usually be quickly drowned. If
set on land they should be tended often to prevent suffering and usually
mutilation of the trapped game. Full information on this subject will be
found in Science of Trapping and other books on special animals by same
publisher.

The naturalist uses more small traps than large ones in most cases;
many, many more specimens being taken in No. 1's than in bear traps.
Several styles of mouse and rat traps are useful in collecting the
smaller mammals, such as mice, rats and ground squirrels of various
species.

Fish are to be collected any way you can get 'em, (legally at least).
Many varieties of these are to be bought at the large markets and many
rare and hideous specimens are discarded by market fishermen when
culling their catches. A few years ago before much restriction was
imposed on the sale of game it was possible to purchase many desirable
things at the markets of Washington, D. C. Not only bear and deer, but
elk, ptarmigan, arctic hares, sage and prairie grouse, fox squirrels,
pileated woodpeckers and many other odds and ends were offered for sale
as well as all the usual land and water game.

However you take your specimens or how badly damaged they may be when
they reach your hands it behooves you to see that no further damage
befalls them.

Specimens when shot should have all possible blood and dirt brushed or
washed from feathers or fur and all shot holes, as well as mouth and
nostrils plugged with a wisp of cotton to prevent further soiling. An
awl, or piece of wire will be useful for this. Blood should be removed
from white fur or feathers as soon as possible or it will be stained
more or less. Small birds should be dropped head first into a paper
cone, and laid in a basket or box if possible, the common hunting coat
pocket is apt to break delicate feathers, though if the bird is well
wrapped it may do.

Fur bearers will stand more rough usage and may be tied together by
heads or feet or packed in game bag or pocket. Fish should be wrapped in
paper to protect the scales.

It goes without saying that specimens which it is planned to preserve
should be kept cool if possible until work can be started on them. Some
varieties spoil more quickly than others; fish eating birds need quick
attention; most birds of the hawk and owl family keep well, as do the
pheasants, grouse, etc. Frozen animals keep perfectly in that state but
spoil quickly after thawing.

Keep away from bl