The trap is set as described in the other instances, and as the introduction of the spindle-stick is sometimes attended with difficulty owing to its position inside the trap, the bottom of the latter is sometimes cut away for two or three inches to facilitate the operation.  The trap is then to be imbedded within the burrow of the mole.  Find a fresh tunnel and carefully remove the sod above it.  Insert the trap and replace the turf.  The first mole that starts on his rounds through that burrow is a sure prisoner, no matter from which side he may approach.

Immense numbers of these troublesome vermin have been taken in a single season by a dozen such traps, and they possess great advantages over all other mole traps on account of their simplicity and unfailing success.

A FISH TRAP.

Our list of traps would be incomplete without a Fish Trap, and although we have mentioned some contrivances in this line under our article on “Fishing” we here present one which is both new and novel.

[Illustration]

Its mode of construction is exactly similar to the Double Box Snare, page (57).  A section of stove-pipe one foot in length should first be obtained.  Through the iron at a point equidistant from the ends, a hole should be made with some smooth, sharp pointed instrument, the latter being forced outward from the inside of the pipe, thus causing the ragged edge of the hole to appear on the outside, as seen in our illustration.  The diameter of the aperture [Page 121] should be about that of a lead pencil.  Considering this as the upper side of the pipe, proceed to pierce two more hole’s downward through the side of the circumference, for the admission of a stout stick or steel rod.  This is fully explained in our illustration.  The further arrangement of bait stick and nooses is exactly identical with that described on page (57).  It may be set for suckers, pickerel, and fish of like size, the bait stick being inserted with sufficient firmness to withstand the attacks of smaller fish.  The bait should be firmly tied to the stick, or the latter supplied with two hooks at the end on which it should be firmly impaled.  To set the trap, select a locality abounding in fish.  Place a stone inside the bottom of the pipe, insert the bait stick and arrange the nooses.

By now quietly grasping the curve of the switch the trap may be easily lowered to the bottom.  The bait soon attracts a multitude of small fishes; these in turn attract the pickerel to the spot, and before many minutes the trap is sprung and may be raised from the water with its prisoner.  This odd device is an invention of the author’s, and it is as successful as it is unique.

[Illustration:  Maternal advice.]

[Page 123] [Illustration:  HOUSEHOLD TRAPS]

[Page 125] BOOK V.

HOUSEHOLD TRAPS.

[Illustration:  F]or the most effectual domestic trap on record see our page title to this section.  There are several others also which have done good service in many households, and for the sake of pestered housekeepers generally, we devote a corner of our volume for their especial benefit.