GUNS. 39 



when the ducks are flying thick, yon must open 

 with your teeth if you want a cap. Carrying 

 them in your vest-pocket is (take my word for 

 it until 3'ou try it) full as handy. 



Now, to both old and young, let me add the 

 caution : Be careful in handling and carrying 

 your gun. Never carry it with the hammers 

 DOWN ON the caps. At half-cock is the proper 

 position ; then, if the locks are well made and in 

 good order, it will be almost impossible for the 

 gun to be accidentally discharged. Even at full- 

 cock there is less danger than with the hammers 

 down. 



More of the frightful accidents with guns are 

 attributable to this carrying w^ith the hammers 

 down than to any other one thing. How many 

 times guns are accidentally discharged without seri- 

 ous consequences we have no means of finding out. 

 If it could be known, I am satisfied the number 

 from the reasons above given would exceed all 

 others combined. 



A very careless and dangerous way of carry- 

 ing a gun, though a very common one with some, 

 is to grasp it by the muzzle, with the barrels 

 resting on the shoulder and pointing to the front. 

 1 have myself knowi:> of three fatal accidents 



