92 MANUAL FOE YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



click, which will cut off the communication, and, if the 

 flask be a good one, will obviate the possibility of an ex- 

 plosion. 



I will here observe that Dixon's patent flask, with the 

 steel spring on the outside of the top, is the only one 

 which ought to be used by any person who regards safety, 

 convenience, and rapidity of loading. 



In the little cut above one of these implements is shown, 

 of the best construction, together with a double patent 

 lever shot-pouch of Sykes's patent, also manufactured by 

 Dixon of Sheffield, and sold by all considerable gunsmiths. 

 I esteem it preferable for convenience and quickness 'to 

 any belt or contrivance I have ever tried, both for carry- 

 ing shot and loading. The best material for the powder 

 flask I hold to be tin, made in two halves, and soldered 

 along the edges. It not unfrequently happens, where ex- 

 plosions take place in the horn, either from defect in the 

 mechanism, or from carelessness in the loader's pouring 

 the powder into the barrel without cutting off the com- 



