of the stick (b) should then be caught between its extreme tip, and the upright peg about ten inches above the ground.  By now fastening the bait to a peg at the back part of the pen, the affair is in working order, and will be found perfectly reliable.  The ground log (d) being rested in place as seen in the illustration.  To make assurance doubly sure, it is well to cut a slight notch in the upright stick at (c) for the reception of the foot-piece (b).  By this precaution the stick, when lowered, is bound to sink at the right end, thus ensuring success.

[Illustration]

The Figure-Four Trap, already described in another part of this book, is also well adapted to the dead-fall, and is much used.  It should be made of stout pieces and erected at the opening of the pen, with the bait pointing toward the interior, the heavy log being poised on its summit.

THE GARROTE.

There is another variety of trap, somewhat resembling the dead-fall, but which seizes its prey in a little different manner. [Page 115] This trap, which we will call the Garrote, is truly represented by our illustration.  A pen is first constructed, similar to that of the dead-fall.  At the opening of the pen, two arches are fastened in the ground.  They should be about an inch apart.  A stout forked stick should then be cut, and firmly fixed in the earth at the side of the arches, and about three feet distant.

[Illustration]

Our main illustration gives the general appearance of the trap, but we also subjoin an additional cut, showing the “setting” or arrangement of the pieces.  They are three in number, and consist:  First, of a notched peg, which is driven into the ground at the back part of the pen, and a little to one side.  Second, of a forked twig, the branch of which should point downward with the bait attached to its end.  The third stick being the little hooked piece catching beneath the arches.  The first of these is too simple to need description.  The second should be about eight inches long; a notch should be cut in each end.  The upper one being on the side from which the branch projects, and the other on the opposite side of the stick, and at the other end, as is made plain by our illustration.  The third stick may consist merely of a hooked crotch of some twig, as this is always to be found.  Indeed, nearly all the parts of this trap may be found in any woods; and, with the exception of a jack-knife, bait, and string, the trapper need not trouble himself to carry any materials whatever.  When the three pieces are thus made the trap only awaits the “Garrote.”  This should be made from a stiff pole, about six feet in length, having a heavy stone tied to its large end, and a loop of the shape of the letter U, or a slipping noose, made of stout cord or wire, fastened [Page 116] at the smaller end.  To arrange the