is cut, with rounded ends, as seen in the illustration.  The bait stick should consist of a sapling about three feet in length, the large end being trimmed so [Page 25] 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 (b).  The trap may then be set.  Draw back the arrow, until the notch rests in the hole in the board.  Insert the bait stick very lightly above the arrow as shown at (b), propping it in place at the angle seen in the main drawing.  The bait for a puma should consist of a portion of some carcass, or if for other animals, any of the baits given in our section on “trapping” may be used.  In order to secure the bait firmly to the bait stick, a small hole and a peg at the side of the baited end will effectually prevent its removal and the trap win thus most surely be sprung.  The prop which sustains the bait stick need be only a small crotch inserted a little to one side of the trap.  The bow should now be surrounded by a wide pen, allowing room for the spring of the ends.  The top of the enclosure should also be guarded by a few sticks or branches laid across.  Directly in front of the trap and extending from it, a double row of rough stakes three feet high should be constructed, thus insuring an approach in the direct range of the arrow.  Without this precaution the bait might be approached from the side, and the arrow pass beneath the head of the animal, whereas on the other hand it is sure to take effect in the neck or breast of its victim.  Of course the success of this trap depends entirely upon the strength of the bow.  When a large and powerful one is used its effect is almost surely fatal.

Another form of the bow trap, much used in the capture of the tiger, forms the subject of our next illustration:  no bait is here used.  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 passing.  The bow is large and powerful and is secured to two upright posts about eight inches apart.  The string is drawn back and a blunt stick is then inserted between the bow string and the inside centre of the bow, thus holding the latter in a bent position.  A stout stick, with a flattened end is next inserted between the end of the blunt stick and the inside of the bow, the [Page 26] remaining part of the stick extending downwards, as our illustration shows.  To the lower end of this stick a string is attached and carried across the path in the direct range of the arrow, being secured to a stake on the opposite side.  The arrow is generally barbed with a steel or flint point, and wound with thread saturated with a deadly poison.  This is now rested on the top of the bow between the upright parts, and its notch caught in the bow-string.  Everything is then in readiness.  The tiger soon steals along his beaten track.  He comes nearer and nearer the trap until at last his breast presses the string.  Twang, goes the bow and the arrow is imbedded in the flesh of its victim.  He writhes for a few moments, until he is released from his torments by the certain death which follows the course of the poison through his veins.