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Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/49

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TIGER TRAPS. 33

in cliase of deer, or in order to gain the other side of the forest ; but we did not see one, only wild deer of very large size, and innumerable traps foi" tigers some close to the road. One of these, which had only just been erected, we stopped to inspect. A tethered goat had been killed, and partially eaten, the remainder of its carcase being left as bait ; for it is a known fact that the tiger will always return again, when hungry, to the meal he has left unllnished. The trap was a very simple contri\anct', but answei'ed the purpose remarkably well, ])erha])S better than nuiny more elaborate and ex[)enslve ones.

The gi'ound chosi'U is hollowed out to ten or fifteen feet in length, and about a yanl wide. On the two sides ai'c posts firmly ])lant('(l close to cacli (jtlier, till' roof, which is couvcx-slinpeil, cunsist- inir of jiolts tied like those of a raft. At one em! is an opening, at the other a cage, almost iiiijier- \i()us to light, in which a kid oi" bleating lamb V(JL. JI. I)

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