18 THE SPORTSMAN'S VADE-MECUM 



edge of the sheeting over, so that the waterproofing is outside, and 

 the insides touching. Lay the gun on the double, as shown in 

 the sketch, and mark with a pencil where it is to be cut, as shown 

 by the dotted line A B. Mind you leave enough room for the 

 hammers and trigger-guard, or. there will be a difficulty in getting 

 the cover on and off. The seam should be sewn with a narrow 

 strip of the waterproof as "binding;" a strong needle and well- 

 waxed pack thread will work this material easily. Out of one 

 piece of the 5ft. cloth one can cut three gun-covers, and have a bit 

 over for putting round anything else that requires to be kept dry, 

 such as papers, &c. 



The Sight-protectors mentioned on page 16 are very much 

 wanted on the barrels when in the gun-cases, as rough jolting 

 during a march often causes a foresight to be seriously injured or 

 displaced. 



Slings. Some people advocate, some decry, these things; but 

 they are very useful when on bad ground, for both you and your 

 shikarie want all your hands and feet, and want a third hand even ! 

 They are very convenient if hooking by small swivels to barrels 

 and stock, and the following is a good way to make use of them : 

 Pass the right arm between the sling and rifle, sling towards the 

 front and muzzle upwards ; then let it down till the sling rests on 

 the right shoulder. The right hand can steady it if riding, and 

 when climbing, it will be found out of the way. Carrying a rifle 

 hung on the back is most fatiguing; it contracts the chest, and 

 causes all sorts of discomfort, if it does not form a source of 

 disease. A horn button should be sewn on the edge of the shoulder, 

 as shown at A in the sketch, to prevent the sling slipping over. 

 T. S. K. recommends this in the Field, March 20, 1886, and also 

 the following method of slinging, which is not quite the same as 

 mine, being shorter in the sling. He says : 



" The eye on the butt ought to be close to (an inch from) the 

 toe, that on the barrel hardly an inch from the fore-end. They 

 look ugly, but the difference in comfort is great. The adjoining 

 outlines, one of which may be compared with that of K. C. A. J., 

 will show what I mean. The sling may be broad where it goes over 

 the shoulder, and secured by a round thong at each end to the 

 eyes ; at the butt the sling should have buttonholes, and the thong 

 a cross-piece, or button, of wood or horn, to button into the holes 

 for adjustment. There is nothing in this to clink, and the rifle 



