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Outdoor Problems of the Householder: Floor

FLOOR 6 17 Outline of funnel trap. (Ned Dearborn.) This allows extra wire for fastening the cones to the top and sides of the trap. The illustrations also show how all parts of a trap having the above dimensions may be cut from a piece of netting 4 feet wide and 6 feet long. The full lines in this figure indicate where the netting is to be cut and the broken lines where it -72- 26 20 24 25 END FLOOR END * 12 20 191 23 و SIDE TOP 4 3 2 DOOR 22 SIDE FLOOR 6 SIDE 121812 IST FUNNEL TOP FLOOR SIDE IFLOOR FLOOR SIDE 2N SIDE FUNNEL TOP DOOR Diagram for cutting out the parts of a funnel Dearborn.) trap 36 x 18 x 12 inches. (Ned Dearborn.) is to be bent. The numbers at the angles in the pattern correspond with those in the illustration which shows in outline the relation of the different parts as they appear when assembled. "A trap of the above dimensions is as small as can be used satisfactorily. Where sparrows are very numerous a larger size is recommended. OUTDOOR PROBLEMS OF THE HOUSEHOLDER 275 A trap 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 15 inches high may be made from a piece of netting 4 by 10 feet.

This is a very good size for parks and large private grounds. "In setting a funnel trap select a place where sparrows are accustomed to assemble. Often there are several such places in a neighborhood. In this case it is advisable to move the trap daily from one of them to another. The birds appear to associate the locality rather than the trap with the distress of their imprisoned comrades. Canary seed, hemp seed, wheat, oats and bread crumbs are excellent baits. Scatter the bait in the antechamber and first funnel and also, sparingly, outside about the entrance. A live sparrow kept in the trap as a decoy will facilitate a catch. In case native birds enter a trap they may be released without harm. Trapping may begin at any time after young sparrows are able Receiving box for removing sparrows from traps. (Ned Dearborn.) to take care of themselves. This is usually by July 1. Remove each day's catch from the trap at nightfall, and if a decoy is used, house it comfortably and otherwise care for it when off duty. "In removing sparrows from either a funnel or a sieve trap the receiving box illustrated will be found useful.

It should be about 6 inches square and 18 inches long, inside measurements. The door, hinged at the bottom and turning inward, is controlled by the part of its wire frame extending through the side of the box to form a handle. The box as it appears in the figure is ready to be placed before the open door of a trap from which birds are to be driven."

To poison sparrows, where this is not prohibited by law, put ounce of pulverized strychnia in threefourths of a gill of hot water. Add 1½ teaspoonfuls of starch or wheat flour moistened with a few drops of cold water and heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Now place a quart of whole wheat, such as is sold for poultry food, in a 2quart glass fruit jar or other receptacle and pour on it the hot poisoned starch. Shake or stir until every kernel is coated. Spread out thin on a flat surface and use when dry. Or put into jars to keep for future use. Mark "Poison" and take care to cleanse all dishes employed for this purpose by careful washing.

Or spread thin slices of bread with the strychnia-starch mixture.

Choose preferably the early morning after a snow storm when other food is covered. Clear the ground of snow and scatter the poisoned bait over a considerable surface. Remove and destroy promptly all dead and dying birds, as some are sickened but do not die. Change the feeding grounds at intervals. To avoid danger to poultry, use preferably enclosed back yards, roofs or unused poultry runs. Or to keep out doves or poultry, make small pens of coarse wire netting and raise the sides 1½ inches above the ground.