200 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



to the bullet as it is discharged from the 

 gun. Weight also prevents recoil ; the 

 least degree of which would undoubtedly 

 change the direction of the aim, and of 

 course the ball. 



The rifle barrel should be stained a 

 dark brown ; bright barrels reflect too 

 much light for accurate vision, and are 

 too easily seen by wild game. For the 

 same reason, steel mountings are pre- 

 ferable to brass or silver. 



As lessening the friction of the ball as 

 it passes in contact with the barrel is 

 one of the causes of the accuracy of the 

 rifle, great care should be taken that the 

 barrel be bored perfectly smooth, and free 

 from flaws. It should be so equally 

 bored that, in loading, the bullet should 

 fit tight all the way down, and not become 

 looser as it approaches the powder. 



To enable you to examine the inside of 

 the barrel, take a piece of looking-glass, 



