What Szechuen Natives Have Up Their Sleeves The poor fleas in Szechuen just don't have a chance. For the wily nailyes have evolved a simple little Gevice which deals death to all fleas that come into contact. with It, The word "contact" here is to be taken In its llleral sense. That is Just what proves the doom of the Uttle domestic creatures in Szechuen contact with molasses with which trap is diabolically baited by the cunning up-river inhabitants, Tndeed. the trap has been used West China for years, but seldom does it find Its to Shanghai (where there also are fleas). and 10 local Chinese it is as much a rarity it fs to foreigners.
"The device Is simply a thin bemboo stick enclosed in an oblong bam-oe cage to prevent {t from touch-Ing the clothing of the person carrying the trap. The stick is smeared with molasses or honey. It is put Lup @ sleeve or inside a long gown as 'Mr. Wang of Mr. Chow or atr. Chen ventures forth in flea territory. The fea, Instead of biting the gentleman, Is attracted by the fragrant molasses and makes a fea-line for the sticky stut... And, of course, gets stuck, Before' retiring. the day's catch of Uttle brown fellows 1s wiped off the stick. which is then baited again the next morning for a fresh hunt,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.