THE IMPROVED SPRINGLE.

[Illustration]

The accompanying cut illustrates an improvement on the last mentioned trap, whereby it can be used for the capture of larger game, and with most excellent success.  In place of the “spreader” a crotched stick is used, the crotch of which catches around the peg, the other end being supplied with a notch as in the case of the spreader.  On the upper side of this stick a small pasteboard platform is tacked, over which and beneath which the bait is thrown.  Instead of the arc, a stout crotch stick is substituted.  The noose should be at least ten inches in diameter and constructed of sucker wire.  It should be arranged on the ground around the bait and inside of the peg.  When the snare is set, the crotched end of the bait stick will thus rest near the earth, the notched end only being lifted in order to reach the catch piece.  It is well to insert a few small sticks inside the edge of the noose in order to keep it in correct position.  If properly set, the quail or partridge [Page 61] in approaching the trap will have to step inside the noose in order to reach the bait, and while thus regaling itself with a choice meal of oats, berries, or other delicacies, will be sure to press upon the bait stick either by pecking, or treading upon it, and will thus set the catch piece free, only to find itself secured by a grasp from which he will never escape alive.  This is a very effectual snare; but on account of its securing its victim by the legs and thus torturing them to death, it is to be deprecated.  We would recommend in preference, those varieties already described as being fully as successful, and far less cruel.  They effect almost instant death, either by broken necks or strangulation, and are in this regard among the most humane traps on record.

THE FIGURE FOUR GROUND SNARE.

[Illustration]

For simplicity in construction there are few snare traps which can compare with this variety, although it is somewhat similar to those last mentioned, and like them, catches by the feet.  The trap consists of three pieces.  A catch piece about three inches long, a bait stick of about six inches, and a stout crotch of the proportionate size shown in our illustration, a glance at which will make the setting too clear to need description.  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 it.  Arrange the noose as in the instance last described, and bait either as therein directed or with an apple or nubbin of corn, as our accompanying cut indicates.  Always remembering that the noose should be sufficiently large to require the birds to step inside of it in order to reach the bait.

THE PLATFORM SNARE.