BAY-SNIPE SHOOTING. 89 
moved, and every portion of the iron-work kept 
well lubricated. At night a waterproof covering 
should be used, and the charge invariably left un- . 
drawn, as the dirt prevents oxydization for a time; 
and during a rain the utmost care should be taken 
to protect, if not the entire gun, at least the locks and 
trigger-plate. Kerosene oil is excellent to remove 
rust, but is too thin to form a coating, and not so 
good a protection as sweet or whale oil. Varnish 
is highly recommended, but I have never known 
any one to try it ; and in case no oil can be obtain- 
ed, the gunners on Long Island are in the habit of 
shooting a small snipe, which is often extremely fat, 
and using its skin as an oiled rag. 
Of course with a breech-loader the charge is with- 
drawn, and the cleaning apparatus may be forced 
through every evening, although this is unnecessary, 
as the dirt is rather a protection ; and after thecleaning, 
whether of the muzzle-loader or breech-loader, the 
barrels should be well oiled both inside and out. If, 
however, the gun is to be left for a long time unused 
and exposed to salt air, a piece of greasy rag wound 
upon a stick may be thrust into the barrels to the 
bottom, and oil should be liberally applied to the ex- 
posed parts. Moreover, the locks, however well 
they may fit, will be injured after a while, and should 
be removed and examined occasionally. The size of 
shot used should be changed according to the season 
and character of the flight ; in July, when the yellow- 
legs and dowitchers are the principal victims, No. 8 
is abundantly large; but in August, when curlews, 
