292 VARIETIES OF SHOT-GUNS, ETC. 



tridges are easily withdrawn from an opening at one corner; 

 the act of the removal of one bringing down another and 

 leaving it in its turn in the same place. 



The holder itself (fig. 62 b c) consists of a series of springs, 

 each holding one cartridge, fixed on an endless band. This 

 band revolves within a compact leather case, which is all 

 closed up except a small aperture in the bottom end, at which 

 each cartridge, when pulled out, is succeeded by another, the 

 remainder being kept perfectly safe and dry without the 

 trouble of any cover or fastening whatever. A belt, some- 

 what upon the same principle, is likewise made by the in- 

 ventor, and is then buckled round the waist ; but in it there 

 is no endless strap, and the whole belt must be drawn round 

 as the cartridges are extracted. 



It is usual, however, among sportsmen, to carry their car- 

 tridges loose in their pockets, as they are not at all likely to 

 receive such a blow as to ignite the cap, nor have I ever 

 heard of such an accident occurring. Nevertheless, the above 

 holder acts so well, and is so little likely to get out of order, 

 that I cannot but think it will prove of great advantage to 

 those who use the Lefaucheaux, Bastin, or Lancaster breech- 

 loader ; but I am not sure whether the paper of Needham's 

 cartridge cases is strong enough to resist the pressure of the 

 spring without injury.. 



