198 Leaves from an Indian Jungle. 



That the new weapons, when properly constructed, can be 

 perfectly satisfactory under Indian conditions is proved by 

 the fact that the writer, in practice and in shikar, has fired 

 over six hundred rounds from his (a "400 55 400. ham- 

 merless, top-snap action) under all climatic conditions of 

 the plains of India, using it with perfect results against 

 almost every kind of game there to be found. The breech 

 action and barrels are as true and tight as when received 

 from the makers (in 1899), an ^ the weapon, except for 

 slight wear to the browning, is not to be known from a 

 new and unused weapon. 



Although it is possible to utterly neglect and mishandle 

 a black powder rifle without actually courting disaster 

 thereby, the cordite rifle cannot be so treated with impunity. 

 Its care may be entrusted to no native servant ; its owner 

 must be prepared to repay its excellence by his personal 

 unremitting attention ; and it is necessary for him to have 

 some knowledge of its peculiarities. 



The following may be useful to some of those who possess- 

 or think of owning cordite rifles : 



(1) Purchase (direct if possible) from a reliable firm, 



(2) Avoid light rifles. 



(3) Carefully enquire whether the rifle has beer* 



tested with ammunition under conditions of 

 temperature up to maximum solar heat of 

 India. 



(4) Get ammunition from the makers direct, or 



through their special agents. 



(5) Familiarize yourself with every detail of your 



rifle. 



(6) Make its condition your personal care. Rust 



or heavy-settled fouling will send up pressures 

 rapidly. 



