Belt. 



IN my humble opinion, there is, after all inventions, 

 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 per- 

 haps a clumsy handed fellow, on a fidgety horse, wastes 

 a considerable time as well as a great quantity of your 

 shot. 



Frivolous as it may appear to mention so trifling a 

 subject, I shall endeavour to describe the manner by 

 which a shot belt may be managed so neatly, that it 



