RIFLES, ETC. 51 



is almost useless, for it is tempered too highly, and the blade is so thick that after it 

 has got blunt it cannot be sharpened properly without the aid of a grindstone. Never 

 buy a knife with a folding handle, for after a little wear the spring weakens, and it is 

 apt to close on one's hand, and besides, if the knife was wanted in an emergency it 

 would be useless, for it takes two hands to open it. A few common butcher's skinning 

 knives should be included to give the natives for skinning game. These can be 

 bought for about is. For skinning small birds nothing is better than a small 

 penknife ; it can be hung on the belt swivel, and should be provided with a shackle 

 for this purpose. If a man is going in for collecting birds he should bring out a small 

 ■410 " collector's " gun, with cartridges loaded with No. 10 shot, and a few No. 6 for 

 the larger specimens. If a rook rifle is taken a "220 or "250 bore is large enough, for 

 it will mainly be used for killing birds for the pot, and small mammalia such as 

 cats, &c. 



The cartridges for the rook rifle should be loaded with smokeless powder in 

 preference to black, as it makes less noise, and some of the bullets should have 

 hollow points, which increase their killing power. When one is on a trip after big game 

 it is not advisable to fire off shot-guns in the vicinity, for this would be hkely to scare 

 away the game, whereas the report of a small rook rifle would not be heard at a 

 great distance. It is also useful for practice on off days and helps to keep one's eye in. 

 A pair of good field glasses is a necessity, and doubtless the latest form of prism 

 glasses will be chosen. A magnifying power of eight diameters is strong enough for 

 all purposes. The native hunter could carry the cartridge bag and glasses, so as to 

 have them handy when needed, but when the game is sighted and the sportsman 

 starts to stalk it, he should have the glasses himself. 



