20 SHOOTING : 



To cross a hedge or gate be not too fast, 



Be your ambition rather to be last. 



When you've discharged, and loaded one, 'tis right 



To see the second barrel's charge is tight, 



(But mind the one for action's not full cock, 



Or such remissness common sense will shock, 



Nor need I say, on nipple place the cap 



When the gun's charg'd, if you'd escape mishap ;) 



Should the concussion cause the shot to travel 



From powder, e'er so little up the barrel, 



Twill bulge or burst when fir'd, and so it will 



If you by accident the muzzle fill 



With mould or snow : fearing you should be curst 



By owning one that's pre-ordain'd to burst, 



Your left hand on the trigger-guard e'er place 



When you the weapon to the shoulder raise, 



By this plain plan you ever will prevent 



A shatter'd arm, no trifling accident ; 



And tho' at first this method may seem strange, 



'Twill not be long before you find the change 



