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The Platform Snare

Categories: TRAPS FOR FEATHERED GAME.

This odd invention will be found to work capitally as a game trap,

and the only extra requisite necessary consists of a slab or light

board about seven inches wide, and a foot in length. Having selected

the spot for the trap, proceed to cut a stiff


switch about five feet in length, and having sharpened the larger

end to a nice point, insert it firmly into the ground in a slanting

direction as our drawing illustr
tes. Next bend down the tip of

the sapling, and resting one end of the board on the ground, catch

the tip of the switch against the other end, as our illustration

also shows. A little experimenting will soon determine the right

place for the board, after which two pegs should be driven in the

ground at its edge to hold it against the pressure on the opposite

end. This being done fasten a wire noose to the tip of the switch,

after which the pen is the only thing required. This should be

built of simple little twigs arranged around three sides of the

board, leaving the front end open. To set the snare, lower the

switch and raising the board slightly at the back end, catch the

tip of the springer behind it, afterwards arranging the noose over

the platform, and scattering the bait inside. If the trap has been

constructed properly and set fine it will take but a very slight

weight on the platform to lower it from its bearing, the weight of

an ordinary bird being sufficient, and the springer thus released

will fly forward either catching its victim by the neck or legs,

as the case may be. It may sometimes be found necessary to cut

a slight notch in the end of the springer to receive the board,

but in every case it should be tried several times in order to

be sure that it works sensitively.



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