352 FIRING A PUNT-GUX. 



I had it from some of the best performers. And, as 

 to rain a lock-cover, of either patent leather and 

 sailcloth, lined with flannel, or the leg of an old 

 water-boot (the east Yarmouth fashion), will keep 

 the lock as dry as when in a house, if the shooter 

 leaves it on, and acquires the knack of taking aim 

 under his gun. 



Since the fourth edition I have well tried the de- 

 tonater with the double swivel-gun, on the plan for 

 which it became necessary. It killed better than I 

 expected, though I was obliged to give up the copper 

 cap to it as not being safe. I, therefore, got Joe 

 Manton to put me a breeching for his copper tubes, 

 which for these large duck-guns answer better than 

 any thing I can describe ; because they give the only 

 possible means of combining a short communication 

 with perfect safety. But, nevertheless, I agree with 

 the gunners that, if I had a single swivel-gun, it 

 should have zflint lock. 



FIRING. 



THE firing of these guns, at long distances, re- 

 quires some practice, by reason that, before the shot 

 can travel a hundred yards, the birds, if quick-sighted, 

 will be on the move, particularly if they see the flash. 

 No one had ever the kindness to tell me this, when 

 I first used a long gun ; till, after some time, wonder- 

 ing what was .the matter that I could not kill (not 

 being able to see through the smoke), I fired at a 



