St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1884-05-03


1t may be surmised, therefore, that
the old gentleman did not have our
most fervent wishes for the success of
his trapping. So much had been said
that we awaited the completion of his
trap with some anxiety: and watched
the bank of the brook continually.
At length one Saturday afternoon we
discovered his trap, set for the mink.
He had shown skill in placing it in a
favorable position. There was an old
corn-mill "a small, rude structure for
neighborhood use-situated on the
brook, forty or fifty rods from our
house. This mill stood directly over
the brook. and beneath the sill, on the
lower side, there was an open space
where one could look in and see the
water-wheel and lower mill-gear.
Grandfather had set his hoX-trap
under the mill, close to the old wheel,
where the flume gate shut off the water;
for he shrewdly conjectured that the
mink, in his trips up and down the
brook. would be stopped at this point,
and that he might. while playing about,
enter the trap. We examined the trap
and noted its position with no friendly
eye: but | am glad to say were too hon
orable to do anything toprevent grand
fathers success in his attempt to show
his own skill at our expense.
The next day-Sunday-a day which
he was very strict in keeping sacred
when Add and drove the cows to pas
ture, before breakfast. we improved the
opportunity to peep under the old mill
where the trap was.
Its sprung.' exclaimed Add. at
first glance. Il am surprised. You
don't suppose he's really got that old
mink. do vou?"
We went to the trap and examined
it anXiously. Then | stirred it little;
and then add took it up and shook it.
at doesn't feel very heavy" said he;
"but there's something in it; can hear
it scratch
Then we shook the trap again. and
placed it on the ground and raised the
drop-just crack-very cautiously.
Instantly little black nose was thrust
out, and We nervously pushed back the
drop.
Now mink's nose is very peaked,
and at first glimpse we thought the
nose we had seen really was that of \
mink. But on again raising the drop,
we saw that the captive was a mouse i!
There was nothing strange in that for
the old mill was alive with mice. If
ever two boys were delighted, l sup
pose we were We sat down on the
damp stones and laughed until our sides
ached.
Now don't speak about it, said
Al Il f,,
Nell. And we will see what grand
father will do when he finds the trap
sprung"
So trying to look as unconscious as
possible, we sat down to breakfast.
After Scripture reading and family
prayers, to which at least an hour was
given on Sunday mornings. grand
father took the salt-dish and halter and
went to the pasture to catch the old
mare, to take the family to church.
Meanwhile grandmother sent MS
boys up stairs to get ready for meeting
and Sunday School: but we kept watch
over grandfather movements from
the chamber window.
He did not look under the mill when
he passed on the way to the pasture.
but when he returned leading old Nance,
he seemed to think of the trap and
stopped a moment. Then he tied the
halter to the hitching post and looked
under the mill.
As soon as he saw that the trap was
sprung, he hurried down the bank and
went under the mill. How we wanted
to see what took place!
He was out of sight for some minutes;
then we saw him come up the bank
with the trap in his arms.
.'Hc thinks he's got the mink! Isn't
he pleased2n exclaimed Addison.
He walked very fast for him, with
the trap in his arms-almost dragging
old Nance along by the halter. OF
we were in q state of supreme
Opening the chamber door.
we stood at the top of the stairs, to hear
what was said.
AS soon as grandfather could hitch
the old mare at the stable door, he
came into the kitchen with the trap.
"Why, father.'' saws grandmother,
'.what are you doing92'
I've got the old fcller.' he en-
claimed. "fhe first night sot for him,
too. I've got him, hard and fast here.
marin! Wonder what them boys will
say now.
BY this time Nell had come rushing
up 10 tell us that grandfather had |
caught the old mink, that we couldn't |
catch.
We rushed down into the kitchen, and |
there stood grandfat.>c with the trap |
in his arms.
"Just what I've always said. boys"
the old gentleman began, somewhat |
apologetically, but with a twinkle of |
triumph in his eye, '.what I've always
said. If man is trapping and acci-
tentally finds game in his trap, it's a
work of necessity and work of massy,
too. to take it out For it might get |
away, if left till Monday; and then
there's the misery of the poor beast suf-
ferin' from hunger in the trap.
snow here's this mink. Just for |
sport, thought I'd make trap aud
try nv hand on him-as / used to do. |
So l put out my trap yesterday after
noon, and 10 and behold. here he is,
his morning! Caught him the first
hing! Now. boys, how shall we best
ret him out and take off his little jack