214 CANADIAN WILDS. 



these periodical round-ups were armed with 

 and preferred the old nor-west muzzle-loading 

 flint-lock. They could load and fire with such 

 rapidity that one would almost fancy they car- 

 ried a repeating gun. Suspended under their 

 right arm by a deer thong, was a common cow's 

 horn of powder, and in a pouch at their belt a 

 handful or two of bullets. 



As the horse galloped up to the herd, the 

 Indian would pour a charge of powder into his 

 left hand, transfer it into the barrel of the gun, 

 give the butt a pound on the saddle, and out 

 of his mouth drop on top a bullet. As the lead 

 rolled down the barrel it carried in its wet state 

 particles of powder that stuck on the sides, and 

 settled on top of the powder charge. Xo rod or 

 ramming was used. 



The gun was carried muzzle up, resting on 

 the hollow of left arm until such time as the 

 Indian desired to fire. The quarry being so close 

 no aim was required. On deflecting the barrel 

 the trigger was pulled before the ball had time 

 to roll clear of the powder. 



The Indians saw that their buffalo guns had 

 very large touch-holes, thereby assuring the pan 

 being primed. When all the balls were fired a 

 few others were clinked into the mouth, and 

 merrily went the game. 



No ! The Indians are not good shots. 



