98 BIG GAME SHOOTING 



and found that there were no proofs of poaching or of abet- 

 ting poaching, and after a brief confinement they were set at 

 liberty. 



RIFLES AND KIT 



Tyrolese, Swiss and German sportsmen, as a rule, use only 

 single-barrelled rifles, and much smaller charges than are used 

 out of English Expresses ; indeed, in some royal shoots the use 

 of double-barrelled rifles is against local etiquette. Thus the 

 Emperor of Austria, one of the keenest sportsmen born, never 

 uses other than single-barrelled arms, and his guests are 

 expected to do the same. The reason is a good one namely, 

 to discourage wild shooting at long ranges, causing numbers of 

 chamois to be wounded, many of whom escape only to die in 

 places where they never can be got at. To a person who is 

 accustomed to shoot at long ranges and who knows exactly 

 what the rifle in his hands can do if held steadily, the shoulder 

 of a chamois standing at two hundred yards is not, as most 

 German sportsmen will insist on, an impossible mark ; but of 

 course practice and fine sights on a really accurate weapon 

 with the necessary steadiness of aim are essential to accom- 

 plish it. A hinged peepsight behind the hammers, which turns 

 down when not required, or a Lyman sight, is a desirable 

 aid for fine shooting, provided one is accustomed to its 

 use ; and the same might be said of hair triggers. A peepsight 

 of my own invention, which has been copied by some who have 

 seen it, is constructed so as to fold down when not in use, fitting 

 into a recess of exactly its shape. Its chief merit is that when 

 not required it is invisible, and when required the pressure of 

 the thumb against a tiny knob (the size of a No. i shot) behind 

 the right hammer releases a spring, and the sight jumps into 

 position, and without requiring any further adjustment is 

 ready for immediate use. Messrs. Holland & Holland, of New 

 Bond Street, have built me an excellent rifle with this sight. 

 To the question which is the best rifle, the reply may safely be 

 given : a light '450 Express, with a sling to carry it in the Con- 



