlet of venison fried in the pan is delicious1 and a ,johnny cake cooked in the fat of this meat is a decided dainty4 ,with the above hints for a rough and ready campaign1 we think the young trapper ought to be able to get along quite comfortably4 ,we will now pass on to the consideration of what the average ,page #bcd professional trapper would call luxuries4 ,the stock of these depends much upon the location of the trapping ground4 ,if accessible by wagon or boat1 or both1 they may be carried in unlimited quantities1 but when they are to be borne on the back of the trapper through a pathless wilderness of miles1 the supply will1 of course1 have to be cut short4 ,when two or three start out together it becomes much easier1 one carrying the traps and tools2 another the guns1 cooking utensils1 etc42 the third confining his luggage to the food4 ,one of the most necessary requisites for a journey on foot consists in a knapsack or large square basket1 which can be easily strapped to the back of the shoulders1 thus leaving the hands free4 ,matches are absolutely indispensable1 and a good supply should be carried4 ,they should always be enclosed in a large-mouthed bottle with a close fitting cork1 to prevent their being damaged by moisture4 ,for further safety in this regard the matches may be rendered perfectly water-proof by dipping their ends in thin mastic or shellac varnish4 ,if not at hand1 this varnish can be easily made by dissolving a small quantity of either sort of gum in three or four times its bulk of alcohol4 ,it is well to dip the whole stick in the solution1 thereby rendering the entire match impervious to moisture4 ,lucifer matches are the best1 and1 when thus prepared1 they may lay in water for hours without any injury4 ,it is a fearful thing to find oneself in the wilderness1 cold and hungry1 and without the means of lighting a fire1 and to prepare for such an emergency it is always advisable to be provided with a pocket sun glass4 ,so long as the sun shines a fire is thus always to be had1 either by igniting a small quantity of powder 7which the trapper is always supposed to carry7 or using powdered touch wood or punk tinder in its place4 ,fine scrapings from dry wood will easily ignite by the sun glass1 and by fanning the fire and adding additional fuel it will soon burst into flame4 ,in cloudy weather1 and in the absence of matches1 a fire may easily be kindled by sprinkling a small quantity of powder on a large flat stone1 setting a percussion cap in its midst1 and covering the whole with dry leaves4 ,a smart strike on the cap with a hammer will have the desired result1 and by heaping additional fuel on the blazing leaves the fire soon reaches large proportions4 ,if the young trapper should ever be so unfortunate as to find himself in the wild woods1 chilled and hungry1 minus matches1 powder1 caps1 and sun glass1 he may as a last resort try the following3 ,scrape some lint or cotton from some portion of the garment1 or some tinder from a dry stick1 and lay it on the ,page #bce surface of some rough rock1 white quartz rock if it can be found4 ,next procure a fragment of the same stone1 or a piece of steel from some one of the traps1 and strike its edge sharply1 and with a skipping stroke into the further side of the tinder1 the direction being such as will send the sparks thus produced into the inflammable material4 ,continue this operation until the tinder ignites4 ,by now gently fanning the smoking mass it may easily be coaxed into flame4 ,at least so our ,adirondack guide told us last summer4 ,the author has never had occasion to test the merits of the plan for himself1 and has no special desire of being so placed1 as that his life will hang upon its success4 ,he presents it therefore as a mere suggestion without endorsing its practicability1 and would rather prefer matches in the long run4 ,the open fire generally serves both for purposes of warmth and cooking1 but by many1 a camp stove is considered a great improvement4 ,stoves of this character1 and for this especial purpose1 are in the market4 ,they are small and portable1 with pipe and furniture1 all of which pack away closely into the interior4 ,a fire is easily started in one of these stoves1 and1 by closing the damper1 a slow fire may be kept up through the night4 ,the stove is generally set up at the entrance of the tent1 the pipe passing through the top1 in a hole near the ridge pole4 ,the furniture consists of three pots or kettles1 which pack easily into each other1 and when in the stove still leave ample room for a considerable amount of provisions4 ,the kettles are made of block-tin1 and frying-pans also1 as these are much more light and portable than those made of iron4 ,the lid may be used as a plate1 and for this purpose the handle consists of an iron ring1 which will fold flat against the surface when inverted4 ,knives1 forks1 and spoons are easily stowed away in the stove or knapsack1 and a coffee-pot should always be carried4 ,there is a knife known as the combination camp-knife1 which is much used by hunters and trappers1 and contains a spoon1 fork1 knife1 and various other useful appendages1 in a most compact form4 ,it costs from one to two dollars4 ,for provisions1 potatoes will be found excellent1 both on account of their portability and the variety of ways in which they may be served4 ,they are healthy and nutritions1 and always palatable4 ,beans are also very desirable for the same reasons4 ,wheat flour will form a valuable addition to the trapper's larder1 and particularly so1 if the self-raising kind can be had4 ,this ,page #bcf flour contains all the required ingredients for light bread and biscuit1 and is sold by grocers generally1 in packages of various sizes1 with accompanying recipes4 ,we strongly recommend it where a stove is employed2 and to anyone who is fond of biscuit1 bread1 or pancakes1 it will be appreciated4 ,butter1 lard1 sugar1 salt1 pepper and mustard are valuable accessories1 and curry-powder1 olive oil1 and vinegar will often be found useful4 ,olive oil is often used by camping parties with the curry powder1 and also as a substitute for lard in the frying-pan4 ,pork1 ,indian meal and crackers1 wheaten grits1 rice1 and oat-meal are desirable1 and coffee and tea are great luxuries4 ,for soups1 ,liebig's extract of beef is a most valuable article1 and with the addition of other ingredients1 vegetables or meat1 the result is a most delicious and nutritious dish4 ,this extract is obtainable at almost any grocer's1 and full directions and recipes accompany each jar4 ,canned vegetables are much to be desired on account of their portability1 and are never so delicious as when cooked over a camp fire4 ,lemonade is always a luscious beverage1 but never so much so as to a thirsty trapper4 ,a few lemons are easily carried and will repay the trouble4 ,all provisions1 such as meal1 flour1 sugar1 salt1 crackers1 and the like1 should be enclosed in water-proof canvas bags1 and labelled4 ,the bags may be rendered water-proof either by painting1 7in which case no lead or arsenic paints should be used7 or by dipping in the preparation described on page #bdg4 ,if these are not used1 a rubber blanket1 page #bej1 may be substituted1 the eatables being carefully wrapped therein1 when not in use4 ,the butter and lard should be put up in air-tight jars1 and should be kept in a cool place1 either on the ground in a shady spot1 or in some cool spring4 ,for a campaign on foot1 the knapsack1 or shoulder-basket1 already alluded to on page #bcd1 is an indispensable article4 ,it should be quite large and roomy1 say fifteen inches in depth and ten by twelve inches in its other dimensions4 ,the material should be canvas1 rubber cloth1 or wicker1 and1 in any case1 the opening at the top should have a water-proof covering extending well over the sides4 ,the straps may consist of old suspender bands1 fastened crosswise on the broad side of the bag4 ,the capacity of such a knapsack is surprising1 and the actual weight of luggage seems half reduced when thus carried on the shoulders4 ,when three or four trappers start together1 which is the usual custom1 and each is provided with such a shoulder basket1 the luggage can be thus divided1 and the load for each individual much lightened4 ,page #bcg ,venison is the trapper's favorite food1 and in mild weather it sometimes happens that the overplus of meat becomes tainted before it can be eaten4 ,to overcome this difficulty the following process is resorted to1 for the preservation of the meat1 and the result is the well-known and high-priced jerked venison of our markets4 ,the flesh is first cut into small1 thin strips1 all the meat being picked off from the bones4 ,the pieces are then placed on the inside of the hide of the animal and thoroughly mixed with salt1 a pint and a half being generally sufficient4 ,the salt being well worked in1 the fragments should be carefully wrapped in the hide1 and suffered to remain in this condition for two or three hours4 ,the meat is then ready to be dried1--jerked4 ,four forked poles should be first driven into the ground1 about six feet apart1 in the form of a square1 the forks being four feet above ground4 ,lay two poles of green wood across the forks on the two opposite sides of the square1 and cover the space between them by other poles laid across them1 an inch or two inches apart4 ,on to this mammoth gridiron the strips of flesh should now be spread1 and a steady fire of birch or other clean1 fresh wood should be kept steadily burning beneath for about twenty-four hours4 ,at the end of this time the meat will have reduced much in size and weight4 ,the salt will have been thoroughly dried in1 and the flesh so prepared may be kept for almost any length of time4 ,in its present condition it is excellent eating1 and it is always at hand for frying1 and may be cooked in a variety of ways4 ,moose and bear meat may be dried in a similar manner1 using a proportionate amount of salt4 ,fish may also be prepared in the same way1 for which purpose they should be scaled as usual and afterward spread open by cutting down the back1 the bone being removed4 ,we cordially recommend this method of preparing both flesh and fish1 and no trapper's recipe book is complete without it4 ,in localities where wolves abound1 the nocturnal invasions of these creatures often render the keeping of fresh meat a very difficult task1 and in this connection it may be well to give directions for the preservation of game desired to be used either as fresh meat or for purposes of drying4 ,the spring-pole is most commonly and successfully used4 ,select some stout sapling1 bend it down1 and cut off a limb several feet from the ground4 ,hang the meat in the crotch thus formed1 and allow the tree to swing back4 ,by dividing the meat into several parts it may thus all be protected4 ,when ,page #bch a moose or deer is killed at such a time or place1 or under such circumstances as render its immediate dressing impossible1 its carcass may be defended against mutilation by another means4 ,wolves are naturally sly and sagacious1 and have a wholesome fear of a trap4 ,any unnatural arrangement of logs and stones immediately excites their suspicion1 and the trapper takes advantage of this wary peculiarity to good purpose4 ,laying his dead game near some fallen tree or old log he strews a few branches over the carcass1 or perhaps rests a log over it4 ,sometimes he hangs the entrails of the animal over the body1 on a forked stick1 anyone of which devices is said to have the desired result4 ,the wolverine is another pest to the trapper1 and not being so sly as the wolf1 never hesitates to pounce upon any flesh within its reach4 ,the former method1 therefore1 is always the safest plan for absolute protection against all animals4 ,the moose and deer are the favorite food of trappers in the country where these animals abound1 and the trappers of the ,far ,west find in the flesh of the ,moufflon1 or ,rocky ,mountain sheep1 a delicacy which they consider superior to the finest venison4 ,the prong-horn antelope of the ,western plains is another favorite food-animal with hunters1 and the various small game1 such as squirrels1 rabbits1 woodchucks1 etc41 are by no means to be despised4 ,the author once knew a trapper who was loud in his praises of skunk meat for food1 and many hunters can testify to its agreeable flavor when properly dressed and cooked4 ,it is hard1 to be sure1 to getup much enthusiasm over a skunk1 dead or alive1 but where other food is not to be had we would discourage the young trapper from being too fastidious4 ,the buffalo1 or bison1 is the great resource of the trappers of the ,west4 ,the tongue1 tenderloin and brisket are generally preferred1 but all the meat is eatable4 ,the flesh of the cow is best4 ,it much resembles beef1 but has a more gamey flavor4 ,in winged game there is no food superior to the flesh of the grouse1 and the great number of the species and wide range of territory which they inhabit render them the universal food game of trappers throughout the world4 ,the ruffed grouse or partridge1 pinnated grouse or prairie hen1 spruce or ,canada grouse1 and the cock-of-the-plains or sage cock1 are familiar ,american examples of the family1 and their near relatives1 the ptarmigans1 afford a valuable source of food to the trappers and hunters1 as well as general inhabitants of our northern cold countries4 ,here they are known as snow grouse1 and there are ,page #bci several species4 ,the willow ptarmigan is the most common1 and in ,rome localities exists in almost incredible numbers4 ,flocks numbering several thousand have been frequently seen by travellers in the ,hudson's ,bay territory2 and the surface of the snow in a desirable feeding ground1 is often completely covered by the birds1 in quest of the willow tops1 which form their chief food during the winter season4 ,the ,indians and natives secure the birds in large numbers1 by the trap described on page #ge1 and ,hearne1 the traveller and explorer of the ,hudson's ,bay region1 asserts that he has known over three hundred to be thus caught in a single morning1 by three persons4 ,of water fowl1 ducks and geese are especially to be recommended4 ,the former are hunted with decoys and boats1 and are sometimes trapped1 as described on pages #id4 ,the species are distinguished as sea ducks and river or inland ducks4 ,the latter are considered the most desirable for food1 being more delicate and less gamey in flavor than the salt-water1 or fish-eating varieties4 ,the mallard1 teal1 muscovy1 widgeon1 and wood-chuck are familiar species of the inland birds1 and the merganser and canvass-back are the two most esteemed salt-water varieties4 ,wild geese are common throughout ,north ,america1 and may be seen either in the early spring or late fall migrating in immense numbers4 ,they form a staple article of food in many parts of ,british ,america1 and great numbers are salted down for winter supply4 ,they are trapped in large numbers1 as described on page #ge1 and are hunted with tame geese as decoys1 the hunter being secreted behind a screen or covert1 and attracting the game by imitating their cries4 ,fish form an agreeable change to the trapper's diet1 and may be caught by the hook and line1 or by spearing4 ,the latter method requires considerable practice and skill1 but is very successful4 ,the ,indians of the ,north are great experts in the use of the spear1 and the number of salmon taken by them annually is enormous4 ,the spear generally consists of five or six steel prongs an inch apart and barbed at the ends4 ,it is mounted on a heavy handle1 and when it strikes its victim its grip is sure death4 ,the spearing is generally performed either at the spawning beds or at the falls4 ,salmon trout are generally speared in the night time by boat1 the spawning ground1 generally a gravel bank near the shore1 being the seat of operations4 ,a fire of pitch pine and birch bark is ignited on an elevated jack in the bow of the boat1 the jack consisting of an ox-muzzle1 or other concave wire contrivance ,page #bdj which will hold the inflammable materials4 ,this is secured to a post or crotched stick1 as a prop1 and the spearman stands near the burning mass with his spear in readiness4 ,as his companion in the stern of the boat paddles1 he keenly watches for his victim1 and1 seeing his opportunity1 makes his lunge and lands his prize4 ,to become a successful spearman requires much practice and no small degree of skill4 ,to retain one's balance1 acquire quickness of stroke1 and withal to regulate the aim so as to allow for the refraction of the light in the water1 all tend to invest the sport with a degree of skill which only experience can master4 ,fishing through the ice in winter is a rare sport1 and large numbers of brook and lake trout are often taken at this season by cutting holes through the ice and fishing with hook and line4 ,the baits commonly used consist of cow's udder or hog's liver1 these being especially preferred on account of their toughness4 ,angle worms are also excellent1 and any kind of raw meat may be used if other bait is not to be had4 ,it is asserted by some sportsmen that bait scented with assafoetida is much more attractive to the fish1 and will insure a capture which would otherwise be impossible4 ,sweet cicily and anise are also used for the same purpose4 ,when the trout bite lively1 fishing through the ice is a most exciting sport1 and by the aid of tip-ups a single person may command a great number of lines4 ,the winter resort of the brook trout is in water two or three feet deep1 over sandy beds4 ,the lake trout frequent deeper water4 ,the holes are made in the ice at intervals of one or two rods1 and a line set in each hole4 ,the tip-up consists of a narrow strip of lath or shingle1 with a hole bored through it near the large end4 ,at this end the line is attached1 and the hook thrown in the water4 ,a branch is now inserted through the aperture1 and its ends are rested across the opening in the ice4 ,no sooner does the fish bite than the long end tips straight in the air1 and thus betrays its captive4 ,ten or fifteen of these contrivances will often keep one pretty busy1 and do good service4 ,by some an ordinary cut fish pole1 arranged on a crotch1 is used instead of the tip-ups just described4 ,pickerel fishing through the ice is a favorite winter sport in many localities4 ,the line should be about thirty feet in length1 and the bait should consist of a small1 live fish1 hooked through the back4 ,a small cork float should be attached to the line at such a distance as will keep ,page #bda the bait above the bottom1 and the superfluous line should be laid in a loose coil near the hole1 the end being attached to a small switch or bush1 stuck up in the ice near by4 ,the pickerel1 on taking the bait1 should be allowed to play out the whole line before being pulled in1 as the fish requires this time to fully swallow his prey1 after which the hook is sure to hold him firmly4 ,twenty or thirty lines may thus be attended at once1 the bush or twig acting the part of a tip-up1 or sentinel4 ,pickerel spearing is another successful mode of capture during the winter months4 ,a large hole is made in the ice1 in about two feet of water1 and covered by a spacious box or board hut1 six or seven feet square1 and provided with a door4 ,the spearman1 concealed within1 lowers his bait1 consisting of an artificial fish with silver fins1 made especially for the purpose4 ,this he continually twirls in the water1 and as the pickerel approaches the bait1 he gradually raises it1 until the fish is decoyed nearly to the surface of the water1 when a quick stroke of the spear secures his victim1 and the line is again lowered4 ,this is capital sport1 and is very successful4 ,there is a very curious device for fishing by night commonly employed by some anglers1 and sometimes known as the lantern1 or fish trap4 ,many kinds of fish are attracted by a light1 but to use a light as a bait1 submerged beneath the water1 certainly seems odd4 ,it may be done1 however1 in the following way3 ,the fish lantern used for this purpose consists of a bottle containing a solution of phosphorus in sweet oil4 ,procure a piece of the stick phosphorus the size of a small cherry1 and submerging in a saucer of water1 proceed to cut it into small pieces4 ,have in readiness a three-ounce white glass bottle half filled with sweet oil4 ,drop the pieces of phosphorus into the oil and cork the bottle tightly4 ,in the space of a few hours the phosphorus will have been completely dissolved1 and the contents of the bottle will present a thick1 luminous fluid1 which in a dark room1 will afford considerable light4 ,this is the fish lantern4 ,to use it1 the cork is firmly inserted and the bottle1 with fish line attached1 is lowered through the hole in the ice4 ,the water becomes luminous for several feet around1 and the unusual brightness attracts the fish in large numbers4 ,they are plainly1 discernible1 and are readily dispatched with the spear1 or captured by a circular net1 sunk on the bottom1 beneath the luminous bait4 ,this is certainly an odd way of catching fish1 but it is often a very efficacious method4 ,it has not been our intention to enter very extensively into ,page #bdb the subject of fishing1 but only to give such hints as will be found especially useful and practical to the trapper in relation to his food4 ,the above methods1 together with those of trolling and fly-fishing1 are those most commonly employed by trappers and hunters generally1 and we commend them to the amateur4 ,we give1 on page #abj1 a unique device for the capture of fish1 which might also be found useful4 ,with the above general remarks on the campaign1 together with what follows in the detailed articles on the subject1 we think that the ground will have been completely covered4 ,every possible requirement has been anticipated1 and every ordinary emergency foreseen and provided against4 ,,the ,,trapper',s ,,shelter4 ,the life of the professional trapper is a life of hardship and severe exposure1 and a man not only requires considerable courage1 but also great bodily vigor1 in order to combat successfully the dangers of such a wild1 adventuresome existence4 ,the cold and the storm not only imperil his life1 but he is often exposed to the attacks of wild beasts4 ,a shelter1 therefore1 in one form or another1 becomes a necessity while it is always a decided comfort1 in comparison to a campaign without it4 ,the reader will find below descriptions of the various shelters alluded to in other parts of this work1 and used by trappers throughout the land4 ,the most substantial of these is the log shanty1 commonly known among trappers as the home shanty1 on account of its being constructed as the only permanent shelter on the trapping line4 ,it is used as a home1 a place of rendezvous1 and a storehouse for provisions1 furs1 and other necessities and valuables4 ,other temporary shelters1 known as bark shanties1 are also constructed along the trapping lines at intervals of five or ten miles1 as resting places4 ,these we describe under the proper title4 ,although1 to the amateur trapper1 the log shanty is not likely to become a necessity1 we will nevertheless describe its mode of construction1 in order to satisfy our more earnest and adventurous readers1 who aspire to a full taste of wild life4 ,our illustration gives a very clear idea of such a shanty4 ,page #bdc ,illustration3 ,,the ,,home ,,shanty4 ,page #bdd ,it may be constructed of any size1 but one of about twelve by ten feet will be found large enough for ordinary purposes4 ,select straight logs1 about eight inches in diameter4 ,the whole number required will be thirty-six4 ,of these one-half should be twelve feet in length and the other ten4 ,these should now be built up in the square form1 on a level piece of ground1 laying the ends of the logs over each other1 and securing them by notches at the corners1 so deep as to allow the edges of the logs to meet4 ,lay two short logs first1 and continue building until all the thirty-six logs are used1 and we will now have four symmetrical sides about six feet in height4 ,the place for the door should now be selected4 ,the uppermost log should form its upper outline1 and the two sides should be cleanly and straightly cut with a crosscut saw4 ,the window openings1 one or more1 may next be cut1 commencing beneath the second log from the top1 and taking in three beneath it4 ,replace the logs above1 and on the ends of those thus cut1 both in windows and doors1 proceed to spike a heavy plank1 driving two nails into each log1 about five inches apart1 one above the other4 ,this will hold them firmly in place1 and offer a close-fitting jam for the door1 and neat receptacle for the window sashes1 which latter may now be put in after the ordinary manner4 ,the gable ends should next be built upon the smaller sides of the hut4 ,commence by laying a long log 7notched as before7 across the top of the frame work1 and about two feet inside the edge4 ,this should of course be done on both sides of the hut1 after which they should be overlapped at the corners with logs eight feet in length4 ,next lay two more long logs1 parallel with the first two1 and about a foot inside them1 notching as before4 ,the ends of these should be spanned with beams eight feet in length4 ,two more long logs are next in order--let them be one foot inside the last two4 ,overlap these with beams five feet and a half in length1 and in the exact centre of these last pieces chop notches for a heavy log for a ridge pole4 ,the gable outline1 direct from the ridge pole to the eaves1 should now be cut off by the aid of a sharp axe4 ,this may be done either while the pieces are in position1 or the line may be marked with a piece of chalk1 and the logs taken down in order to accomplish it4 ,the roof is now required4 ,this should consist either of strips of bark or the rounded sides of logs split off and hollowed into troughs4 ,the latter method is preferable1 on account of its greater strength and durability1 but the bark will answer the purpose very well1 and is much more easily obtained4 ,the manner of adjusting the roof pieces is clearly ,page #bde shown in our illustration4 ,the first row is laid on with the hollow side up1 securing them at top and bottom by nails driven through each into the ridge pole and eaves-log1 care being taken that one of these pieces projects well over the gable1 on both ends of the hut4 ,these pieces are now overlapped by the second row1 and with the addition of the large piece which covers them all at the ridge pole1 the roof is complete1 and will stand a heavy rain with little or no leaking4 ,the crevices should now be stopped with moss1 dried grass or clay1 after which the log cabin is complete4 ,when the bark roof is made1 additional poles may be inserted beneath as props4 ,they should be three or four inches in diameter1 and run parallel with the ridge pole1 at intervals on the slope1 notches being cut to secure them4 ,our engraving represents a chimney1 which may be constructed if desired1 but the necessity of this may be done away with by using a small camp stove1 and making a small opening in the gable end of the hut for the passage of the pipe4 ,if it stove should not be at hand1 and our amateur should decide to rough it to the full extent1 he may build his fire-place and chimney as follows3 ,it will be necessary to cut away an opening in the logs at the gable end1 as was done for the door and windows4 ,this should be about three feet square1 and the fire place should be built of stone and clay1 or cement1 to fill the opening1 and project inside the hut4 ,the chimney may then be built up outside in the same manner1 sufficiently high to overtop the gables4 ,inside the hut overhead will be found abundant room for the hanging of the skins1 and any number of cross-poles may be rested across the beams4 ,there are facilities for the swinging of a hammock1 if desired1 and1 in fact1 a hut constructed like the foregoing is a perfect one in its way4 ,there are other methods of building a log cabin1 but we will content ourselves with what we consider the best way of all1 and pass on to the ,,bark ,,shanty4 ,this is made by first driving into the ground two forked poles seven or eight feet in height and stout enough to sustain a ridge pole of moderate size4 ,against this ridge pole other poles should be rested at intervals of two feet1 and sloping to the angle of forty-five degrees4 ,the frame-work thus formed should now be covered with bark1 commencing at the ground and allowing the edge of each piece to overlap the one beneath ,page #bdf after the manner of shingles1 in order to shed the rain in case of storm4 ,spruce or birch bark are excellent for this purpose1 and the pieces may be secured with nails1 and kept flat by the weight of another series of poles rested against them4 ,the sides of the shelter should be treated similarly1 the front being usually left open to face the fire1 which the trapper generally builds a few feet distant4 ,in constructing a bark shanty1 it is well to select some spot protected from the wind1 close to the foot of a mountain or in the midst of trees1 always letting the open side face the direction most sheltered4 ,if desired1 the front can be enclosed after the manner of the sides and top1 but this is not required where the fire is used4 ,this style of shelter is represented in our page title to this section1 and certainly looks very comfortable4 ,,tents4 ,shanties like the foregoing are in general use among the old veteran trappers of all countries1 and even to the amateur there is a charm in a shelter constructed from the rude materials of the woods which the portable tents do not possess4 ,tents1 however1 are much used both by professionals and amateurs1 and are indeed valuable acquisitions to the trapper's outfit1 and where time is valuable1 do away with the labor which the construction of a hut or shanty involves4 ,tents are of several kinds4 ,those most commonly used by the trapper are the house-tent1 fly-tent1 and half-tent1 or shelter-tent4 ,the first of these is made for prop-poles and a ridge pole1 closed on one end and buttoning up at the other4 ,the sides are perpendicular for two or three feet1 before the slope commences1 and the stay-ropes are fastened to the eaves4 ,the fly-tent is generally a large1 square piece of canvas1 with ropes extending from opposite sides4 ,this is thrown over a ridge pole1 or over a rope extending between two trees1 and the sides are held to the proper slope by tightening and pegging the side ropes to the ground4 ,fly-tents are also made with ends1 which can be lowered1 and the whole tent may be pegged close to the ground4 ,the shelter-tent1 when erected1 resembles1 in general shape1 the bark shanty already described4 ,it consists of a strip of canvas1 having each end cut off to a point4 ,the tent is pitched over three slanting poles1 and the ends are brought down and securely pegged4 ,this is clearly shown in our illustration4 ,page #bdg ,illustration ,we do not propose giving any extended directions for making tents1 as they are a staple article of trade1 and1 as a general thing1 can be bought for a figure which would render their domestic manufacture of little saving or profit4 ,the shelter-tent1 however1 is so useful an affair1 and withal so very simple made1 that we will give a few directions in regard to its manufacture4 ,it should be made from stout cotton drilling1 or very heavy sheeting4 ,let the piece be about thirteen feet in length by six in width4 ,each end of the piece should now be cut to a rectangular point1 commencing to cut at a distance of three feet from each corner4 ,in order to render the cloth waterproof1 it should now be dipped in a pail containing a solution of equal parts of alum and sugar of lead1 a couple of handfuls of each1 in tepid water4 ,it should be allowed to remain several minutes in soak1 being dipped and turned occasionally1 after which it should be spread out to dry4 ,this treatment not only renders the cloth impervious to rain1 but the alum tends to make it fire-proof also4 ,a spark from the fire falling upon a tent thus prepared1 will often rest upon the cloth until it goes out1 without doing the slightest damage4 ,page #bdh ,the manner of pitching the tent has already been alluded to1 and is clear from our illustration4 ,the poles should be three or four in number1 and seven feet in length1 inserted in the ground at the angle denoted4 ,the two outside poles should be seven feet apart1 and the intermediate ones equally disposed4 ,the tent piece should now be laid over the poles1 and the ends brought down and pegged to the ground at the apex1 and rear corners of each side through loops1 which should have been previously attached to these parts4 ,a tent1 thus arranged1 affords a safe shelter from the wind or a moderate storm1 and with a bright fire in front1 is warm and comfortable4 ,,beds ,,and ,,bedding4 ,illustration ,many a trapper does away with these commodities1 merely rolling himself in a blanket and using his arm for a pillow2 but we do not propose to encourage or recommend any such half-way comfort as this1 when by a very little labor a portable bed can be prepared on which the weary hunter can rest as serenely as if slumbering on the congenial softness of a hair mattress4 ,a bed of this kind we illustrate1 and it can be made in the following manner3 ,procure a large piece of canvas1 sacking or other strong1 coarse material six and a half feet square4 ,if a single piece of this size cannot be found1 several parts may he sewed together to the required dimensions4 ,after which two opposite sides should be firmly stitched ,page #bdi together1 thus forming a bottomless bag1 if we may be allowed to use the expression4 ,two stout poles seven or eight feet in length and as large as the wrist should now be cut4 ,insert them through the bag1 allowing the ends to project equally on each side4 ,these ends should now be rested on two logs1 one placed across each end of the canvas4 ,in order to hold the poles in place notches should be cut in the logs at such distances as will draw the bag to its full width4 ,the interior of the canvas should now be filled with dried grass1 leaves1 moss or spruce boughs1 after which the bedstead and bed is complete4 ,the yielding elasticity of the poles and the softness of the warm filling in the bag1 give the effect of a spring and straw mattress combined1 lifting the sleeper above the cold1 damp ground1 and by the addition of a blanket above1 insuring warmth on all sides4 ,if the logs are not at hand four forked stakes may be used1 driving them firmly into the ground at such distances as will draw the bag to its full width1 when the poles are rested upon them4 ,if by the weight of the body the forked props should tend to incline towards each other this trouble may be easily remedied by inserting short poles as braces between them4 ,if desired a bed of this kind may be used as a hammock and hung in a tree without much trouble4 ,it is only necessary to secure the long poles firmly at their full width by a stout brace pole at the ends1 letting the latter be deeply notched at the tips in order to receive the bed supports4 ,the joints should then be tightly bound with stout twine in order to prevent slipping1 after which the bed may be hung in mid-air by ropes at each end1 and the tired trapper may swing himself to sleep with perfect comfort and safety4 ,for this purpose the ropes should be attached at the joints1 using a loop of six feet for each end4 ,in the centre of this loop a small one should be made by doubling the rope and winding twine about it1 leaving only a small aperture4 ,through these small loops1 by the aid of other ropes1 the bed is attached to the tree4 ,by using this precaution the unpleasant experience of being turned or dumped out of bed will be impossible4 ,for bed clothes a woollen blanket should always be carried1 and if convenient a large bag of thick ,canton flannel is a most excellent acquisition4 ,bags of this sort are in common use among amateur trappers1 hunters and camping parties1 and are very warm and comfortable4 ,they should be nearly seven feet in length and of a loose1 easy fit4 ,with one of these contrivances it is impossible to kick the clothes off and the warmth is continual instead ,page #bej of intermittent1 and even on the bare ground it is said to be sufficient protection4 ,hammocks are also in very general use1 but we can confidently recommend the suspended bed above described as decidedly preferable4 ,there are various kinds of hammocks in the market1 from the light fibered silk1 weighing only a few ounces1 to the large corded variety of several pounds weight and capable of holding many persons4 ,they are an established article of trade1 and as the details of their manufacture would be of little practical use to the reader1 we will leave them without further consideration4 ,they can be had at almost any sporting emporium1 at comparatively small cost4 ,,tent ,,carpeting4 ,we have described a most excellent contrivance for a bedstead and recommend its use whenever possible2 but when the bed is desired to be made on the ground the following method is usually employed1 by which the whole interior of the tent1 hut or shanty is carpeted with a soft1 even covering of green4 ,spruce or hemlock boughs are generally used1 and should be from the tips of the branches where the wood is not too large4 ,commence at the back part of the shelter1 and lay down a row of the boughs with the butt of the branch towards the front4 ,overlap these with another nearer row and continue the operation1 laying the evergreen as evenly as possible until the whole interior is smoothly covered4 ,the projecting ends at the front1 should now be secured by the weight of a medium sized log1 or by a pole pegged down firmly at intervals4 ,a similar log should now be laid at the back portion of the shelter over the tips of the boughs after which the bed is complete1 and will be found easy and comfortable in proportion to the care and skill shown in its construction4 ,a blanket should be thrown over the boughs before reclining to rest1 as the fresh green gives forth considerable dampness4 ,if possible a rubber blanket should be used for this purpose4 ,these consist of thick ,canton flannel1 coated on one side with ,indian rubber1 and are used with the rubber side down4 ,they are warm and comfortable1 and a valuable acquisition to the trapper's outfit4 ,there is a thinner and cheaper variety1 having equal water-proof qualities but which does not possess the warmth of the former4 ,either will be found useful4 ,so much for beds and bedding4 ,if the reader will now turn ,page #bea his attention to the following section1 ,the ,trapper's ,miscellany1 he will find much in detail of what has only been alluded to in the present chapter1 besides other hints of great value in reference to a trapping campaign4 ,illustration ,page #bec ,illustration3 ,,the ,,trappers' ,,miscellany ,page #bee ,,book ,,viii4 ,,the ,,trapper',s ,,miscellany4 ,illustration3 ,our enthusiastic novice1 as he starts out into the wilderness1 should not be unmindful of the swarms of blood-thirsty flies1 gnats and mosquitoes1 which infest the woods in the summer and early autumn1 and are there lying in wait for him4 ,these often become a source of great annoyance to the woodsman1 and more often a source of positive bodily suffering4 ,although trapping is not generally carried on during this season1 the preparations for the coming campaign1 including the building of shanties1 transporting of traps1 etc41 are generally made at this time1 and unless some preventive is used1 the persecutions of the mosquitoes and other winged vermin1 become almost unbearable4 ,,insect ,,ointments4 ,these insects seem to have a special aversion for the scent of pennyroyal--an herb growing commonly in sandy localities--and a single plant rubbed upon the face and hands will often greatly check their attacks4 ,the oil of pennyroyal is better1 however1 and an ointment made by straining one ounce of the oil into two or three ounces of pure melted lard1 or mutton tallow1 forms an excellent antidote4 ,this may be carried in a little box or bottle1 in the pocket1 and applied as occasion requires4 ,plain mutton tallow is also a most excellent ointment for general use1 and in the case of bruises or slight wounds1 will give great relief4 ,another preparation in very common use amongst hunters and woodsmen1 although not quite as agreeable in odor1 consists of a mixture of common tar and sweet oil1 in equal parts4 ,by some this liniment is considered superior to the other1 inasmuch as it also prevents tanning1 and is beneficial to the complexion4 ,page #bef ,during the night time1 the tent or shanty often becomes swarmed with the winged pests1 and their nocturnal assaults are proverbial for their pertinacity and severity4 ,their thirst for blood overcomes every other instinct1 and pennyroyal often ceases to have any effect4 ,our ,adirondack guide1 in narrating his experience with these insect vampires1 even says that on a certain night1 becoming exasperated at their indomitable perseverance1 and1 getting tired of the monotonous occupation of spreading ointment1 he arose1 lit his candle1 and drove the creatures out of the tent4 ,he then buttoned up the opening1 and retired to rest4 ,a storm came up in the night1 and so completely had his canvas been riddled by the bills of the mosquitoes1 that the rain poured through his tent as through a sieve4 ,we have heard of the man who1 when pursued by hungry mosquitoes1 took refuge beneath a large chaldron1 and1 by the aid of a stone1 clinched the blood-thirsty bills as they protruded in quest of his life-blood1 until1 by the united efforts of the winged captives1 the chaldron was lifted and wafted out of sight1 as if it were a feather4 ,one story is just as true as the other1 and a summer in the ,adirondack woods will tend to strengthen1 rather than diminish1 the belief in either4 ,the smoke of smouldering birch bark will effectually drive away the mosquitoes from the tents at night4 ,this method is commonly known as the smudge1 and is more fully described in another part of this work4 ,the smell of the smoke is often unpleasant at first1 but it is always preferable to the insect bites4 ,mosquitoes are not the only vampires which infest our wooded lands4 ,the punkeys and midgets can outstrip them for voracity and the painful character of the wound which they inflict4 ,the punkey1 or black-fly1 as it is called1 is a small1 black gnat1 about the size of a garden ant1 and the bite of the insect often results very seriously4 ,the midget is a minute little creature1 and is the most everlastingly sticky and exasperating pest in the catalogue of human torments4 ,they fly in swarms of thousands1 and go for their victim en masse and the face1 hands and neck are soon covered as if with hay seed4 ,they stick where they first light1 and commence operations immediately4 ,all endeavors to shake them off are fruitless1 and their combined attacks are soon most painfully realized4 ,their bites produce great redness and swelling1 and the itching is most intolerable4 ,happily for the woodsman1 the smudge ,page #beg and pennyroyal ointment are effectual preventives against the attacks of both midgets and black flies1 as well as mosquitoes2 and no one who values his life or good looks should venture on a woodland excursion in the summer months without a supply of this latter commodity4 ,in conclusion1 we would remark that1 to the mosquito the blood of the intemperate seems to have a special attraction1 and anyone who wishes to enjoy comparative freedom from the attacks of these pests1 should abstain from the use of alcoholic stimulants4 ,it is a too prevalent idea among trappers that whiskey and rum are necessary adjuncts to a trapping campaign1 and many a trapper would about as soon think of leaving his traps at home as his whisky bottle4 ,this is all a mistake4 ,anyone who has not sufficient strength of constitution to withstand the hardships and exposures of a trapping life1 without the especial aid of stimulants1 should stay at home4 ,we are now alluding to the habitual use of such stimulants4 ,it is always well to be provided with a flask of whisky or brandy1 in case of illness1 but it should only be resorted to in such an event4 ,for a mere chill1 we recommend the use of red pepper tea4 ,a simple swallow of this drink1 7made simply by soaking a red pepper in a cup of hot water7 will restore warmth much quicker than three times the amount of any alcoholic stimulant4 ,it is not our purpose to extend into a lengthened temperance lecture1 but only to discourage the wide-spread idea that stimulants are necessities in the life of the trapper4 ,midgets1 musquitoes and punkeys delight over a victim with alcohol in his veins1 and while to a healthy subject the bites are of only brief annoyance1 to the intemperate they often result in painful1 obstinate sores4 ,illustration ,in addition to the various ointments used1 it is well to be provided with a head-net1 such as we illustrate4 ,nets of this kind are specially made for sportsmen1 and consist of a spiral wire framework1 covered with mosquito netting1 and of such a size to slip easily on the head4 ,page #beh ,they are easily made1 as our engraving would indicate4 ,a netting attachment for the hat is also an acquisition1 especially in open woods1 free from overhanging branches or dense thickets4 ,such a netting may be secured to the edge of the hat brim1 and gathered with an elastic at the lower edge4 ,this elastic will close snugly around the neck when in use1 and at other times may be drawn above the brim and allowed to rest on top of the crown4 ,the portable hat brim1 which we illustrate1 is an article of trade in common use among sportsmen1 and particularly the angler4 ,our engraving 7a7 shows the article separate4 ,it is made of cloth1 and is kept in its circular shape by a steel spring band at the circumference1 between the two sides4 ,it may be attached to any hat1 and will act as a most effectual shelter to the rays of a hot sun4 ,illustration3 a ,the netting above alluded to may be attached to such a brim1 and applied to the edge of the hat when desired4 ,this is shown at 7b71 which also indicates the manner of adjustment of the brim4 ,such a brim will often do good service1 and may be obtained at almost any sporting emporium at trifling cost4 ,it is portable in every sense of the word1 being easily bent and packed away in the pocket4 ,illustration3 b ,page #bei ,,boat ,,building4 ,where trapping is carried on along the banks of the lakes and rivers1 a boat of some kind becomes almost a positive necessity4 ,illustration ,the following examples represent those in most general use4 ,perhaps the most common form of the rough and ready order of boats1 is that called the-- ,,dug-,,out1 ,,or ,,log ,,canoe4 ,it's general appearance is well indicated by the accompanying illustration4 ,with the proper tools1 one of these canoes is easily made4 ,a sharp axe1 an adze1 a shaving knife1 a round edged adze1 and a small auger1 are principally necessary2 and a cross-cut saw1 broad-axe1 sledge1 and large sized chisel1 will also be found useful4 ,in any case the log should not be much less than two feet in diameter1 perfectly sound1 and free from knots4 ,if this precaution is observed1 the result will be all the more satisfactory1 and the canoe can be cut so thin1 as to render it a light burden2 being easily carried on the shoulders4 ,a pine log is generally chosen for a dug-out1 on account of the lightness of the wood1 and the ease with which it can be worked4 ,butternut1 cottonwood and whitewood1 are also excellent1 and indeed almost any sound log of large size will answer the purpose4 ,for a dug-out of good size1 the log should be ten or more feet in length4 ,the first thing to be done is to cut a flat surface on one side of the log1 from end to end4 ,this indicates the bottom of the canoe4 ,on the upper side the wood should be hewn away1 in the curve shown on the upper outline of our illustration4 ,page #bfj ,it is well to divide the log by notches into three equal lengths4 ,in the centre division1 the wood may be cut down to a straight line to a depth of about eight inches from the upper surface4 ,the gradual curve to the bow and stern of the canoe should start from each end of this flat cut1 and extend to the upper edge of the log1 the guiding line being made on the sides of the log by a piece of chalk4 ,the adze will come into good use in trimming off the wood on these curves4 ,when this upper outline is accomplished1 the log may be turned bottom side up1 and the sides of the extremities rounded off4 ,this may be done with an axe and adze1 and when performed1 the bottom curves should be made by chopping away the wood in the curves shown in the lower outline of our illustration4 ,this curve should also be marked out with chalk1 and should commence a little nearer the end of the log than the curve on the upper side4 ,shave off the wood to a blunt edge on this curve1 at both bow and stern4 ,the rough form of the canoe is now obtained1 and by the aid of the draw-knife1 or shaving-knife1 it can be neatly and smoothly finished4 ,it is then ready to be dug-out4 ,the tools most useful for this purpose are the adze and axe1 and sometimes the sledge and chisel4 ,the digging out is of course the most tedious part2 but with sharp tools it is a comparatively easy matter4 ,when the great bulk of the wood is taken out1 the interior should be finished with a howel or round adze2 and the sides may be worked to one inch and a half in thickness if desired4 ,the writer once saw one of these canoes of most exquisite workmanship1 being only one inch in thickness1 and so light as to be easily lifted with one hand4 ,of course such perfection as this is not necessary for ordinary purposes2 although where the canoe is expected to be carried any great distance1 it is well to thin it as much as possible4 ,a gimlet or small auger may be used to gauge the thickness of the canoe1 using it in the following manner3 ,supposing the required thickness of the wood is two inches1 proceed to bore the hole from the inside of the canoe1 and continue until the point of the gimlet or auger barely makes its appearance on the outside4 ,draw out the tool1 and if the thickness measures more than is required1 insert into the hole a slender piece of wood exactly two inches in length2 push it in as far as it will go1 and you may safely work until you reach the end of it4 ,by this method the thickness may be gauged in different parts of the boat sufficiently to acquire a fair average thickness1 ,page #bfa and there is no danger of cutting through4 ,the gimlet should be allowed to extend outside of the canoe only sufficiently to be detected1 and the holes thus made will seldom give any trouble as leaks4 ,if1 however1 this should be the case1 a little putty or pitch will remedy the difficulty4 ,the dug-out may be constructed of any size1 and of any desired shape1 but the above is the usual type4 ,when leaks or cracks occur1 they may be caulked with hemp1 and smeared with pitch1 which will render them thoroughly waterproof4 ,for lightness and portability there is no boat more desirable or more unique than-- ,,the ,,indian ,,or ,,birch-,,bark ,,canoe4 ,where the white birch grows in perfection1 and the trees attain a large size1 the chief material of the birch bark canoe is at hand2 and although we ordinary mortals could not be expected to attain to that perfection of skill which the ,indians exhibit in the manufacture of these canoes1 we nevertheless can succeed sufficiently well to answer all practical purposes4 ,the ,indian canoes are often perfect marvels of skill and combined strength and lightness4 ,these half-civilized beings seem to take as naturally to the making of these commodities1 as if it were almost an hereditary habit with them2 and few men1 even with the most exhaustive practice1 can compete with the ,indian in the combined result of strength1 lightness1 durability1 external beauty1 and nicety of work1 which are the united characteristics of the typical bark canoe4 ,the average length of the ,bark1 as used by trappers1 is about twelve feet1 but they may be constructed of any desired dimensions1 to the length of forty feet4 ,a canoe of this size will carry fifteen or twenty persons1 and may be transported with ease upon the shoulders of two strong men4 ,the smaller size1 above mentioned1 is capable of carrying two persons1 and is a light load for a single man4 ,illustration ,in constructing the bark canoe the first requisite is the gunwale1 or upper framework4 ,this should consist of four strips of cedar1 ash1 or other light1 strong wood2 two for each side of the boat4 ,for an ordinary sized canoe1 their length should be about twelve feet1 width one inch1 and thickness one-quarter of an inch4 ,they should be tied together in pairs at the ends1 and the two pairs then joined at the same place4 ,the object of ,page #bfb these pieces is to give strength and form to the canoe1 and to offer a firm security for the edges of the bark1 which are secured between them4 ,the gunwale being prepared1 we are now ready for the birch bark4 ,the bottom of a well made canoe should be in one large piece1 as our illustration indicates1 if possible4 ,select some large tree with the trunk free from knots or excrescences4 ,mark off as great a length as possible1 and chop a straight cut in the bark through the whole length of the piece1 after which it should be carefully peeled from the wood4 ,it will sometimes happen1 where large birches exist in perfection1 that a single piece may be found of sufficient size for a whole canoe1 but this is rather exceptional1 and the bottom is generally pieced out1 as seen in our drawing4 ,this piecing may be accomplished with an awl and ,indian twine1 or by the aid of a large needle threaded with the same1 sewing with an over-and-over stitch around the edge of each piece4 ,use as large pieces as are attainable1 and continue to sew them on until the area of bark measures about four and a half feet in width by twelve feet in length1 the dark colored sides of the bark all facing the same way4 ,next select a fiat piece of ground1 and mark off a distance of ten feet1 or two feet less than the length of the gunwales4 ,at each end of the space two tall stakes should be driven into the ground about three inches apart4 ,now turn the bark on the ground with its white side uppermost1 and fold it loosely and evenly through the long centre4 ,in this folded condition it should now be lifted by the upper edge and set between the stakes4 ,there will then be about a foot of projecting bark beyond each pair of stakes4 ,these ends should now be covered by folding another piece of bark over them1 sewing the edges firmly to the sides of the rude form of the canoe1 which now presents itself4 ,when this is done1 each end should be supported on a log or stone2 this will cause the bottom line to sink downwards at about the proper curve4 ,we are now ready for the gunwale4 ,lay it in the proper position1 fitting the edges of the bark between the two strips on each side1 and sewing around the whole with a winding stitch1 exactly after the manner of the edge of an ordinary palm-leaf fan4 ,the inside of the canoe should now be lined with long strips of cedar running through the entire length of the boat if possible1 but if not1 should be so cut as to neatly overlap at the ends4 ,these pieces should be an inch or two in width1 and from a quarter to half an inch-in thickness4 ,the ribs are then to be put in4 ,these are generally made from ash1 one or two inches in width1 and ,page #bfc a quarter of an inch in thickness4 ,any light flexible wood will answer the purpose1 and even barrel hoops when attainable will do very well4 ,these ribs should be bent to fit the interior of the canoe crosswise1 either close together1 or with equal distances between them and the ends should then be firmly secured beneath the gunwales by a continuous loop-stitch through the bark4 ,for a canoe of twelve feet in length1 the width should be about two feet1 and in order to keep the gunwales firm1 two or more cross-pieces should be inserted1 and lashed firmly at their ends as our illustration shows4 ,the centre third of the length of the canoe should be parallel at the sides1 and if two braces1 two feet in length are placed at each end of this third1 the shape will be about perfect4 ,we now have a bark canoe of considerable strength and durability1 and it only awaits to be made water-proof for final use4 ,in order to accomplish this all the seams outside1 and the entire interior of the canoe should1 be smeared with pitch1 after which its floating qualities may be tested with confidence4 ,should any leaks occur their where-abouts are easily detected1 and an additional application of pitch will remedy the difficulty4 ,the ,indians in sewing their bark canoes use tamarack roots1 fibrous plants1 and grasses1 in lieu of thread1 and even with these inferior materials often attain to such perfection in compact sewing1 as to render the use of pitch unnecessary for water-proof purposes4 ,such skill is rarely attained by the white man1 and the art of making a water-proof canoe1 even out of a single piece of bark1 is by no means an easy task without the aid of tar or pitch4 ,page #bfd ,for the trapper we strongly recommend the birch bark4 ,with the above directions we are sure no one could go astray1 and we are equally sure that a canoe made as we describe1 would present advantages of lightness and portability which no other style of boat would possess4 ,for temporary purposes1 canoes can be made from basswood1 hemlock1 or spruce bark2 but they are at best1 very rude and clumsy in comparison with the birch bark4 ,they are generally made after the principles of the above described2 either sewing or nailing the edges of the bark together1 and smearing every joint and seam profusely with pitch1 and adding gunwales1 lining1 and ribs4 ,a ,,light ,,home-,,made ,,boat4 ,the following gives an easy method of making a light and serviceable bateau1 which any boy1 with moderate ingenuity or skill1 could easily construct3-- ,select two boards1 about three-quarters of an inch in thickness1 eighteen or twenty inches in width1 and twelve feet in length1 which we will consider the required length of the boat4 ,these boards should be well seasoned1 and free from knots1 and at least one of the sides should be straight4 ,next1 with the aid of a draw-shave1 proceed to shape the ends of one of the boards1 as seen on our diagram1 7e7 representing the forward1 7g7 the stern4 ,the curve of the bow should commence at about four feet from the end1 and take a rounded slope upward1 leaving about ten inches of width at the end of the board 7e74 ,the stern should be cut at the angle shown at 7g71 commencing at about two and a half feet from the extremity of the board and continuing upward to about ten inches from the upper edge4 ,the board thus shaped should now be laid evenly on the other1 and the outline of the cut portions carefully scratched upon it1 after which the second board should be cut in a similar manner as the first1 so as to form an exact duplicate4 ,this being accomplished1 the two should be laid evenly1 one over the other1 and the exact center of their long edges ascertained4 ,marking off about five inches on each side of this centre on both boards4 ,illustration ,next procure another board about ten inches in width1 three feet in length1 and perfectly squared at the ends4 ,nail each end of this piece securely and squarely in the space marked on each of the long boards4 ,then turn the pieces carefully over and ,page #bfe nail another board across the bottom1 directly opposite the first4 ,we will now leave them and give our attention to the bow piece1 which is the next requisite4 ,this is shown at 7a71 and consists of a solid piece of oak1 or other hard wood1 well seasoned1 and hewn out in the arrow shape1 indicated in our illustration4 ,it should first be cut three-cornered1 the inside face being about eight inches1 and the other two ten inches4 ,its length should be about eleven inches1 and its under side should be sloped off on a line with the under curve of the bows4 ,at about five inches from the inner face1 and on each side1 a piece should be sawn out1 one inch in thickness1 thus leaving on each side a notch which will exactly receive the side-boards of the boat1 as seen at 7a74 ,illustration ,the piece being thus ready1 the bow ends of the boards should be drawn together1 fitted in the notches and securely spiked with large nails4 ,a bow piece of this kind adds greatly to the strength of a boat1 and will stand much rough usage4 ,the board for the stem should next be prepared4 ,this should be ten inches in width and two feet in length1 and should be securely nailed between the ends of the boards at the stem1 as shown at 7g71 being afterwards overlapped on the top by a board of similar size1 as our illustration shows1 at 7c74 ,the bottom of the boat is now easily made by nailing boards crosswise1 sawing off the projecting ends close to the curve of the side-boards4 ,after the pieces are all nailed in place1 the seams and crevices should be caulked with hemp1 using a blunt chisel1 or hard wooden wedge1 and a mallet4 ,the seats should now be put in1 as these are not only a matter of comfort1 but of necessity1 acting as braces to the sides of the boat4 ,they should be two in number1 one being placed three feet from the stern and the other one foot beyond the brace board originally nailed across the top of the boat4 ,the seats should be cut at the ends in a curve corresponding to the part of the boat in which they are placed1 and should be situated about a foot from the bottom of the boat1 their ends resting on short boards beneath them against the sides of the boat4 ,these are indicated by the dotted lines 7h h7 in ,page #bff the diagram4 ,when thus resting they should be securely fastened in place by strong screws1 driven through the sides of the boat into their ends 7f f71 allowing some one to sit on the seat meanwhile to keep it in place4 ,small cleats should now be tacked to the bottom of the boat1 beneath the seat and underneath the seat itself1 in order to keep the props in place2 after which the original brace board across the top of the boat may be knocked off and the bateau is complete and ready for service4 ,a boat thus made is quite comely in shape1 and may be painted to suit the fancy4 ,should a rudder be required1 the broad board at the stern offers a good place of attachment1 and oar-locks may be adjusted at the proper places4 ,these may consist of a pair of cleats attached to the inside of the boat1 as seen in the illustration4 ,in case it may be found difficult to obtain the large single boards for the sides of the boat1 two or more narrow ones will answer the purpose1 although not as perfectly4 ,in this case they should first be firmly attached together by cleats1 securely screwed to the inside4 ,when first put on the water the boat will probably leak in places1 but if left to soak for a few hours the wood will generally swell sufficiently to completely close the crevices4 ,if1 however1 the leak should continue1 that particular part of the boat should be re-caulked and smeared with pitch4 ,this latter substance is of great value to the trapper1 not only in boat building but in the construction of his shanties and in other various ways4 ,it will most effectually stop almost any leak in a canoe or boat1 and of course should always be applied hot4 ,page #bfg ,,the ,,scow4 ,the bateau we have above described is built so as to allow for considerable speed in the water1 either in rowing or sculling2 but where this speed is not especially desired the pointed bows may be dispensed with1 and the sides of the boat made perfectly straight4 ,in this case the bottom takes equal slopes at the ends1 and both bow and stern are of the same width1 and an ordinary flat-bottomed boat with parallel sides is the result4 ,in many cases a scow of this kind answers every purpose1 and is certainly much more easily made4 ,we have thus described a few of the most common instances of boats used by trappers1 and with our full description and illustrations no one can go astray4 ,a boat of some kind is almost an indispensable requisite to the trapper1 and anyone of the foregoing will be found sufficient for all ordinary purposes4 ,a paddle may be used1 and in shallow or muddy water a pusher or mud-stick will be found useful4 ,this should consist of a pole seven or eight feet in length1 supplied at the ends with an attachment of the shape of the letter ,u4 ,this may be constructed in two pieces1 firmly screwed to opposite sides of the end of the pole1 and so formed as to present a curved crotch4 ,such a stick will be found very useful for pushing through weeds and muddy places4 ,a simple pole trimmed so as to leave a crotch at the end will also answer the purpose very well4 ,,snow-,,shoes4 ,these commodities are almost indispensable to the trapper where he pursues his vocation in the winter time1 during the prevalence of deep snows4 ,when properly made they permit the wearer to walk over the surface of the snow with perfect ease2 where1 without them1 travel would be extremely difficult if not impossible4 ,in the regions of perpetual snow1 and also in ,canada and neighboring districts1 snow-shoes are very commonly worn4 ,in the latter localities the snow-shoe race forms one of the favorite sports of the season1 and young and old alike join in its mysteries4 ,like riding on the velocipede1 walking on snow-shoes looks easy enough1 but we notice that a few somersaults are usually a convincing argument that the art is not as simple as it appears4 ,the first experience on snow-shoes ,page #bfh is apt to be at least undignifying1 if not discouraging1 and in order to get used to the strange capers and eccentricities of an ordinarily well-behaved snow shoe1 it requires considerable patience and practice4 ,there is no telling where1 in an unguarded moment1 they will land you1 and they seem to take especial delight in stepping on each other and turning their wearer upside down4 ,the principal secret of success 7and one may as well know it at the start1 as to learn it at the expense of a pint of snow down his back7 consists in taking steps sufficiently long to bring the widest portion of the stepping shoe beyond that of the other1 keeping the feet rather far apart and stepping pretty high4 ,by observing these precautions1 and trusting in ,providence1 much embarrassment may be saved1 and an hour's effort will thoroughly tame the unruly appendages1 which at best do not permit of much grace or elegance of gait4 ,to the moose hunter snow-shoes are often an absolute necessity1 and trapping in many cases would be impossible without them4 ,they are thus brought fully within the scope of our volume1 and we give a few simple directions for their manufacture4 ,our illustration gives the correct shape of the shoe4 ,the framework should consist of a strip of ash1 hickory or some other elastic wood1 bent into the form indicated and wound around the ends with twine or strips of hide4 ,the length of the piece should be about six feet1 more or less1 in proportion to the size of the individual who proposes to wear the shoe4 ,if the bending should prove difficult it may be rendered an easy matter by the application of boiling water4 ,across the front part two strips of stout leather1 or other tough hide1 are then fastened1 and these further secured together by three or four bands on each side of the middle1 as our drawing shows4 ,in the original ,indian snow-shoe1 from which our drawing was made1 the net work was constructed from strips of moose hide1 which were interlaced much after the manner of an ordinary cane-seated chair4 ,strips of leather1 deer skin1 or even split cane1 above alluded to1 may also be used1 and the lacing may be either as our illustration represents1 or in the simpler rectangular woof seen in ordinary cloth4 ,in order to attach the interlacing to the bow the latter should be wound with wide strips of cane1 if it can be procured1 or otherwise with strips of tough skin4 ,the loops thus formed offer a continuous security1 and the whole interior1 with the exception of the space at the front between the cross pieces1 should be neatly filled with the next work4 ,it is well to run the first lines ,page #bfi across the shoe1 from side to side1 passing through the windings of the bow4 ,across them1 in the form of the letter ,x1 the two other cords should be interlaced1 after the manner shown in the cut4 ,this forms a secure and not very complicated network1 and is the style usually adopted by the ,indian makers4 ,illustration ,there is another mode of attaching the lace-work to the bow which is also commonly employed1 and consists in a series of holes bored at regular intervals through the wood4 ,the winding is thus dispensed with1 but the bow is sometimes weakened by the operation1 and we are inclined to recommend the former method in preference4 ,in attaching the shoe1 the ball of the foot should be set on the second cross piece1 and there secured by a strip of hide1 which should be first adjusted as seen in the engraving1 being afterward tied over the foot and then behind the ankle4 ,snow-shoes are made in other ways1 but we believe that the typical ,indian snow-shoe above described is the best4 ,,the ,,toboggan ,,or ,,indian ,,sledge4 ,for winter traffic over deep snows there is no better sled in the world than the ,indian toboggan4 ,to the trapper during a winter campaign it is often an indispensable convenience1 and without it the ,indian hunters of the ,north would find great difficulty in getting their furs to market4 ,all through the winter season the various trading posts of ,canada are constantly visited by numbers of ,indian trappers1 many of whom have travelled hundreds of miles on their snow-shoes with their heavily laden toboggans4 ,arrived at ,page #bgj their market they sell or trade their stock of furs1 and likewise dispose of their toboggans1 reserving only their snow-shoes to aid them in their long tramp homewards4 ,illustration ,in ,canada and northward the toboggan is in very extensive use1 both for purposes of traffic and amusement4 ,it is quite commonly met with in the streets of various ,canadian cities1 and is especially appreciated by the youthful population1 who are fond of coasting over the crust of snow4 ,for this purpose there is no other sled like it1 and a toboggan of the size we shall describe will easily accommodate two or three boys1 and will glide over a crust of snow with great ease and rapidity4 ,to the trapper it is especially valuable for all purposes of transportation4 ,the flat bottom rests upon the surface of the snow1 and the weight being thus distributed a load of two or three hundred pounds will often make but little impression and can be drawn with marvellous ease4 ,our illustration gives a very clear idea of the sled1 and it can be made in the following way3 the first requisite is a board about eight feet in length and sixteen or more inches in width4 ,such a board may be procured at any saw mill4 ,oak is the best wood for the purpose1 although hickory1 basswood or ash will do excellently4 ,it should be planed or sawed to a thickness of about a third of an inch1 and should be free from knots4 ,if a single board of the required width is not easily found1 two boards may be used1 and secured side by side by three cleats1 one at each end and the other in the middle1 using wrought nails and clinching them deeply into the board on the under side4 ,the single board is much to be preferred1 if it can be had4 ,the next requisites are seven or eight wooden cross-pieces of a length equivalent to the width of the board4 ,four old broom-sticks1 cut in the required lengths1 will answer ,page #bga this purpose perfectly1 and if these are not at hand other sticks of similar dimensions should be used4 ,two side pieces are next needed4 ,these should be about five feet in length1 and in thickness exactly similar to the cross pieces4 ,next procure a few pairs of leather shoe-strings or some strips of tough calf skin4 ,with these in readiness we may now commence the work of putting the parts together4 ,begin by laying the cross pieces at equal distances along the board2 across these and near their ends lay the two side pieces1 as seen in the illustration4 ,by the aid of a gimlet or awl1 four holes should now be made through the board1 beneath the end of each cross piece1 and also directly under the side piece4 ,it is well to mark with a pencil1 the various points for the holes1 after which the sticks can be removed and the work much more easily performed4 ,the four holes should be about an inch apart1 or so disposed as to mark the four corners of a square inch4 ,it is also necessary to make other holes along the length of the cross pieces1 as seen in the illustration4 ,the line on these can also be marked with the pencil across the board1 and the holes made afterwards4 ,these should also be an inch apart1 and only two in number at each point1 one on each side of the stick4 ,when all the holes are made the board should be turned over1 in order to complete preparations on the other side4 ,the object of these various holes is for the passage of the leather shoe-strings for the purpose of securing the cross pieces firmly to the board4 ,in order to prevent these loops from wearing off on the under side1 small grooves should next be made connecting the holes beneath1 thus allowing the leather string to sink into the wood1 where it is securely protected from injury4 ,a narrow chisel is the best tool for this purpose1 the making of the grooves being much more easily and perfectly accomplished with this than with the jack-knife4 ,when the under side is thus finished the board may be turned over and the cross pieces and sides again arranged in place as already described4 ,secure the pieces to the board by the leather strings through the various holes1 always knotting on the upper surface1 and taking care that the knots are firmly tied4 ,the ends of all the cross pieces will require a double cross stitch through the four holes beneath1 in order to secure the side pieces as well4 ,this is plainly shown in the small diagram 7a74 ,the front end of each side piece underneath should now be sharpened to a point1 to allow for the bend at the front of the toboggan4 ,the cross piece at this end should be secured to the under side of the board1 so that as it bends over it will appear on the upper edge1 as our illustration shows4 ,the board should ,page #bgb next be bent with a graceful curve1 and thus held in position by a rope or strip of leather at each extremity of the end cross piece and attached to the ends of the third cross piece1 as seen in the engraving4 ,if the bending is difficult and there is danger of breaking the board1 the application of boiling water will render it pliable4 ,the draw strings should then be attached to the ends of the second cross piece1 and our toboggan is now complete4 ,it may now be laden with two or three hundred pounds of merchandize and will be found to draw over the surface of the snow with perfect ease4 ,for coasting over the crust there is nothing like it4 ,such a toboggan as we have described will easily accommodate three boys1 the one at the stern being provided with a sharp stick for steering1 and the front occupant holding firmly to the draw strings4 ,the toboggan is easily made1 and will do good service either for traffic or sport4 ,,curing ,,skins4 ,this department of the trapper's art is one of the most important and necessary1 as affecting pecuniary profits4 ,the value of a skin in the fur market depends entirely upon the care with which it is taken from the animal and afterward prepared1 and without a knowledge on this subject the young trapper will in vain seek for high prices for his furs4 ,large quantities of valuable skins are sent to our markets annually by inexperienced amateur trappers1 and in many cases rare and beautiful furs have been almost spoiled by want of care in skinning and curing4 ,the rules are simple and easily followed1 a little care being all that is necessary to insure most perfect success4 ,in every case the skin should be removed shortly after death1 or at least before it has become tainted with decay4 ,great pains should be taken in skinning4 ,avoid the adherence of flesh or fat to the skin1 and guard against cutting through the hide1 as a pierced skin is much injured in value4 ,the parts about the eyes1 legs and ears should be carefully removed4 ,the various methods of skinning are described in our section on trapping1 and in all cases the furs should be allowed to dry in a cool1 airy place1 free from the rays of the sun or the heat of a fire1 and protected from rain4 ,astringent preparations of various kinds are used by many trappers1 but they are by no means necessary4 ,the most common dressing consists of equal parts of rock salt and alum dissolved in water4 ,into this a sufficient amount of coarse flour or wheat bran is stirred to give ,page #bgc the mixture the consistency of batter1 after which it is spread thickly over the skin and allowed to dry4 ,it is afterwards scraped off1 and in some cases a second application is made4 ,this preparation is much used in dressing beaver1 otter1 mink and muskrat skins1 but as many of our most successful and experienced trappers do without it1 we fail to see the advantage of using it1 as it is only an extra trouble4 ,the simplest and surest way is to stretch the skin and to submit it to a gradual process of natural drying without any artificial heat or application of astringents to hasten the result4 ,a very common mode of stretching skins consists in tacking them to a board1 with the fur inwards1 and allowing them to dry as already described4 ,this method does very well for small skins1 but for general purposes the stretchers are the only means by which a pelt may be properly cured and prepared4 ,,stretchers4 ,the board stretcher is the simplest form and is in most common use among trappers for the smaller animals4 ,these stretchers are of two kinds1 the plain and the wedged4 ,the plain stretcher consists of a piece of board a quarter of an inch in thickness1 about eighteen inches long and six inches in width4 ,one end of this board is rounded off1 as seen in our illustration1 and the sides should also be whittled and smoothed to a blunt edge4 ,illustration ,the board stretchers are used only for those skins which are taken off whole1 that is1 as described in the chapter on the otter4 ,the skin should be drawn tightly over the blunt end of the board1 and its edges either caught in notches cut in the edges of the square end or secured by a few tacks4 ,this stretcher is particularly ,page #bgd adapted to the skins of muskrats1 minks and animals of a like size4 ,they are known in ,new ,england as shingle stretchers1 and are much to be recommended on account of their lightness and the ease with which they can be made and carried4 ,the wedge stretcher is rather more elaborate than the foregoing1 and is said to be an improvement4 ,illustration ,the first requisite is a board of about three-eighths of an inch in thickness1 two feet or more in length1 and three and a half inches at one end tapering to the width of two inches at the other4 ,this end should now be rounded1 and the edges of the board whittled off to a blunt edge1 as already described in the foregoing1 commencing near the centre of the board1 and thinning to the edge1 and finishing with the notches at the square end4 ,now1 by the aid of a rip-saw1 sever the board through the middle lengthwise4 ,the wedge is the next thing to be constructed1 and should consist of a piece of wood the thickness of the centre of the board and of the same length1 tapering from an inch in width at one end to half an inch at the other4 ,to use the stretcher the two boards are inserted into the skin1 7the latter with the fur side inward74 ,the wedge is then inserted between the large ends of the boards and driven in sufficiently to stretch the pelt to its full capacity1 securing it in the notches by slight cuts in the hide1 or by a tack or two at the edge4 ,it should then he hung in a cool1 airy place1 and the pelt left to season4 ,the bow stretcher is another contrivance very commonly used for small skins like the foregoing4 ,when this is used the pelt should be skinned as described on page #ahe1 the initial cut commencing at the lower jaw and extending down between the fore legs1 all the feet being previously cut off4 ,the bow may consist of a switch of any elastic wood such as hickory iron wood1 elm or birch4 ,it should be about three or more feet in length1 and as large as a man's thumb at the butt end4 ,by bending it in the shape of the letter ,u it may easily be inserted in the skin1 the latter being ,page #bge fastened by catching the lip on each side into a sliver notch cut on each end of the bow1 as our illustration indicates4 ,illustration ,for large animals1 such as the deer1 bear1 beaver1 the hoop stretcher is generally employed4 ,,the ,,hoop ,,stretcher4 ,this consists of a hoop made from one or more flexible switches tied together so as to form a circle4 ,in order to be adapted to this mode of stretching1 the skin should be flat1 i4 e4 taken off as described on page #agb1 the initial cut extending from the lower jaw to the vent4 ,the size of the hoop required depends upon the dimensions of the skin4 ,lay the latter upon some flat surface and so gauge the hoop as that it shall surround the pelt on all sides2 after which the latter should be secured or laced to the hoop with twine at the edges4 ,all loose parts should be drawn up1 and the skin should everywhere be stretched like a drum head4 ,when this is accomplished it is the custom with many trappers to apply the preparation described on page #bgc1 particularly where the skin is thick and fatty4 ,but we are rather disposed to discourage the use of any preparation whatever1 in any case1 as they are by no means necessary4 ,in using the board stretchers the fur should always be on the inside1 and when the hoop or bow is used it should be placed in such a position1 that the air may circulate freely on both sides of the skin1 which should not be removed until thoroughly dry4 ,page #bgf ,,tanning ,,skins4 ,in case some of our readers might desire to tan fur skins for their own domestic purposes1 the subjoined directions will be found to be reliable1 and for all ordinary requirements1 sufficiently adequate4 ,for tanning with the hair on1 the skin should first be cleaned1 every particle of loose fat or flesh1 being removed1 and the useless parts cut away4 ,when this is done1 it should be soaked for an hour or two in warm water4 ,the following mixture should then be prepared3 ,take equal parts of borax1 saltpetre1 and sulphate of soda1 and with them mix water sufficient to produce the consistency of thin batter4 ,this preparation should be painted thickly on the flesh side of the skin1 after which these sides should be doubled together and the pelt left in an airy place4 ,a second mixture should next be prepared4 ,this should consist of two parts sal soda2 three parts borax2 four parts castile or other hard soap3 all to be melted together over a slow fire4 ,at the end of twenty-four hours1 after the application of the first mixture1 the second should be applied in a similar manner1 and the fur again folded and left for the same length of time4 ,next1 make a mixture equal parts of salt and alum1 dissolved in warm water and thickened with coarse flour to the consistency of thin paste4 ,spread this thickly over the skin and allow it to dry1 after which it should be scraped off with the bowl of a spoon4 ,the skin should be tightly stretched during the operation1 in order to prevent too great shrinkage4 ,a single application of the last-named dressing1 is generally sufficient for small skins2 but a second or third treatment may be resorted to if required1 to make the skin soft and pliable1 after which it should be finished off with sand-paper and pumice stone4 ,a skin may be thus dressed as soft as velvet1 and the alum and salt will set the hair securely4 ,the above directions are excellent1 for all general purposes1 but we subjoin1 in addition1 a few other valuable hints and specific recipes in common use4 ,every trapper has his own peculiar hobby in regard to his tanning process1 and the recipes are various and extensive4 ,the above is one of the most reliable for general use4 ,a common mode of tanning mink and muskrat skins is given in the following3-- ,,to ,,tan ,,mink ,,and ,,muskrat ,,skins4 ,before tanning1 the skin should always be thoroughly cleansed ,page #bgg in warm water1 and all fat and superfluous flesh removed4 ,it should then be immersed in a solution made of the following ingredients3 ,five gallons of cold soft water2 five quarts wheat bran2 one gill of salt2 and one ounce of sulphuric acid4 ,allow the skins to soak in the liquid for four or five hours4 ,if the hides have been previously salted1 the salt should be excluded from the mixed solution4 ,the skins are now ready for the tanning liquor1 which is made in the following way3 into five gallons of warm1 soft water1 stir one peck of wheat bran and allow the mixture to stand in a warm room until fermentation takes place4 ,then add three pints of salt1 and stir until it is thoroughly dissolved4 ,a pint of sulphuric acid should then be poured in gradually1 after which the liquor is ready4 ,immerse the skins and allow them to soak for three or four hours4 ,the process of fleshing is then to be resorted to4 ,this consists in laying the skin1 fur side down1 over some smooth beam1 and working over the flesh side with a blunt fleshing tool4 ,an old chopping knife1 or tin candlestick1 forms an excellent substitute for the ordinary fleshing knife1 and the process of rubbing should be continued until the skin becomes dry1 after which it will be found to be soft and pliable4 ,the skin of the muskrat is quite tender1 and the fleshing should be carefully performed4 ,,how ,,to ,,tan ,,the ,,skins ,,of ,,beaver1 ,,otter1 ,,raccoon1 ,,and ,,marten4 ,these should be stretched on a board and smeared with a mixture composed of three ounces each1 of salt and alum2 three gills of water1 and one drachm of sulphuric acid4 ,this should be thickened with wheat bran or flour1 and should be allowed to dry on the skin1 after which it should be scraped off with a spoon4 ,next1 take the skin from the board1 roll it with the fur inside1 and draw it quickly backward and forward1 over a smooth peg1 or through an iron ring4 ,the skin should then be unfolded and rolled again the opposite way1 and the operation repeated until the pelt is quite soft and flexible4 ,this is a good way of softening all kinds of skins1 and the above preparation will be found excellent for all ordinary purposes4 ,the muskrat skin may be treated in the same manner as the above1 if desired1 and the process directed on the muskrat skin may also be applied to the pelts of the other animals4 ,to remove the fur for a simple tanned skin1 the hide should be immersed in a liquid composed of--soft water1 five gallons2 slaked lime1 four quarts2 and wood ashes1 four quarts4 ,allow ,page #bgh the skin to soak for a couple of days1 after which the fur will readily slip off4 ,another method--take equal parts wood ashes and slaked lime1 and add water to the consistency of batter4 ,spread this over the inside of the skin1 roll it up1 and place it in a pail1 covering it with water4 ,here let it remain from one to five days1 or until the hair will shed easily1 after which it should be finished with the fleshing knife and velveted with sand paper4 ,,observations ,,on ,,the ,,history ,,of ,,furs ,,and ,,the ,,fur ,,trade4 ,in all cold climates1 man has availed himself liberally of the warm covering with which nature has clothed the animals around him2 but the wealth of the most favored nations has drawn to them the most beautiful furs1 in whatever part of the world they are procured4 ,skins of animals were among the first materials used for clothing4 ,before ,adam and ,eve were driven from the ,garden of ,eden1 they were furnished with coats of skins4 ,the ancient ,assyrians used the soft skins of animals to cover the couches or the ground in their tents1 and the ,israelites employed badger's skins and ram's skins1 as ornamental hangings for the ,tabernacle4 ,the ancient heroes of the ,greeks and ,romans1 are represented as being clothed in skins4 neas1 wearing for an outer garment1 that of the lion1 and ,alcestes being formidably clad in that of the ,libyan ,bear4 ,herodotus speaks of those living near the ,caspian ,sea wearing seal skins1 and ,csar mentions that the skin of the reindeer formed in part the clothing of the ,germans4 ,in the early period1 furs appear to have constituted the entire riches of the ,northern countries1 and they were almost the only exports4 ,taxes were paid on them1 and they were the medium of exchange4 ,so it was also in our own ,western territories in the latter part of the last century1 and is to the present day1 to a great extent1 among the ,indians4 ,in the eleventh century1 furs had become fashionable throughout ,europe1 and the art of dyeing them1 was practiced in the twelfth4 ,in the history of the ,crusades1 frequent mention is made of the magnificent displays by the ,european ,princes1 of their dresses of costly furs1 before the ,court at ,constantinople4 ,but ,richard ,i4 of ,england1 and ,philip ,,ii4 of ,france1 in order to check the growing extravagance in their use1 resolved that the choicer furs1 ermine and sable amongst the number1 should be omitted from their kingly wardrobes4 ,louis ,,ix4 followed their example in the next century1 but not ,page #bgi until his extravagance had grown to such a pitch1 that seven hundred and forty-six ermines were required for the lining of one of his surcoats4 ,in the times1 the use of the choicer furs1 as those of the sable1 ermine1 gris1 and ,hungarian squirrel1 was restricted to the royal families and the nobility1 to whom they served as distinctive marks and badges of rank4 ,these privileged persons applied them lavishly to their own use1 and the fashion extended to the princes of other less civilized nations4 ,their royal use soon extended to ,tartary1 and the tents of the ,khan were bedecked with the most rich and costly furs4 ,in the following century1 furs were commonly worn in ,england until their use was prohibited by ,edward ,,iii41 to all persons whose purse would not warrant a yearly expenditure of #ajj4 ,the early fur trade of ,western ,europe1 was conducted through the merchants on the south coast of the ,baltic1 who received goods from the ports of ,livonia4 ,in the sixteenth century1 a direct trade was opened between the ,english and ,russians2 and a company of the former1 protected by the ,czar1 established trading posts on the ,white ,sea1 and a warehouse at ,moscow1 whence they sent trading parties to ,persia and the countries on the ,caspian ,sea4 ,the ,czar sent rich presents of beautiful furs1 to ,queen ,mary and ,queen ,elizabeth2 but the latter prohibited the wearing of any but native furs1 and the trade soon declined and was abandoned4 ,in the #agth century1 ,siberia was conquered by the ,russians1 and its tribute was paid in furs4 ,large quantities were also furnished to ,china1 but the choicest kinds--the precious ermine1 the brilliant1 fiery foxes1 and the best sables1 were taken to ,moscow1 for the use of the princes and nobles of ,russia1 ,turkey1 and ,persia4 ,in our own country1 the early settlers of the ,northern provinces1 soon learned the value of the furs of the numerous animals which peopled the extensive rivers1 lakes1 and forests of these vast territories4 ,they collected the skins in abundance1 and found an increasing demand for them1 with every new arrival of immigrants from the mother country4 ,trinkets1 liquors1 and other articles sought for by the native tribes1 were shipped to ,quebec1 and from thence up the ,st4 ,lawrence to ,montreal1 which soon became the great trading post of the country4 ,the various tribes of ,indians were stimulated by trifling compensation1 to pursue their only congenial and peaceful occupation2 and the ,french settlers1 readily assimilating to the ,indian habits1 became themselves expert hunters1 trappers1 and explorers4 ,the business prospered1 and the ,english soon became interested and secured a share of the valuable trade4 ,many ,page #bhj wealthy and influential parties1 connected with the government of ,great ,britain1--,prince ,rupert and ,lord ,ashley1 among the number--became deeply interested in this source of revenue2 and after a successful enterprise1 they obtained from ,charles ,,ii41 a charter of incorporation1 giving to them full possession of the territory within the entrance of ,hudson's ,straits1 not already granted to other subjects1 or possessed by those of any other ,christian prince or ,state4 ,in this charter was included the monopoly1 of all trade in these regions1 and thus we see the origin of the ,great ,hudson's ,bay ,company1 which is to-day1 one of the largest organizations of its kind on the globe4 ,the territory they claimed1 extended from ,hudson's ,bay1 west to the ,pacific1 and north to the ,arctic ,ocean1 excepting that occupied by the ,french and ,russians4 ,they soon formed settlements upon the various rivers which empty into ,hudson's ,bay1 and carried on their operations with immense vigor and success4 ,they met with much opposition and open hostility from the ,french1 and were subjected to vast expenses and losses1 but in spite of all1 they continued to prosper4 ,their forts or factories were extended further into the interior of ,british ,america1 and their power was supreme throughout the country1 and in a great measure over the ,indians1 whom they employed to collect their skins4 ,in the course of time1 the ,french ,canadians organized themselves into a united band1 under the name of the ,north ,west ,company1 and established their headquarters at ,montreal4 ,their operations were carried on with great energy and profit1 and many factories were built in the western portion of the ,province4 ,the company thus soon became a formidable competitor with the ,hudson's ,bay ,company and for a period of two years1 an actual state of war existed between them4 ,this condition of affairs finally terminated in a consolidation of the two organizations1 under the name of the ,hudson's ,bay ,company1 the privileges of which extended over all the territory formerly occupied by both4 ,thus1 we have the history of the famous ,hudson's ,bay ,company1 from its origin to its perfect organization4 ,it is a most stupendous concern1 and its annual shipment of furs1 is something amazing4 ,their great sales take place in the month of ,march1 in order to be completed before ,easter2 and again in ,september1 every year at ,london1 and are attended by purchasers from nearly all parts of the world4 ,leipsic1 the famous fur mart of ,germany1 is also the scene of a great annual fair1 for the sale of skins4 ,the importance of the fur trade in this country1 led to the ,page #bha early settlement of the ,western territories of the ,united ,states2 and many a frontier city1 like ,st4 ,paul1 has been built up by the enterprise of the trapper4 ,mackinaw and ,montreal owe much of their growth to the traffic of the fur trade2 and many a kingly fortune--,john ,jacob ,astor's1 for instance--has been founded on peltry4 ,besides the above fur sales in ,london a moderate portion of those annually collected in the ,united ,states are retained for use1 amounting to about #aej1jjj mink and #gej1jjj muskrat skins1 besides a number of other furs which are manufactured and worn4 ,the annual yield of raw furs throughout the whole world is estimated at over twenty millions of dollars in value2 and when we include the manufactured articles therefrom1 the amount will swell to a hundred millions or over4 ,this will serve to give some idea of the immensity and value of the business4 ,american dealers divide our native furs into two classes1 viz41 home and shipping furs2 the former being chiefly utilized in our own country1 while the latter are exported to all parts of the world4 ,new ,york ,city is the great fur mart and depot for the shipping trade in this country1 and the annual value of its exports1 in this one branch of trade is enormous4 ,the principal shipping furs are the silver1 red and cross ,fox1 ,wild ,cat1 ,raccoon1 ,fisher1 ,muskrat and ,skunk4 ,among the home furs are the ,marten1 ,mink1 ,opossum1 ,wolf and ,muskrat1 the latter being extensively used both here and abroad4 ,in the following chapter will be found more detailed notes on the leading ,american furs1 including their various uses and the different countries for which they are the especial staples4 ,in order to give the reader some idea of the variety and magnitude of the yield of furs from our own country1 we annex a table 7p4 #bhb7 showing the sales of the ,hudson's ,bay ,company1 at ,london1 in the year #ahgc4 ,,market ,,value ,,of ,,fur ,,skins4 ,below will be found an authentic table of the comparative values of the various ,american furs at the present date of publication4 ,the quotations are those of one of our largest fur dealers1 as published in ,,the ,,hat1 ,,cap ,,and ,,fur ,,trade ,,review1 the leading journal of the trade in ,america4 ,of course these values are constantly varying--keeping pace with the eccentricities of fashion and the demands of the fur trade2 but ,page #bhb the table will serve at least to gauge the relative values1 as between the two extremes of common and scarce furs4 ,the fur market is a great deal like the stock market4 ,it is constantly fluctuating1 and a fur which is to-day among the novelties1 may next year find itself on the low priced list4 ,the demand for furs of any kind is nearly always governed by fashion1 and of course the value is estimated on the demand4 ,if the convention of fur dealers should decide to usher in ,muskrat fur as the leading and most fashionable article in that line1 the fashion would create the demand1 the demand would be in turn supplied by the trappers throughout the country1 and in proportion as the ,muskrat skins became scarce1 so their value would increase4 ,in this way a skin which may be worth fifty cents at one time may soon acquire a value of twenty times that amount4 ,the comparative value of skins is1 therefore1 constantly varying more or less2 but the annexed table 7page #bhc7 will be found useful for general reference1 and for approximate figures1 will probably answer every purpose for some time to come4 ,no4 of ,no4 of ,estimated ,skins4 ,skins4 ,total ,price according to average ,,kinds4 ,march ,sept4 ,no4 quality4 price per ,sale4 ,sale4 skin4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ s4 d4 ,badger #b1gjj #b1gjj #as4 to #gs4 #a #jf ,bear #e1bag #b1gid #h1jaa #es4 to #h #ajs4 #e #j #jj ,beaver #aaa1iic #cg1jeb #adi1jde #d,s4 #c;d4 to #chs4 #f;d4 #a #jj #jj ,fisher #b1hdc #ggi #c1fbb #hs4 to #c #es4 #b #aj #jj ,fox1 ,blue #ij #ij #ahs4 to #d4 #b #aj #jj ,cross #a1hah #dga #b1bhi #es4 to #d4 #a #aj #jj ,kitt #f1icj #f1icj #bs4 #h;d4 to #bhs4 #aj;d4 #c #jj ,red #f1iad #a1chc #h1big #ds4 #f;d4 to #ags4 #aj #jj ,silver #edj #adh #fhh #c #ajs4 to #ba4 #aj #jj #jj ,white #g1cab #g1cab #bs4 to #ads4 #i;d4 #g #jj ,lynx #b1dfh #a1feb #d1abj #is4 #f;d4 to #a #ads4 #ah #jj ,marten #dg1hgh #ah1iee #ff1hcc #ajs4 to #c #ais4 #a #aj #jj ,mink #ca1hjb #ab1hif #dd1fih #ds4 to #a #hs4 #f;d4 #ae #jj ,muskrat #fea1dih #aaf1dhh #gfg1hif #c;d4 to #af;d4 #jj #h ,otter #h1ega #b1fha #aa1beb #ads4 to #c #ahs4 #b #aj #jj ,sea #ih #ih #d #ajs4 to #cb4 #ae #jj #jj ,rabbit #aj1jbi #aj1jbi #c;d4 to #d;d4 #jj #c ,raccoon #c1ehb #c1ehb #as4 to #cs4 #c;d4 #b #f ,skunk #a1fia #a1fia #bs4 to #gs4 #d #jj ,wolf #f1baf #ahh #f1djd #fs4 to #b #aes4 #ae #jj ,wolverine #a1ggj #cbj #b1jij #hs4 to #a #as4 #ae #jj ,page #bhc ,,american ,,fur ,,skins--,,table ,,of ,,values499 ,prime4 ,seconds4 ,thirds4,fourths4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ,badger #a4jj #j4ej #j4aj ,bear1 ,black #ah4jj #i4jj #a4jj ,cub #aj4jj #e4jj #a4jj ,brown #g4jj #d4jj #a4jj ,beaver1 ,california per lb4 #a4be #ge #ej ,southern #a4jj #ge #dj ,upper ,missouri #a4ge #a4ej #ej ,lake ,supr4 and ,canada4 #b4ej #a4ge #ge ,cat1 ,wild #dj #aj ,house #ae #aj ,deer1 ,florida per lb4 #bj ,missouri #bj ,elk and ,moose per lb4 #ce #be ,fisher1 ,southern #g4jj #e4jj #a4jj ,eastern and ,canada #aj4jj #h4jj #b4jj ,fox1 ,silver #ajj4jj #be4jj #a4jj ,cross #c4jj #a4ej #a4jj ,blue #ae4jj #e4jj #a4jj ,white #c4jj #a4ej ,red #a4ge #a4jj #ge #be ,gray #c4jj #a4ej #ej #be ,kitt #ej #be ,lynx1 ,minnesota #b4ej #a4jj ,canada #d4jj #b4jj ,marten1 ,dark #aj4jj #f4jj #b4jj ,small ,pale #b4jj #a4jj #ej ,mink1 ,southern #a4jj #ej #be #aj ,western #a4be #a4jj #ej #aj ,middle ,states #b4jj #a4be #ej #aj ,minnesota #b4ej #a4ej #ge #bj ,new ,england #c4ej #a4ge #a4jj #bj ,quebec and ,halifax #d4jj #b4jj #a4jj #bj ,muskrat1 ,southern #bh #be #ae #e ,western #cj #bh #ah #f ,northern #cb #cj #bj #h ,eastern #ce #cj #bb #aj ,opossum1 ,ohio #cj #bj #aj ,southern #bj #aj ,otter1 ,southern #e4jj #c4jj #b4jj #ej ,northern #aj4jj #f4jj #b4jj #ej ,rabbit #c ,raccoon1 ,southern #ej #cj #ae #e ,western #a4jj #ej #bj #e ,michigan #a4be #hj #cj #e ,seal1 ,hair #fj ,fur #aj4jj ,skunk1 ,black ,cased #a4jj #fj #dj #aj ,half ,stripe #fj #ej #be #aj ,white #bj #aj ,wolf1 ,timber #c4jj #a4ej ,prairie #a4jj #ge ,wolverine #e4jj #b4jj ,footnote 993 ,from the ,hat ,cap and ,fur ,trade ,review4 ,page #bhd ,notwithstanding all these advertised prices1 the young trapper often experiences great difficulty in a profitable disposal of his furs4 ,like every other business1 the fur trade runs in its regular grooves1 and the average furrier will often pay an experienced professional five dollars for a skin for which he would not offer a dollar to an amateur4 ,this certainly seems discouraging1 but the knowledge of the fact is calculated to prevent greater discouragement4 ,we often see fancy prices advertised by fur dealers for first-class skins2 but when the furs are sent1 only a few are selected as prime1 the rest being rejected as worthless1 or perhaps meeting with a meagre offer far below the regular rates4 ,in this way the dealers have the opportunity of choice selection without incurring any risk4 ,many a young trapper has been thus disappointed1 and has seen his small anticipated fortune dwindle down to very small proportions4 ,the fur trade is supplied through regular professional channels2 and in giving our advice to the novice1 we would recommend as the most satisfactory and profitable plan that he should make his sales to some local hunter or trapper1 who has had experience with the fur trade1 and who is satisfied to pay a fair price for the various skins with the probability of selling at an advance1 and thus realizing a profit4 ,in nearly every trapping locality such men are to be found1 and although the prices earned may be below the market rates1 the amateur takes none of the speculative risks of the business1 and should be willing to take lower prices on this account4 ,,american ,,fur ,,skins--,,their ,,uses ,,at ,,home ,,and ,,abroad4 ,in the early history of fur apparel1 its use was determined by climate2 to-day1 and especially in this country1 it is regulated by the caprice of fashion4 ,the mink for many years took the lead in the list of fashionable furs1 but has of late been superseded by the introduction of the fur seal4 ,the most choice and costly of our ,american furs at the present day is the ,silver ,fox4 ,when highly dressed they are worth from #aj to #ej guineas each in the ,european market4 ,they are principally bought by the ,russians and ,chinese4 ,the skins of the ,red ,fox are purchased by the ,chinese1 ,greeks1 ,persians1 and other ,oriental nations4 ,they are made into linings for robes1 etc41 and ornamented with the black fur of the paws which is set on in spots or waves4 ,the fur of the ,page #bhe ,beaver was formerly highly prized in the manufacture of hats and yielded a large portion of the profits of the ,fur ,companies1 constituting the largest item in value among furs4 ,cheaper materials have since been substituted in making hats1 and the demand for this purpose has been greatly reduced4 ,by a new process the skin is now prepared as a handsome fur for collars and gauntlets1 and its fine silky wool has been successfully woven4 ,the soft1 white fur from the belly of the animal1 is largely used in ,france for bonnets4 ,raccoon skins are the great staple for ,russia and ,germany1 where1 on account of their durability and cheapness1 they are in demand for linings for coats1 etc4 ,among the ,bear skins1 those of the black and grizzly are extensively used for military caps1 housings1 holsters1 sleigh robes1 etc4 ,the fur of the ,lynx is soft1 warm and light1 and is commonly dyed of a beautiful shining black4 ,it is used for the facings and linings of cloaks1 chiefly in ,america4 ,the ,fisher yields a dark and full fur which is largely used in fashionable winter apparel4 ,the skin of the ,marten1 is richly dyed and utilized in choice furs and trimmings4 ,the ,mink1 like the two foregoing1 belongs to the same genus as the ,russian ,sable1 and its fur so much resembles the latter as to be sometimes mistaken for it4 ,it is one of fashion's furs1 and the hair of the tail is sometimes used in the manufacture of artist's pencils4 ,the ,muskrat produces the fur most worn by the masses1 and is largely exported into ,germany1 ,france and ,england4 ,it is estimated that over six millions of muskrat skins are annually taken in ,america1 and of that number one-half are used in ,germany alone4 ,the skin of the ,otter is at present classed among the leading fashionable furs in this country4 ,they are dyed of a deep purplish black color1 and are made into sacques1 muffs1 etc4 ,it is also used by the ,russians1 ,greeks and ,chinese4 ,it is mostly an ,american product1 but is also procured to some extent in the ,british ,isles from a smaller variety of the species4 ,the skins of the ,wolf are chiefly used for sleigh robes and such purposes4 ,the fur of the ,rabbit is mainly employed in the manufacture of felt1 and is also utilized for lining and trimming4 ,the business of breeding rabbits for their fur has been introduced into the ,united ,states1 and large numbers have been successfully raised in ,danbury1 ,conn41 for felting purposes connected with the manufacture of hats4 ,page #bhf ,the fur of the ,wolverine or ,glutton1 finds a market for the most part in ,germany1 where it is used for trimmings and cloak linings4 ,the ,skunk furnishes the fur known as ,alaska ,sable1 which forms one of our staple pelts1 many thousands being annually exported to ,poland and the adjacent provinces4 ,the ,badger yields a valuable and fashionable fur1 which is also extensively used in the manufacture of artist's brushes2 a good badger blender forming a valuable accessory to a painter's outfit4 ,shaving brushes by the thousand are annually made from the variegated hair of the badger4 ,the ,opossum yields a fur in very common use among the masses1 and the skins of the domestic ,cat are utilized to a considerable extent in the manufacture of robes1 mats1 etc4 ,the fur of the ,puma and ,wild ,cat are also employed in this form1 and may often be seen handsomely mounted and hanging on the backs of sleighs on our fashionable thoroughfares4 ,among the small game the skins of ,squirrels are used for linings1 and the soft1 velvety fur of the ,mole is manufactured into light robes1 and very fine hats1 and in theatrical paraphernalia is sometimes employed for artificial eyebrows4 ,full descriptions of the color of the various furs will be found in our lengthy illustrated chapter on our ,american animals4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,end4 ,page #bhi ,illustration3 ,,index ,a ,adirondack experiences with mosquitoes1 #bef4 ,advice to the ,novice on the sale of ,furs1 #bhc4 ,air-tight ,jar1 for butter1 c41 #bcf4 ,alaska ,sable1 #bhf4--,see also ,skunk4 ,alcohol1 its use and abuse1 #beg4 ,alum--used in waterproofing1 #bdi4 ,amateur ,trapping1 #bbe4 ,,amber1 ,,oil ,,of1 used in the art of ,trapping1 #aeb4 ,,american ,,fur ,,skins4--,table of values1 #bhd4 ,their uses at ,home and ,abroad1 #bhd4 ,american ,lion4--,see ,puma4 ,amputation1 self inflicted1 as a means of escape with captured animals1 #add4 ,to prevent1 #add1 #ade4 ,ancient uses of ,furs1 #bgh4 ,,anise1 ,,oil ,,of4-- ,its use in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,as bait for fish1 #bdj4 ,annual yield of ,furs throughout the world1 #bha4 ,apparatus for stretching skins1 #bgc4 ,arrows1 poisoned1 #bf4 ,arrow ,traps1 #bc1 #be4 ,artificial ,eyebrows of ,mole ,fur1 #bhf4 ,,art ,,of ,,trapping1 #adh4 ,,assafoetida4-- ,its use by the ,trapper1 #aea4 ,as scent bait for fish1 #bdj4 ,,astor1 ,,john ,,jacob1 and the ,fur ,trade1 #bha4 ,astringent ,preparations1 use of1 in drying ,skins1 #bgc1 #bgf4 ,b ,,badger1 ,,the1-- ,nature and habits of1 #age4 ,skinning the1 #agg4 ,trapping the1 #age4 ,uses of ,fur1 #bhf4 ,value of ,fur1 #bhd4 ,bags1 ,waterproof1 for food1 #bcf4 ,baiting the ,steel ,trap1 #adc4 ,baits for fishing1 #bdj4 ,baits1 scent1 #adi4 ,bait1 ,trapping without1 #adh4 ,,bark ,,shanty4-- ,hints on1 #bff4 ,details of construction1 #bde4 ,bark-,stone4--,see ,castoreum4 ,bark-,stone composition4--,see ,castoreum4 ,barque4--,see ,birch ,bark ,canoe4 ,barrel ,hoops used in canoe building1 #bfd4 ,,barrel ,,traps1 #abe1 #abg1 #acc4 ,basket for the shoulders1 #bcd1 #bcf4 ,basswood-bark canoes1 #bfd4 ,bateaux1 #bfd4 ,,bat ,,fowling ,,net1 #gj4 ,baking1 recipe for1 #bec4 ,bay ,lynx4--,see ,wild ,cat4 ,beans as food1 #bce4 ,,bear4-- ,nature and habits of1 #afh1 #bbg4 ,trapping the1 #afh4 ,traps for1 #ag1 #bi1 #adc4 ,various species of1 #afh4 ,directions for removing skin1 #agb4 ,use of skin1 #bhe4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,bear ,tamer1 #acg1 #adb4 ,bear ,chasing1 dangers of the sport1 #agj4 ,page #bij ,bear ,grease1 #aga4 ,bear ,meat1 to roast1 #bcc4 to dry1 #bcg4 ,,beaver4-- ,nature and habits of1 #agg4 ,trapping the1 #agg4 ,skinning the1 #ahb4 ,skin1 to tan1 #bgg4 ,use of fur1 #bhe4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,,beds ,,and ,,bedding1 #bdh4 ,bed1 spring1 #bdh4 hammock1 swinging1 #bdi4 ,bed clothes1 #bdi4 ,,big ,,horn1 the1 #bbj4 ,as food1 #bbj1 #bch4 ,nature and habits of1 #bbj4 ,trapping the1 #bbj4 ,,birch ,,bark ,,canoe1 remarks on1 #bbf4 ,directions for making1 #bfa4 ,bird-,catching ,net1 #gj4 ,,bird ,,lime1 #ig4 ,masticated ,wheat used as1 #ii4 ,recipe for making1 #ih4 ,used in capture of ,puma1 #ce4 ,used for capture of ,humming ,bird1 #ii4 ,used in making ,fly-paper1 #acf4 ,used with an ,owl as decoy1 #ih4 ,with paper cone1 as a ,crow trap1 #if4 ,,bird ,,traps1 #fe4 ,box1 #hh1 #ij4 #ia4 ,,bird ,,whistle1 #gb4 ,,bison4--,see ,buffalo4 ,black ,fly4--,see ,punkey4 ,blanket1 woollen1 #bej4 ,rubber1 #bcf4 ,use of1 #bej4 ,block-tin1 used for kettles1 c41 #bce4 ,blossom1 utilized as a trap1 #ii4 ,blow-gun1 used in the capture of ,humming ,bird1 #ii4 ,,board ,,flap1 the1 #acj4 ,,board ,,stretchers1 #bgc4 ,,boats1 remarks on1 #bbf4 ,manufacture of1 #bei4 ,the dug-out1 or log canoe1 #bei4 ,the birch-bark canoe1 #bfa4 ,the bateau1 #bfd4 ,the scow1 #bfg4 ,the flat-bottomed boat1 #bfg4 ,boiled ,mush1 #bcb4 to fry1 #bcb4 ,boiling water used in bending wood1 #bfh1 #bgb4 ,book ,i4 ,,traps ,,for ,,large ,,game1 #ag4 ,,ii4 ,,snares ,,or ,,noose ,,traps1 #ci4 ,,iii4 ,,traps ,,for ,,feathered ,,game1 #fe4 ,,iv4 ,,miscellaneous ,,traps1 #ajc4 ,v4 ,,household ,,traps1 #abe4 ,,vi4 ,,steel ,,traps ,,and ,,the ,,art ,,of ,,trapping1 #acg4 ,,vii4 ,,the ,,campaign1 #bbe4 ,,viii4 ,,the ,,trapper',s ,,miscellany1 #bee4 ,boots1 hints on1 #bbh4 ,grease for1 #bbh4 ,bottle ,lantern1 #bda4 ,match ,safe1 #bcd4 ,,bow ,,stretcher1 for skins1 #bgd4 ,,bow ,traps1 #bc1 #be1 #aaf4 ,,bowl ,,traps1 #ace1 #acf4 ,box ,bird ,traps1 #ee1 #hh1 #ij1 #ia4 ,,box ,,dead ,,fall1 #abh4 ,box ,hut1 used in ,pickerel fishing1 #bda4 ,,bow ,,owl ,,trap1 #hh4 ,,box ,,pit-,,fall1 #aca4 ,,box ,,snares1 #ee1 #ef4 ,,box ,,trap1 the1 #ajc4 ,two modes of setting1 #aje4 ,box ,traps1 #ee1 #ef1 #hh1 #ij1 #ia1 #ajc1 #ajf1 #aji1 #aaj4 ,,box ,,trap1 pendent1 #ia4 ,brandy on a trapping campaign1 #beg4 ,brass wire nooses1 #da4 ,brick ,trap1 #ff4 ,broiling1 recipes for1 #bcc4 ,brook ,trout1 fishing through the ice1 #bdj4 ,to cook deliciously1 #bcb4 ,bruises1 ointment for1 #bee4 ,buckskin gloves1 in handling traps1 #adi4 ,building the camp fire1 #bcc4 ,buffalo1 the1 #bbj4 ,as food1 #bba1 #bch1 ,how hunted and trapped1 #bba4 ,building boats1 #bei4 ,butternut log1 for canoe1 #bci4 ,butter1 to keep on a campaign1 #bcf4 ,c ,cage traps for birds1 #gf4 mice1 #acd4 ,call ,birds1 how used1 #gb4 ,,campaign ,,life ,,in ,,the ,,wilderness1 #bbe4 ,,campaign1 ,,plan ,,of1 #bbe4 ,camp fire1 #bbh4 ,to build1 #bcc4 ,camp ,kettle1 #bce4 ,knife1 #bce4 ,stove1 #bbh1 #bce4 ,canada ,grouse1 #bch4 ,lynx4--,see ,lynx4 ,moose4--,see ,moose4 ,candles1 in camp1 #bbg4 ,novel way of using1 #bah4 ,page #bia ,canned vegetables1 #bcf4 ,,canoes1 remarks on1 #bbf4 ,basswood-bark1 #bfd4 ,birch-bark1 directions for building1 #bfa4 ,hemlock bark1 #bfd4 ,log4--,see ,dug-out4 ,spruce bark1 #bfd4 ,canton flannel bags1 for bed clothes1 #bdi4 ,canvass-back ,duck1 as food1 #bci4 ,canvas bags1 waterproof1 #bcf4 ,caps1 percussion1 used in lighting fire1 #bcd4 ,,capture ,,of ,,animals1 #aed4 ,,carpeting ,,tents1 #bej4 ,,castoreum1 or ,barkstone1 #aej4 ,how obtained1 #aej4 ,how used4--,see ,beaver4 ,,castoreum ,,composition1 #aej4 ,cat1 domestic1 use of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,cat1 wild4--,see ,wild ,cat4 ,caulking boats1 #bfa1 #bff4 ,caution in baiting steel traps1 #aac4 ,caution in handling steel traps1 #adi4 ,chill1 remedy for1 #beg4 ,chimney-fire in log shanty1 #bde4 ,chip as a plate1 #bcb4 ,chip1 for a frying pan1 #bcj1 #bcb4 ,chloride of ,lime1 as an antidote1 #aeb4 ,choosing a trapping ground1 #bbe4 ,cicely1 ,sweet1 as scent bait in fishing1 #bdj4 ,cities built up by the fur trade1 #bha4 ,,clap ,,net1 #gb4 ,clearing tents and shanties from insects1 #bcj4 ,climate and fur apparel1 #bhd4 ,,clog1 ,,the1 #adf4 ,cloth for tent making1 #bdg4 ,waterproof preparation for1 #bdg4 ,clothing1 hints on1 #bbh4 ,coasting on the ,indian sled1 #bgj4 ,cock of the plains1 #bch4 ,coffee1 #bcf4 ,coffee-pot1 #bce4 ,cold1 remedy for1 #beg4 ,combination camp-knife1 #bce4 ,,common ,,box ,,trap1 #ajc4 ,compass1 pocket1 #bbg4 ,compound scent-bait1 #aej1 #aec4 ,concealing steel traps1 #bbi4 ,cone of paper as a trap1 #if4 ,corrall1 ,african trap1 #cd4 ,,cooking ,,utensils ,,for ,a ,,campaign1 #bcj1 #bce4 ,coon4--,see ,raccoon4 ,,coop ,,trap1 #fg4 ,for large game1 #cc4 ,cotton drilling1 used for making tents1 #bdg4 ,waterproof preparation for1 #bdg4 ,cotton ,tail4--,see ,rabbit4 ,cougar4--,see ,puma4 ,cow's udder1 as fish bait1 #bdj4 ,crackers as food1 #bcf4 ,crow trap1 #if4 ,,cummin1 used in trapping1 #aeb4 ,cup1 portable1 #bca4 ,,curing ,,skins1 #bgb4 ,current price list of ,american furs1 #bhd4 ,d ,dark lantern1 used by bird catchers1 #ga4 ,deer hunters1 #bag4 ,,dead-,,falls1 #ag1 #bi1 #ajg1 #aaa1 #aac4 ,box1 #abh4 ,for large game1 #ag4 ,how set for the fox1 #aac4 ,stone1 #bi4 ,weighted harpoon1 #bf4 ,with figure four trap1 #aad4 ,dead fish1 valuable in making trails1 #aec4 ,decoys1 #gb1 #gf1 #id4 ,decoy traps1 #gb1 #gf1 #id4 ,whistle1 #gd4 ,owl used as1 #ih4 ,,deer1 #abd4 ,as food1 #bcc1 #bcg1 #bch4 ,how to skin the1 #bai4 ,hunting at night1 #bag1 #bah4 ,luminosity of eyes at night1 #bag1 #bah4 ,natural characteristics of1 #bad4 ,salt as bait for1 #bah4 ,season for hunting1 #bah4 ,trapping the1 #bad1 #bae4 ,various modes of hunting1 #bag4 ,various species of1 #bae4 ,deer lick1 the1 #bae4 ,deer meat1 to dry1 #bcg4 ,deer meat1 to roast1 #bcc4 ,delmonico outdone1 #bcb4 ,detecting the direction of the wind by the finger1 #bag4 ,devices used in connection with the steel trap1 #add1 #adg4 ,devils' ,lantern1 #bda4 ,diet of the ,trapper1 #bcj4 ,,double ,,ender1 the1 #aji4 ,double traps1 #eg1 #aji1 #aaj1 #abi4 ,,down ,,fall1 the1 #bf4 ,dressing for fur skins1 #bgc1 #bgf4 ,dressing for leather1 #bbh4 ,dressing skins for market1 #bgb4 ,home use1 #bgf4 ,dried fish1 #bcg4 ,dried venison1 #bcg4 ,drilling1 as tent material1 #bdg4 ,waterproof preparation for1 #bdg4 ,page #bib ,drinking cup1 portable1 #bca4 ,drying skins1 #bgb1 #bgc1 #bgf4 ,ducks1 various species of1 #bci4 ,as food1 #bci4 ,to cook deliciously1 #bcc4 ,,duck ,,traps1 #id1 #ie4 ,,dug-,,out1 ,,the1 hints on1 #bbf4 ,detailed directions for making1 #bei4 ,e ,eels1 oil prepared from1 #aea4 ,elk4--,see ,moose4 ,ephraim4--,see ,bear4 ,escaping from the mosquitoes1 #bee4 ,exports of furs1 #bha1 #bhe4 ,extemporized frying pan1 #bcb4 ,toaster1 #bcc4 ,extract of beef1 ,liebig's1 #bcf4 ,extravagance in fur apparel1 #bgi4 ,f ,false bottom traps1 #abg1 #aca1 #acc4 ,fashion and fur1 #bgi1 #bhc1 #bhe4 ,,feathered ,,game1 ,,traps ,,for1 #fe4 ,felt1 use of rabbit-fur in making1 #bhf4 ,,fennel1 ,,oil ,,of1 used in trapping1 #aeb4 ,,fenugreek1 ,,oil ,,of1 used in trapping1 #aeb4 ,,figure ,,four ,,snare1 #fa4 ,,figure ,,four ,,trap1 #ajg4 ,used with ,dead-,fall1 #aad4 ,finger1 as a weather vane1 #bag4 ,fire1 to build1 #bbg4 ,to light without matches1 #bcd4 ,with powder and cap1 #bcd4 ,without anything1 #bce4 ,fire arms1 #bbg4 ,oil for1 #bbg4 ,fire bottle1 #bda4 ,fire ,hat for night hunting1 #bah4 ,fire-proof preparations for tents1 #bdg4 ,fish1 to bake1 #bcb4 ,to dry1 #bcg4 ,to fry1 #bcc4 ,,fisher ,,marten4-- ,how to trap the animal1 #aid4 ,its nature and habits1 #aid4 ,its common mode of release from capture1 #add4 ,method of skinning1 #aie4 ,use of skin1 #bhe4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,,fish-,,hook1 trap for ducks1 #ie4 ,fishing1 hints on1 #bci4 ,at night1 #bci4 ,through the ice1 #bdj4 ,various baits1 #bdj4 ,with tip-up4 #bdj4 ,for pickerel1 #bdj4 ,fishing tackle1 #bbg1 #bdj1 #bda4 ,fish lantern1 #bda4 ,,fish ,,oil1 used in the art of trapping1 #aea4 ,how obtained1 #aea4 ,fish1 scent baits for1 #bdj4 ,spearing1 #bci4 ,fish traps1 #abj1 #bda4 ,flat bottomed boats1 #bfd1 #bfg4 ,flat bottomed sled4--,see ,toboggan ,flat stone1 as a frying pan1 #bcb4 ,flower1 converted into a trap1 #ii4 ,fly1 black4--,see ,punkey4 ,,fly-,,paper1 to make1 #acf4 ,fly ,tent1 the1 #bdf4 ,fly traps1 #acf4 ,food1 portable1 #bcj4 ,,food ,,and ,,cooking ,,utensils1 #bcj4 ,,fools' ,,cap ,,trap ,,for ,,crows1 #if4 ,forks1 #bce4 ,fortunes founded on peltry1 #bha4 ,,fowling ,,net1 the1 #gj4 ,fox4-- ,nature and habits of1 #aed4 ,trapping the1 #aed4 ,trapped by a dead-fall1 #aaa1 #aac4 ,varieties of1 #aed4 ,directions for skinning1 #aeh4--,see also ,red and ,silver ,fox4 ,fox fire1 used in capture of deer1 #bah4 ,fritters1 pork1 to cook1 #bca4 ,frying pan1 #bca1 #bce4 ,an extemporized1 #bcb4 ,fur ,market1 eccentricities of1 #bhc4 ,furs1 ancient uses of1 #bgh4 ,annual yield throughout the world1 #bha4 ,furs1 best season for1 #adg4 ,home1 #bha4 ,sale of1 by ,hudson's ,bay ,company1 #bha4 ,shipping1 #bha4 ,table of market values1 #bhb4 ,fur skins1 to cure for market1 #bgb4 ,to tan1 #bgf4 ,hints on selling for profit1 #bhc4 ,various uses of1 #bhe4 ,,fur ,,trade1 ,,observations ,,on1 #bgh4 ,immensity of1 #bha4 ,g ,game1 protected from wolves1 #bcg4 ,,garotte ,,trap1 #aad4 ,gloves to be used in trapping1 #adi4 ,glutton4--,see ,wolverine4 ,page #bic ,gnats1 #bcj1 #bef4 ,painful effects of their bites1 #bef4 ,remedies for their bites1 #bee4 ,driven away by the ,smudge1 #bcj4 ,gnat1 black4--,see ,punkey4 ,goose trap1 #ge4 ,,gopher4-- ,nature and habits of1 #bje4 ,trapping the1 #bje4 ,traps for1 #aai1 #abj1 #dj4 ,directions for skinning1 #bjf4 ,grappling iron1 the1 #adf4 ,grease for boots and shoes1 #bbh4 ,great ,bear ,tamer1 the1 #adb4 ,,grizzly ,,bear4-- ,nature and habits of1 #afi4 ,trapping the1 #afi4 ,traps for1 #ag1 #adb4 ,use of fur1 #bhe4 ,ground plan of trapping lines1 #bbh4 ,ground1 selection for trapping1 #bbe1 ,,ground ,,snares1 #dd4 ,grouse1 as food1 #bcc1 #bch4 ,bait for1 #db4 ,oil of1 for fire arms1 #bbg4 ,peculiarities of1 #db4 ,snares for1 #ci4 ,to cook deliciously1 #bcc4 ,various species of1 #bch4 ,,gun ,,trap1 #bj4 ,h ,hair ,nooses1 #da4 ,half tent1 #bdf4 ,hammocks1 #bej1 ,hammock bed1 #bdi4 ,handling steel traps1 caution in1 #adi4 ,hanging bed1 #bdi4 ,hare4--,see ,rabbit4 ,,harpoon ,,trap of ,africa1 #bf4 ,hat ,brim1 portable1 #beh4 ,netting attachment for1 #beh4 ,hat lantern for night hunting1 #bah4 ,hawk snare1 #dc4 ,,hawk ,,trap1 #ic4 ,head lantern used in deer hunting1 #bah4 ,,head ,,net1 #beg4 ,,hedge ,,nooses1 #da4 ,hemlock bark canoes1 #bfd4 ,hemlock boughs1 as bedding1 #bej4 ,hemp1 used in caulking boats1 #bfa1 #bff4 ,hiding steel traps1 #bbi4 ,high top boots1 #bbh4 ,hints on baiting the steel trap1 #adc4 ,hints on selection of trapping ground1 #bbe4 ,hints on skinning animals1 #bgb4 ,hints on trapping1 #adh4 ,hints on plans of trapping lines1 #bbh4 ,hints on sale of furs1 #bhc4 ,hippopotamus trap1 #bf4 ,historical items relating to furs and the fur trade1 #bgh4 ,hoe cake1 to cook1 #bcb4 ,hogs carried off by bears1 #agj4 ,hog's liver used as fish bait1 #bdj4 ,home ,furs1 #bha4 ,,home-,,made ,,boat1 #bfd4 ,honey as bait1 #ai1 #ca1 #agj4 ,hook trap for ducks1 #ie4 ,hopo1 ,african trap1 #cd4 ,hoop nooses1 #dj4 ,,hoop ,,stretcher for skins1 #bge4 ,horse hair nooses1 to make1 #da4 ,hot drink for chills1 #beg4 ,,household ,,traps1 #abe4 ,house ,tent1 #bdg4 ,how to select a steel trap1 #ach4 ,,how ,,to ,,trap1 #aec4 ,hudson ,bay ,company1 origin of1 #bhj4 ,sales of1 #bha1 #bhb4 ,humming bird1 killed by concussion1 #ii4 ,snare1 #ii4 ,trap1 #ii4 ,various modes of capture1 #ii4 ,hunting the deer1 #bag4 ,hunting from trees1 #bah4 ,,hut1 ,,log4--,see ,log ,shanty4 ,i ,implements required on a trapping campaign1 #bbg4 ,improved springle1 #fj4 ,,indian ,,canoe4--,see ,,birch ,,bark ,,canoe4 ,indian meal1 as food1 #bca4 ,,indian ,,sledge4--,see ,toboggan4 ,,indian ,,snow ,,shoe1 #bfh4 ,india-rubber blanket1 #bcf4 ,how used1 #bej4 ,,insect ,,ointments1 #bee4 ,insect bites1 remedies for1 #bee4 ,sores resulting from1 #beg4 ,insects1 to drive out from tent or shanty1 #bcj1 #bef4 ,intemperance1 #beg4 ,j ,jack knife1 a valuable tool1 #bbg4 ,jar1 as a trap1 #ace4 ,page #bid ,jar1 air-tight1 for butter1 #bcf4 ,jerked ,venison1 #bca4 ,,john ,,jacob ,,astor1 and the fur trade1 #bha4 ,johnny cake1 to cook1 #bcb4 ,k ,kettle1 camp1 #bce4 ,knapsack1 #bcd4 ,directions for making1 #bcf4 ,knife1 a necessary implement1 #bbg4 ,knife1 the combination camp1 #bce4 ,knives1 table1 #bce4 ,l ,lake trout1 fishing for1 #bdj4 ,to cook deliciously1 #bcb4 ,lantern for the head1 used by deer hunters1 #bah4 ,lantern used by bird catchers1 #ga4 ,lantern trap for fish1 #bda4 ,large game1 traps for1 #ag4 ,,lavender1 used in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,leather preservative1 #bbh4 ,le ,chat4--,see ,lynx4 ,lemonade1 #bcf4 ,lens1 to light fire with1 #bcd4 ,lever for setting large steel traps1 #adb4 ,liebig's extract of beef1 #bcf4 ,light1 the trapper's1 #bbg4 ,light for the head in night hunting1 #bah4 ,light home-made boat1 #bfd4 ,lime1 chloride of1 as a disinfectant1 #aeb4 ,liniment for wounds and bruises1 #bee4 ,insect bites1 #bee4 ,linseed oil1 used as bird lime1 #ih4 ,lion1 ,american4--,see ,puma4 ,,list ,,of ,,prices ,,of ,,ambrican ,,furs1 #bhd4 ,liver1 as fish bait1 #bdj4 ,,log ,,cabin4--,see ,log ,shanty4 ,log ,canoe4--,see ,dug-,out4 ,,log ,,coop ,,trap1 #cc4 ,,log ,,shanty1 hints on1 #bbf1 #bbi4 ,detailed directions for building1 #bdd4 ,site for building1 #bdd1 #bhg4 ,to clear of gnats and mosquitoes1 #bcj4 ,lucifer ,matches4--,see ,matches4 ,luxuries1 #bcd4 ,,lynx1 ,,the ,,canadian1 #afd4 ,natural characteristics of1 #afd4 ,trapping the1 #afd4 ,traps for1 #ag1 #bj1 #bc1 #bi1 #cc1 #ce1 #ada4 ,,lynx4-- ,directions for skinning1 #aff4 ,use of skin1 #bhe4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,m ,mackinaw and the ,fur ,trade1 #bha4 ,mallard ,duck as food1 #bci4 to ,cook4--,see ,duck4 ,,market ,,value ,,of ,,fur ,,skins1 #bha4 ,marmot4--,see ,woodchuck4 ,,marten3-- ,nature and habits of1 #aib4 ,trapping the1 #aib4 ,its common mode of escape1 #add4 ,directions for removing skin1 #aid4 ,how to tan the ,skin1 #bgg4 ,value and use of skin1 #bhd1 #bhe4 ,mastic ,varnish used in water-proofing1 #bcd4 ,,matches1 #bbg4 ,bottle used for carrying1 #bcd4 ,to render water-proof1 #bcd4 ,meal1 ,indian1 as food1 #bca4 ,meat1 to dry1 #bcg4 ,,medicines1 ,,or ,,scent ,,baits1 #adi4 ,menagerie ,whistle1 #gd4 ,merganser1 the1 as food1 #bci1 ,to cook4--,see ,duck4 ,,midgets1 #bef4 ,painful effect of their bites1 #bef4 ,driven away by the ,smudge1 #bcj4 ,ointments for bites1 #bee4 ,serious effects of bites on the intemperate1 #beg4 ,,mink3-- ,nature and habits of1 #ahi4 ,trapping the1 #ahi4 ,traps for1 #dc1 #ada4 ,its common mode of escape from the steel trap1 #add4 ,directions for skinning1 #aia4 ,to tan skin of1 #bgg4 ,extensive use of skins in ,america1 #bha4 ,uses of skin1 #bhe4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,,miscellaneous hints on trapping1 #adh4 ,,miscellany1 the ,trapper's1 #bee1 ,,miscellaneous ,,traps1 #ajc4 ,,mole1 #bjg4 ,beauty of fur1 #bji1 #baa4 ,life and habits of1 #bjg4 ,trapping the1 #aai1 #baj4 ,traps for1 #aai1 #abj1 #adj4 ,varieties of1 #baa4 ,directions for skinning4--,see ,gopher4 ,use of fur1 #bhf4 ,page #bie ,montreal and the ,fur ,trade1 #bha4 ,,moose3-- ,nature and habits of1 #bai4 ,trapping the1 #bbj4 ,yards1 #bbj4 ,flesh as food1 #bbj1 #bbc1 #bch4 ,how to skin the animal1 #bbj4 ,moose meat1 to roast1 #bcc4 ,meat to dry1 #bcg4 ,,mosquitoes1 #bcj4 ,painful effects of their bites1 #beg4 ,ointments for bites1 #bee4 ,driven away by the ,smudge1 #bcj4 ,adirondack experiences with1 #bee1 #bef4 ,head-net1 #beg4 ,serious effects of bites on the intemperate1 #beg4 ,mouse ,traps1 #abd1 #acj1 #aca1 #acd1 #ace4 ,mud ,stick or ,pusher1 #bfg4 ,mush1 to boil1 #bcb4 to fry1 #bcb4 ,,musk3-- ,its use in the art of trapping1 #aea4 ,how obtained1 #aea4 ,,muskrat3-- ,nature and habits of1 #ahb4 ,pit-fall ,trap for1 #acc4 ,spearing the1 #ahc4 ,trapping the1 #ahb4 ,traps for1 #dc1 #ajg1 #aaj1 #aaa1 #aad1 #acc1 #ada4 ,its common mode of release1 #add4 ,extensive use of skins in ,america1 #bha4 ,skin1 to remove1 #ahe4 ,to tan1 #bgg4 ,use of1 #bhf4 ,value of1 #bhd4 ,muscovy ,duck as food1 #bci4 ,to cook4--,see ,duck4 ,musquaw4--,see ,bear4 ,n ,natural ,advantages utilized by the ,trapper1 #adi4 ,natural ,history4 ,necessity of its study in the art of ,trapping1 #adh4 ,neatsfoot ,oil for ,fire ,arms1 #bbg4 ,,net3-- ,bat fowling1 #gj4 ,bird catching1 #gj4 ,clap1 #gb4 ,decoy1 #gb4 ,fish1 use of1 #bda4 ,net for the head1 #beg4 ,fowling1 #gj4 ,net traps1 #gj1 #gc1 #ge1 #hj1 #hc1 #he4 ,for ,tiger1 ,puma1 or ,wild ,cat1 #ce4 ,spring1 #hj4 ,the upright1 #he4 ,wild ,duck1 #id4 ,wild ,goose1 #age4 ,netting attachment for ,hat brim1 #beh4 ,,newhouse ,,trap1 ,,the1 #ach4 ,night-hunting1 #bag1 #bah4 ,night-fishing1 #bci4 ,nooses3-- ,horse hair1 #da4 ,in hedge1 #db4 ,on hoops1 #dj4 ,on string1 #dj4 ,,noose ,,traps1 #ci4 ,nooses1 wire1 #da4 ,northwest ,fur ,company1 #bhj4 ,nutting in ,mid-winter1 #bab4 ,o ,oar-locks1 simple1 #bff4 ,oat-meal as food1 #bcf4 ,,observations ,,on ,,the ,,history ,,of ,,furs ,,and ,,the ,,fur ,,trade1 #bgh4 ,oil1 ,fish4-- ,used in trapping1 #aea4 ,how obtained1 #aea4 ,oil of ,amber4-- ,used in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,oil of ,ambergris4-- ,used in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,oil of ,anise3-- ,its use in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,oil of ,cinnamon3-- ,its use in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,oil of ,fennel3-- ,its use in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,oil of ,fenugreek3-- ,its use in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,oil of ,lavender3-- ,its use in the art of trapping1 #aeb4 ,oil of ,rhodium3-- ,its use by trappers1 #aea4 ,oil of ,skunk3-- ,its use by trappers1 #aea4 ,oil3-- ,for fire arms1 #bbg4 ,for light1 #bbg4 ,oil of ,partridge3-- ,its use1 #bbg4 ,oil of ,pennyroyal3-- ,for insect bite1 #bee4 ,page #bif ,ointment for ,bruises and ,wounds1 #bee4 ,,ointment ,,for ,,insect ,,bites1 #bee4 ,,old-,,fashioned ,,springle1 #eh4 ,olive ,oil in cooking1 #bcf4 ,,opossum1 #bja4 ,nature and habits of1 #bjb4 ,trapping the1 #bja4 ,hunting the1 #bjb4 ,directions for skinning1 #bjc4 ,uses of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,,otter3-- ,nature and habits of1 #bjb4 ,trapping the1 #ahf4 ,directions for skinning1 #ahi4 ,how to tan the skin1 #bgg4 ,use of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,,owl ,,trap1 #hh4 ,owl3-- ,used in connection with bird lime as decoy1 #ih4 ,p ,paint as a water-proof covering1 #bcf4 ,painter1 the4--,see ,puma4 ,panther1 the4--,see ,puma4 ,paper ,cone used as a trap1 #if4 ,partridge1 #db1 #bch4 ,as food1 #bch4 ,fat for fire arms1 #bbg4 ,snares1 #ci1 etc4 ,to cook deliciously1 #bcc4 ,peltry3-- ,fortunes founded on1 #bha4 ,cities built up on1 #bha4 ,,pendent ,,box1 ,,bird ,,trap1 #ia4 ,pennyroyal for insect bites1 #bee4 ,pepper ,tea as a remedy1 #beg4 ,percussion ,cap used in lighting lire1 #bcd4 ,peshoo1 the4--,see ,lynx4 ,phosphorescent wood used in night-hunting1 #bah4 ,phosphorus lantern for catching fish1 #bda4 ,pickerel fishing1 #bdj4 ,spearing1 #bda4 ,trap for1 #aba4 ,to cook1 #bcc4 ,pigeon ,net-trap1 #gb4 ,pigs carried off by ,bears1 #agj4 ,pine ,log ,canoe4--,see ,dug-out4 ,pinnated ,grouse1 #bch4 ,pitch for stopping leaks1 #bfa1 #bfd1 #bff4 ,,pit-,,fall ,,traps4-- ,for large game1 #ca4 ,for small game1 #abe1 #abg1 #aca4 ,barrel1 #abg4 ,box1 #aca4 ,for ,muskrat1 #acc4 ,,plan ,,of ,,trapping ,,campaign1 #bbe4 ,plates1 substitutes for1 #bcb1 #bce4 ,platform snare4 #fa4 ,poachers1 or trap robbers1 #bbi4 ,,poacher',s ,,snare1 #dh4 ,pocket compass1 #bbg4 ,,pocket ,,hat ,,brim1 #beh4 ,sun-glass1 #bcd4 ,poisoned arrows1 #bf4 ,,poisoning1 #bbb4 ,pop-corn as bait for ,quail1 #ed4 ,portable boats1 #bei4 ,portable food cooking utensils1 #bcj1 #bce4 ,portable drinking cup1 #bca4 ,hat brim1 #beh4 ,with netting attached1 #beh4 ,snares1 #ej1 #eb4 ,stove1 #bbh1 #bce4 ,pork as food1 #bca4 ,fritters1 #bea4 ,to make1 #bcb4 ,possum4--,see ,opossum4 ,potatoes as food1 #bce4 ,pouched ,rat4--,see ,gopher4 ,powder used in lighting fire1 #bcd4 ,prairie ,hen1 #bch4 ,prairie ,whistle1 #gd4 ,precautions in handling steel traps1 #aef4 ,,preface1 #c4 ,preparation of skins for market1 #bgb4 ,preserve jar used as trap1 #ace4 ,price ,current of ,american ,furs1 #bhd4 ,prime fur1 best season for1 #adg4 ,prof4 ,blot outdone in cooking1 #bcb4 ,profit in selling furs1 #bcc4 ,,pronghorn ,antelope1 #bba4 ,nature and habits of1 #bba4 ,how hunted and trapped1 #bba1 #bch4 ,provisions1 to protect from ,wolves1 #bcg4 ,ptarmigan1 to cook1 #bcc4 ,trap for1 #ge4 ,how hunted and trapped1 #bci4 ,various species of1 #bcj4 ,,puma3-- ,bait for1 #bj1 #ca1 #cb1 #afc4 ,nature and habits of1 #afa4 ,peculiarities of1 #bj4 ,traps for1 #ag1 #bj1 #bc1 #bi1 #ca1 #cc1 #ada4 ,trapping the1 #afa4 ,directions for skinning1 #afd4 ,use of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,pumice ,stone1 used in finishing skins1 #bgf4 ,,punkey4-- ,description of the ,insect1 #bef4 ,severity of bites1 #bef4 ,ointment for bites1 #bee4 ,serious effects of bites on the intemperate1 #beg4 ,page #big ,punk ,tinder1 used in lighting fire1 #bcd4 ,pusher4--,see ,mud stick4 ,putty1 for stopping leaks1 #bfa4 ,q ,quail1 bait for1 #dj1 #ed4 ,snares1 #ci1 #dj1 #da1 etc4 ,to cook deliciously1 #bcc4 ,quotations of the ,fur ,market1 #bhd4 ,r ,,rabbit3-- ,as food1 #bch4 ,bait for1 #bjc4 ,how to skin1 #bjd4 ,nature and habits of1 #bjc4 ,salt as bait for1 #aji1 ,traps for1 #dc1 #fd1 #ajc4 ,use of fur1 #bhf4 ,value of fur1 #bhd4 ,varieties of1 #bjc4 ,,raccoon3-- ,as a pet1 #agc4 ,nature and habits of1 #agb4 ,trapping the1 #agb4 ,traps for1 #aaj1 #aaf1 #ada4 ,hunting the1 #agb4 ,directions for skinning1 #age4 ,how to tan the skin1 #bgg4 ,use of the fur1 #bhe4 ,value of the fur1 #bhd4 ,rat3-- ,snares for1 #dc4 ,trapping the1 #abe4 ,traps for1 #dc1 #abe1 #abg1 #abh1 #aca1 #ach4 ,rations for a ,campaign1 #bcj4 ,raw ,furs4--,see ,furs4 ,recipe for insect ointments1 #bee4 ,boot grease1 #bbh4 ,for cooking1 #bcj4 ,for curing skins1 #bgb4 ,for tanning skins1 #bgf4 ,red ,fox4--,see ,fox4 ,red ,fox4-- ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,use of skin1 #bhe4 ,red ,pepper ,tea as a remedy1 #beg4 ,red ,squirrel4--,see ,squirrel4 ,remedies for insect bites1 #bee4 ,for chills1 #beg4 ,requisites of a good steel trap1 #ach4 ,for snaring1 #ci4 ,for a good trapping ground1 #bbe4 ,for a trapping campaign1 #bbg4 ,revolver1 #bbg4 ,reynard outwitted by a dead-fall1 #aaa1 #aac4 ,,rhodium1 ,oil of3-- ,its use by the trapper1 #aea4 ,rice as food1 #bcf4 ,rifle and ,shot ,gun combined1 #bbg4 ,oil for1 #bbg4 ,,rifle ,,trap1 #bj4 ,roasting1 recipes for1 #bcc4 ,rocky ,mountain ,sheep4--,see ,big ,horn4 ,roughing it1 #bcj4 ,rubber blanket1 #bcf4 ,how used1 #bej4 ,ruffed ,grouse4--,see ,partridge4 ,rum on a trapping campaign1 #beg4 ,s ,sage ,cock1 the1 #bch4 ,sale of furs by the ,hudson's ,bay ,company1 #bhb4 ,salmon1 spearing1 #bci4 ,spear1 #bci4 ,salmon ,trout1 spearing1 #bci4 ,salmon1 to cook deliciously1 #bcb4 ,salt as bait for ,deer1 #bah4 ,as bait for ,rabbit1 #aji4 ,salt ,lick1 the1 #bah4 ,sandpaper used in softening skins1 #bgf4 ,salt ,pork as food1 #bca4 ,,scent ,,baits1 #adi4 ,compound1 #aej1 #aec4 ,scented baits for birds1 #bdj4 ,scented baits for fish1 #bdj4 ,season for ,deer hunting1 #bah4 ,scow1 #bfg4 ,season for trapping1 #adg4 ,selection of trapping ground1 #bbe4 ,self-amputation as a means of escape with captured animals1 #add4 ,self-amputation1 to prevent1 #add1 #ade4 ,self-raising flour1 #bce4 ,,self-,,setting ,,traps1 #aaj1 #abe1 #abg1 #aca4 ,,shanty3-- ,bark4--,see ,bark ,shanty4 ,home4--,see ,log ,shanty4 ,log4--,see ,log ,shanty4 ,sheeting as tent material1 #bdg4 ,water-proof1 preparation for1 #bdg4 ,shellac ,varnish used in water-proofing1 #bcd4 ,,shelter3--,the trapper's remarks on1 #bbf4 ,shelter tent1 #bdg4 ,details of construction1 #bdb4 ,shingle stretchers for skins1 #bgd4 ,page #bih ,shipping furs1 #bha4 ,,shooting ,,and ,,poisoning1 #bbb4 ,shot-gun ,trap1 #bj4 ,shot-gun combined with rifle1 #bfg4 ,shoulder basket1 #bcd1 #bbf4 ,,sieve ,,trap1 #fe4 ,silver ,fox1 #aed4 ,value of skin1 #bhd1 #bhe4 ,skinning animals1 hints on1 #bgb4 ,skins3-- ,stretchers for1 #bgc4 ,to dry1 #bgb1 #bgf4 ,to soften1 #bgf1 #bgg4 ,to tan1 #bgf4 ,value of1 #bhd4 ,use of1 #bhe4 ,,skunk1 #aie4 ,adventure with1 #aif4 ,as food1 #bch4 ,nature and habits of1 #aie4 ,trapping the1 #aie4 ,traps for1 #dc1 #aaa1 #aad1 #ada4 ,to eradicate odor of1 #aeb1 #aih4 ,oil of1 used in trapping1 #aea4 ,directions for skinning1 #aih4 ,use of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,sled1 ,indian4--,see ,toboggan4 ,,sliding ,,pole1 #ade4 ,slippery ,elm used for bird-lime1 #ih4 ,small ,game as food1 #bcg4 ,smell1 acute sense of1 in animals1 #adh4 ,smoking the steel trap1 #abh4 ,smouldering birch bark to drive away insects1 #bcj4 ,smudge1 the1 #bcj1 #bef4 ,,snare4-- ,box1 #ee4 ,double box1 #ef4 ,fig4 ,four1 #fb4 ,hawk1 #dc4 ,hedge1 #db4 ,hoop1 #dj4 ,humming-bird1 #ii4 ,knotted string1 #eb1 #ec1 #ed4 ,pasteboard box1 #ef4 ,platform1 #fa4 ,poacher's1 #dh4 ,portable1 #dh1 #ej1 #eb4 ,quail1 #ec4 ,rat1 #dc4 ,simplest1 #eb4 ,springle1 #eh1 #fj4 ,stovepipe1 #abj4 ,tree1 #db4 ,triangle1 #db4 ,twitchup1 #dc4 ,wood ,chuck1 #dc4 ,,snares1 ,,or ,,noose ,,traps1 #cg4 ,snaring1 requisites for1 #ci4 ,snow ,grouse1 the1 #bch4 ,,snow-,,shoes1 #bfg4 ,snow-shoe race1 #bfg4 ,softening skins1 #bgf1 #bgg4 ,sores resulting from insect bites1 #beg4 ,soups1 recipes for1 #bcf4 ,spearing fish1 #bci1 #bda4 ,spearing ,muskrats1 #ahc4 ,spider for cooking1 #bcc4 ,spoons1 #bce4 ,spring-bed1 #bdi4 ,,springle1 #eh1 #fj4 ,spring-net ,traps1 #hj4 ,spring-pole1 the1 #add4 ,spring1 to temper1 #hd4 ,spruce ,bark ,canoes1 #bfd4 ,spruce boughs as bedding1 #bej4 ,spruce ,grouse1 #bch4 ,,squirrels1 #baa4 ,as food1 #bch4 ,nature and habits of1 #baa4 ,traps for1 #dc1 #ajc1 #ajf1 #ajg1 #aaj1 #aaf1 #abh1 #adj4 ,various species of1 #bac4 ,to cook1 #bcc4 ,use of skins1 #bhf4 ,,steel ,,traps1 #acg4 ,caution in handling1 #adi4 ,concealing in the woods1 #bbi1 ,various modes of setting1 #add4 ,requisite number for a campaign1 #bbg4 ,to set for rats1 #abh4 ,to select judiciously1 #ach4 ,requisites of1 #ach4 ,hints on baiting1 #adc4 ,steel ,trap spring1 to set with lever1 #adb4 ,,steel ,,traps ,,and ,,the ,,art ,,of ,,trapping1 #acg4 ,still hunting1 #bag4 ,stimulants1 #beg4 ,stone ,dead-fall1 #bi4 ,storing traps in the woods1 #bbi4 ,stove1 portable1 #bbh1 #bce4 ,stovepipe fish-trap1 #abj4 ,st4 ,paul1 ,minn41 and the ,fur ,trade1 #bha4 ,,stretchers ,,for ,,skins1 #bgc4 ,strychnine poisoning1 #bbb4 ,sucker wire nooses1 #da4 ,sugar of lead used in water-proofing1 #bdg4 ,sun-glass1 #bcd1 #bce1 ,sweet ,cicely as bait for fish1 #bdj4 ,,sweet ,,fennel4-- ,oil used in trapping1 #aeb1 ,sweet ,oil and ,tar ,ointment for insect bites1 #bee4 ,swinging bed1 #bdi4 ,page #bii ,t ,table knife and bowl trap1 #ace4 ,table showing sale of furs by ,hudson ,bay ,company1 #bhb4 ,tallow1 mutton1 as ointment1 #bee4 ,tame ,geese as decoys1 #ge4 ,,tanning ,,skins1 #bgf4 ,mixtures1 #bgf1 #bgg1 #bgh4 ,with the hair on1 #bgf4 ,simple1 #bgh4 ,tar and ,sweet ,oil ointment for insect bites1 #bee4 ,tar for water-proofing1 #bfd4 ,tea1 #bcf4 ,red pepper1 as a remedy1 #beg4 ,teal ,ducks as food1 #bci4 ,to cook4--,see ,duck4 ,telescope ,drinking ,cup1 #bca4 ,tempering iron spring1 #hd4 ,,tents1 #bdf4 ,house-tent1 #bdf4 ,fly-tent1 #bdg4 ,half-tent1 #bdg4 ,shelter-tent1 #bdg4 ,materials1 #bdg4 ,water-proof preparation for1 #bdg4 ,fire-proof preparation for1 #bdg4 ,to carpet with spruce1 #bej4 ,to clear of gnats and musquitoes1 #bcj4 ,,tent ,,carpeting1 #bej4 ,thimble used with bowl as ,mouse trap1 #acf4 ,tiger captured with bird lime1 #ce4 ,tiger trap1 #ca4 ,tinder1 #bcd4 ,tip-ups1 #bdj4 ,toaster1 an extemporized1 #bcc4 ,,toboggan1 ,,or ,,indian ,,sledge1 #bfi4 ,tools required on a trapping campaign1 #bbg4 ,tools required for canoe building1 #bei4 ,torch for the head1 used in night hunting1 #bah4 ,touch-wood used in lighting fire1 #bcd4 ,trail4 ,the4-- ,its value to the trapper1 #aec4 ,various modes of making1 #aec4 ,,trap4-- ,arrow1 #bc1 #be4 ,barrel4 #abe1 #abg4 ,bird1 #fe1 #gj1 #gc1 #ge1 #hh1 #ij1 #ia1 #if4 ,bow1 #bc1 #be1 #aaf4 ,bowl1 #ace4 ,box1 #ee1 #ef1 #hh1 #ij1 #ia1 #ajc1 #ajf1 #aji1 #aaj4 ,brick1 #ff4 ,cage1 #gf1 #acd4 ,cob house1 #fg4 ,coon1 #aaj1 #aaf1 #ada4 ,coop1 #cc1 #fg1 #gj4 ,crow1 #if4 ,dead-fall1 #ag1 #ajg1 #aaa4 ,decoy1 #gb1 #gf1 #id4 ,double ender1 #aji4 ,down-fall1 #bf4 ,duck1 #id1 #ie4 ,fish1 #abj4 ,fish hook1 #ie4 ,fly1 #acf4 ,fool's-cap1 #if4 ,garotte1 #aad4 ,gun1 #bj4 ,harpoon1 #bf4 ,hawk1 #db1 #ic4 ,hook1 #ie4 ,jar1 #ace4 ,mole1 #aai1 #abj4 ,mouse1 #acj1 #aca1 #acd1 #ace4 ,net1 #gj1 #gc1 #ge1 #hj1 #hc1 #he4 ,owl1 #hh4 ,partridge1 #dc1 etc4 ,pendent ,box1 #ia4 ,pitfall1 #aa1 #abe1 #abg1 #aca4 ,ptarmigan1 #ge4 ,quail1 #ci1 #dj1 #da1 #ec4 ,rabbit1 #dc1 #fd1 #ajc4 ,rat1 #dc1 #abe1 #abg1 #abh1 #aca1 #ach4 ,rifle1 #bj4 ,self-setting1 #aaj1 #abe1 #abg1 #aca4 ,sieve1 #fe4 ,spring net1 #hj1 #hc1 #he4 ,steel1 #adj4 ,the ,newhouse1 #adj4 ,tree1 #db1 #ia4 ,upright net1 #he4 ,wild ,duck1 #id1 #ie4 ,wild ,goose1 #ge4 ,woodchuck1 #dc4 ,trapper's beds and bedding1 #bdh4 ,cooking utensils1 #bcj4 ,diet1 #bcj4 ,,trapper',s ,,miscellany1 #bee4 ,shelter1 #bbf1 #bdb4 ,sled4--,see ,toboggan4 ,,trapping1 art of1 #adh4 ,season for1 #adg4 ,miscellaneous hints on1 #adh4 ,campaign1 plan of1 #bbe4 ,tools and other requisites1 #bbg4 ,ground1 selection of1 #bbe4 ,valuable suggestions on1 #bbh4 ,trapping ,lines1 #bbf4 ,trap robbers1 #bbj4 ,traps for large game1 #ag4 ,page #cjj ,,for ,,feathered ,,game1 #fe4 ,,household1 #abe4 ,tree hunting1 #bah4 ,tree snare1 #db4 ,traps1 #db1 #ia4 ,,triangle ,,snare1 #db4 ,trout1 to cook deliciously1 #bcb4 ,trumpet ,creeper flower used as a trap1 #ii4 ,tumbler fly-trap1 #acf4 ,twitch-up1 #dc1 #fb4 ,poacher's1 #dh4 ,portable1 #ej4 ,simplest1 #eb4 ,u ,,upright ,,net ,,trap1 #he4 ,snares #dd1 #eh4 ,use and abuse of ,alcohol1 #beg4 ,uses of fur skins1 #bhe4 ,utensils for cooking1 #bcj1 #bce4 ,v ,value of fur skins1 table of1 #bfb4 ,various uses of fur skins1 #bhe4 ,varnish water-proof preparation for preserving matches1 #bcd4 ,vegetables for food on a campaign1 #bce4 ,canned1 #bcf4 ,venison as food1 #bcc1 #bcg4 ,to roast1 #bcc4 ,to preserve1 #bcg4 ,jerked1 #bcg4 ,dried1 #bcg4 ,w ,walking on the snow1 #bfg4 ,war in the fur trade1 #bha4 ,watch crystal as sun glass1 #bhg4 ,water fowl as food1 #bci4 ,water-proof application for boats1 #bfa1 #bfd1 #bff4 ,canvas bags1 for food1 #bcf4 ,match safe1 #bcd4 ,preparation1 #bcf1 #bdg1 #bff4 ,varnish for matches1 #bcd4 ,water traps1 #aaj1 #abj4 ,wedge stretcher for skins1 #bgd4 ,weighted harpoon trap1 #bf4 ,wheaten grits as trappers' food1 #bcf4 ,wheat flour as food1 #bce4 ,self-raising1 #bce4 ,wheel form of trapping lines1 #bbi4 ,whiskey on a trapping campaign1 #beg4 ,whip lashes from ,woodchuck hide1 #bjd4 ,whistlebird1 #gd4 ,white ,birch ,canoe1 #bfa4 ,white-wood log for ,dug-out1 #bei4 ,widgeon1 the1 as food1 #bci4 ,to cook4--,see ,duck4 ,,wild ,,cat3-- ,nature and habits of1 #afg4 ,snares for1 #dc4 ,trapping the1 #aff4 ,skinning the1 #afh4 ,uses of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,wild ,duck1 to cook1 #bcc4 ,wild ,duck1 traps1 #id1 #ie4 ,wild ,goose as food1 #bci4 ,wild ,goose to cook1 #bcc4 ,wild ,goose trap1 #ge4 ,wind1 direction of1 to detect by the finger1 #bag4 ,winged vermin1 #bee4 ,winter fishing1 #bdj4 ,wire cage trap for birds1 #gf4 ,for mice1 #acd4 ,wire nooses1 #da4 ,,wolf4-- ,nature and habits of1 #aeh4 ,trapping the1 #aeh4 ,poisoning the1 #bbb4 ,traps for1 #bj1 #ada4 ,to protect provisions from1 #bcg4 ,varieties of1 #aeh4 ,directions for skinning1 #afa4 ,use of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,,wolverine3-- ,nature and habits of1 #aii1 #bch4 ,trapping the1 #aii4 ,natural enemy to the ,beaver1 #bjj4 ,directions for skinning1 #bja4 ,use of skin1 #bhf4 ,value of skin1 #bhd4 ,,woodchuck1 #bjd4 ,as food1 #bch4 ,nature and habits of1 #bjd4 ,snare1 #bje4 ,trapping the1 #bjd4 ,use of skin1 #bjd4 ,smoked from its burrow1 #bje4 ,removing skin of1 #bje4 ,woodcock1 to cook1 #bcc4 ,wood ,duck as food1 #bci4 ,to cook4--,see ,duck4 ,woodland beds and bedding1 #bdi4 ,wounds1 ointment for1 #bee4