2. The pan should not be too large.  This is a very common fault with many steel traps and often defeats its very object.  Where the pan is small, the foot of the animal in pressing it, will be directly in the centre of the snap of the jaw, and he is thus firmly secured far up on the leg.  On the other hand, a large pan nearly filling the space between the jaws as the trap is set, may be sprung by a touch on its extreme edge, and the animal’s toe is thus likely to get slightly pinched, if indeed the paw is not thrown off altogether by the forcible snap of the jaw.

3. The springs should be strong, scientifically tempered, and proportioned.  The strength of a perfectly tempered spring will always remain the same, whether in winter or summer, never losing its elasticity.  The best of tempering, however, is useless in a spring badly formed or clumsily tapered.

4.  The jaws should be so curved as to give the bow of the spring a proper sweep to work upon.  The jaws should lie flat when open, and should always work easily on their hinges.

5.  Every trap should be furnished with a strong chain with ring and swivel attached, and in every case the swivel should turn easily.

The celebrated “Newhouse Trap” embodies all the above requisites, and has deservedly won a reputation for excellence second to no other in this or any other country.

They are made in eight sizes, as follows: 

[Illustration:  No. 0.]

This is the smallest size and is known as the RAT TRAP.  It has a single spring, and the jaws spread three and a half inches when set.

[Page 139] [Illustration]

[Page 141] [Illustration:  No. 1.]

This size is called the MUSKRAT TRAP, and the jaws spread four inches.  It is especially designed for the capture of the mink, marten, and animals of similar size.

[Illustration:  No. 2.]

This is known in the trade as the MINK TRAP, and the jaws spread nearly five inches.  It is adapted for the fox, raccoon, or fisher.

[Illustration:  No. 2-1/2.]

This size is called the FOX TRAP.  The spread of the jaws is the same as in the foregoing, but the trap is provided with two springs, and consequently has double the power.  It is strong enough for the otter, and is generally used for the capture of the fox and fisher.

[Illustration:  No. 3.]

No.3 goes by the name of the OTTER TRAP.  The jaws spread five and a half inches, and the powerful double springs do excellent service in the capture of the beaver, fox, badger, opossum, wild cat, and animals of like size.

[Illustration:  No. 4.]

Commonly called the BEAVER TRAP.  Jaws spread six and a half inches.  This size is especially adapted to the wolf, lynx or wolverine.  It may also be set for deer, and extra sets of jaws are made expressly for this purpose, being easily inserted in the place of the ordinary jaws, when desired.