Fig. 215.—The Figure-four.
One of the oldest forms of traps, and one of which every boy should understand the construction, is
The Figure-four Trap.—It is about the simplest example, and its principle will be found in the schemes of a great many of the more complicated traps. For this the preparation of three sticks, such as are shown in [Fig. 214], will be necessary. These sticks may be made of any length you wish, but their proportion should be about as shown in the drawings. The illustrations show clearly how the sticks should be notched, and how one end of the trigger should be tapered for the bait. [Fig. 215] will explain the manner in which these sticks are placed together in the form of a figure-four. The rest of the trap consists of a soap-or cracker-box with the cover hinged to it.
Fig. 216.—The Figure-four Trap set.
To set the trap, place the box upon the ground, cover down, and rest its upper edge upon the top of the figure-four, as shown in [Fig. 216]. When putting the figure-four together, it is necessary to hold the sticks until the box is set upon them, as the weight is required to hold them in position. For squirrels and rabbits, for which this trap is very good, bait the trigger with a carrot, piece of apple, or cabbage leaf. It is easy to see that the slightest nibble at the bait will disarrange the sticks, and cause the box to drop over the game.
In [Fig. 217] is shown an invention of the writer's, a simplified form of the much-used
Box Trap, having the principle of the figure-four involved in its trigger. This trap has proven exceptionally good for rabbits and squirrels.