NOTES BY AN OLD SPORTSMAN 297 



before the sportsman can pick it up. This 

 is best met by prompt action. A sharp 

 blow with the side of the hand on the wrist 

 of the thief, whilst you grasp the game with 

 the other, will be found very effective in 

 inducing a relinquishment of the stolen 

 property. 



Accidental Wounding This is a mis- 

 fortune to which the most careful and 

 experienced shot is at times liable, for 

 country people will lie perdu in the most 

 unlikely spots, jumping up at the very 

 moment the trigger is pulled, and children 

 also have a bad habit of following in the 

 wake of the guns, to pick up castaway 

 cartridges for the sake of the copper 

 capsules. 



When a native is wounded the difficulty 

 should be boldly faced, and an immediate 

 endeavour made to ease the hurt, and to 

 make compensation by an offer of money. 

 Should the parties seem inclined to be 

 extortionate, persuade them if possible to 

 adjourn to the boats and talk it over or to 

 repair to the nearest tepao or mandarin and 

 have the difficulty formally adjusted. Noise 

 and bluster should be met by distinct refusal 



