218 OF SHOOTING, 



powder, will yet dissipate the sulphur and 

 impair the composition by destroying the 

 texture of the grains ; the heat of the sun is 

 perhaps the greatest it can with safety be ex- 

 posed to, and if properly managed is suffici- 

 cient for the purpose ; when this cannot be 

 had, the heat of a fire regulated to the same 

 degree may be used ; for this end a heated 

 tin, or a pewter plate, is perhaps as good as 

 any thing, because they retain so moderate 

 a heat, that there can be little danger of spoil- 

 ing the powder by producing the consequen- 

 ces before-mentioned. The sportsman should 

 be very particular in the mode of keeping 

 his powder ; I would recommend him always 

 to air it and his flask before he takes the field, 

 and carry it in his breeches'- pocket, in order 

 to keep it from any kind of damp. 



Flasks made of copper, or tin, are much 

 better for keeping powder in, than those 

 made of leather. 



