Belt, 



IN my humble opinion, there is, after all inven- 

 tions, no method of loading better than the common 

 shot belt ; but it so often falls into awkward hands, 

 and steel chargers are such a pretty little item for 

 a gunmaker's bill, that it is almost considered too 

 vulgar an appendage for a gentleman. Let it be 

 observed, however, that a shot belt is light, and no 

 incumbrance when empty ; does not fill the pockets ; 

 is not liable to be lost; and, if properly managed, 

 is, on the whole, as quick a mode of loading as any 

 that can be adopted. For instance : First, if you have 

 fired both barrels, and should take out a charger left 

 full only on one side, some little time is lost in using 

 another. Second, if you load with gloves on, the 

 hand is apt to catch in the pocket, from which steel 

 chargers are not so easily taken as a powder flask 

 (or, if they were, they would be liable to be lost). 

 Third, if you do not take a supply for the whole day, 

 they must be replenished ; and this office generally 

 falls to the lot of some marker, or servant, who, 

 being perhaps a clumsy handed fellow, on a fidgety 



