CHAPTER VIII. 



CHINESE SPORTSMAN AND WEAPONS. 



The foreign shooter who is a stranger to 

 the shores of China will naturally inquire 

 if the Chinese are fond of the sport and 

 will wish to know something about the 

 pattern of the gun they use for sporting 

 purposes. The illustrations will give a 

 more accurate idea of the native sportsman 

 and his weapons than any written descrip- 

 tion, but it is hoped that by the aid of both 

 to leave a fairly correct impression. 



The Chinese have always been fond of 

 hunting and shooting. In the early centuries 

 the emperors, the princes, and the nobles 

 furnished their proportion of sportsmen and 

 the enjoyable recreation was participated in 

 by the ruler and the ruled with zeal and 

 perseverance. At stated periods of the 

 year, when the crops had been gathered 

 and the farmers were at leisure to assist in 

 " beating " up the game, the sport began. 

 According to their respective ranks the 

 sportsmen would meet at some appointed 

 place either in the valley or on the plain ; 

 the higher in rank travelling in chariots, 



