FOR THE HIMALAYAS. 



17 



They are simply brass tubes, fitting tight on to the barrel, with 

 an extension passing over the sight. The rifle may be fired with 

 one on, but proper aim cannot he taken ; it should only be left on 

 when snap shooting, or when the shikarie has forgotten all about 

 it when handing you the rifle, and time does not admit of its 

 removal. 



Gun-covers are very useful out shooting, as you are often driven 

 home by wet weather coining on suddenly, and the labour of 

 cleaning in a damp tent is no joke. There are different patterns, 

 but the most useful are those that will take in the weapon full 

 length. In Kashmir and elsewhere they are made of leather, which 

 is all very well, but heavy rain soon soaks it, and covers the 

 weapon with a mass of rust. It is better to have a waterproof 

 cover inside the leather one, and the writer had a third cover of 

 cotton inside the waterproof. This kept all dust and dirt out of 

 the barrels, and, though exposed to incessant rain on many a day, 



feet, 



Inside 



none of the weapons suffered in the least. Waterproof covers ai 

 rather expensive, but anyone can have cheap and efficient ones 

 made of the waterproof sheeting, 5ft. wide, which can be bought 

 by the yard. The great thing to pay attention to is, that the seam 

 is under the barrels and stock. A gun being generally carried with 

 the guard downwards, whether on the shoulder, under the arm, or 

 a,t the " trail," the rain will fall on the top, where, of course, there 

 should be no seam. Keep the outer leather covers well greased, 



To cut out a cover, proceed as follows : Buy of the waterproof 

 about the length of your longest weapon, say 4|ft. Double the 



c 



