ti . AN ALTERNATIVE TO RABBIT-TRAPS.
[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."] Ste,—In your issue of March 25th a correspondent asks me to suggest an alternative to the rabbit-trap. Why not the common snare? There seems to be an unaccountable prejudice against the use of this exceedingly simple and effective device. True, even this leaves much to be desired, but, if attended to regularly, it is infinitely less cruel than the gin, and is cent- paratively harmless to other creatures. Of course, snaring is an art; but proficiency can be acquired with a little patience, and objectors should be reminded that in some counties no other means are employed. The long net, skilfully manipu- lated, is another effective and inexpensive contrivance, and in country where ground-burrows abound one man—if he win— may take an enormous number of rabbits with purse-nets and ferrets. If late in the season the stock needs to be further reduced one can always fall back upon trapping as a last resource. The prisfessional rabbit-catcher, however, is far too apt to go just the opposite way to work. The matter cries aloud for investigation, and I should be only too pleased to give first-hand information on any point that may nrise.—I am, Sir, &c., DOUGLAS GORDON. Talaton, Ottery St. Mary, Devonshire.
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