THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 213 



cut off the neck, and the spring imme- 

 diately forces it back in its proper po- 

 sition, ready for another bullet. In load- 

 ing, always push the ball home to the 

 powder. This may be told by the ramrod 

 rebounding. Should there be any vacancy, 

 there is some danger in shooting the gun. 



OF THE WRAPPER, OR PATCH. 



For this purpose common parchment 

 has been recommended. I have never 

 seen it tried. I cannot think it good, and 

 it is out of the reach of riflemen generally, 

 at least in our country. If put in dry, T 

 am sure it will not accommodate itself to 

 the shape of the ball, and fill up the 

 grooves ; and if wetted, it must be fired 

 off immediately, or it will become dry, 

 and as hard as a horn. 



The best quaUty of flannel is the best 

 material for this purpose I have ever 

 tried ; it unites suppleness with consist- 



