Part 12 (1/2)

These traps are made of all sizes, from that suitable for the capture of the house rat, to the immense and wieldy machine adapted to the grizzly, and known as the ”bear tamer.”

They may be bought at almost any hardware shop, although a large portion of the traps ordinarily sold are defective. They should be selected with care, and the springs always tested [Page 138]

before purchase. Besides the temper of the spring, there are also other necessary qualities in a steel trap, which we subjoin in order that the amateur may know how to judge and select his weapons judiciously.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

REQUISITES OF A GOOD STEEL TRAP.

1. _The jaws should not be too thin nor sharp cornered_. In the cheaper cla.s.s of steel traps the jaws approach to the thinness of sheet-iron, and the result is that the thin edges often sever the leg of their would-be captive in a single stroke. At other times the leg is so deeply cut as to easily enable the animal to gnaw or twist it off. This is the common mode of escape, with many animals.

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 s.p.a.ce 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:

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.

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[Ill.u.s.tration]

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[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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, racc.o.o.n, or fisher.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.