LEAVES FROM A GAME BOOK. Ul 



lighting a pipe with the hand of the arm supporting 

 the gun, the muzzles become elevated and the stock 

 depressed, then the bearer runs a great risk of the 

 gun slipping from its position and falling butt end 

 on to the ground, and I have been witness of one 

 hair-breadth escape from a so caused accidental 

 discharge. Those who have used hammer guns a 

 great deal are very apt to run this risk, for they 

 have probably frequently lifted the elbow that 

 carried the gun, as the hammers, catching against 

 the upper part of the arm, always gave a secure 

 grip ; but when the hammers are absent there is 

 nothing to keep the gun in position, and if it slips 

 to the ground and goes oflf, the barrels will be 

 pointing nearly for certain at the head or shoulder 

 of the gun carrier. 



On the 2nd of September, accompanied by Colonel 

 Gyll, I shot with Croxton Johnson on his property 

 at ' Hailsham, in Sussex ; but, instead of raining, it 

 blew a gale, and our score was but just ten brace. 

 On the 3rd, on the same estate, the weather was mor^e 



B 



