Traps
It is advisable to be provided with some of these in gardens, for the destruction of various kinds of vermin. The chief kinds of Traps required are those used for catching rats, mice, and moles. Rats may be caught by the ordinary kind of Trap used by keepers for rabbits, &c., if placed in their runs; but these destructive animals are more quickly disposed of by poisoning, if it can be safely practised, and sometimes by the aid of a gun. Mice are often destructive in seed-rooms and seed-beds, when the seed is of a kind which they like. An ordinary brick, and what is known as a Figure of 4 Trap, baited with a small piece of cheese, will generally catch them with certainty; also the small box Mousetraps commonly used in houses. For moles, the iron Traps with a spring and double claws, which clip the animal, from whichever side it proceeds, round the body, have generally superseded, and are preferable in gardens to, the old kinds made of wood and small wire. Traps, as they are generally called, may be formed in various ways for particular purposes--as, for instance, to catch earwigs, which destroy the flower-buds of Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, &c. The best plan for trapping these is to put some dry material, such as hay or old beanstalks, into small flower-pots, and invert them on top of the stakes used for supporting the plants; or they may be placed amongst the branches. The earwigs conceal themselves in the pots, and, if these are examined occasionally, the insects may be shaken out and destroyed. A few small lettuce or tender cabbage leaves, also form, at times, an effectual Trap for slugs when these attack seedlings. Instead of retreating to their usual hiding-places, they will often shelter themselves under leaves purposely laid, and may easily be looked for and destroyed each morning. Cockroaches and beetles may be caught in large quantities by setting Traps in their haunts in the shape of open saucers or wide-necked bottles, partially filled with treacle, or any sweetened liquid. The Traps should be set so that the insects may enter them, but not get out again. Bottles partially filled with sweetened beer, or treacle, and suspended in vineries, often prove excellent Traps for catching large flies and wasps, which attack and eat the grapes.