20 



THE SPORTSMAN'S VADE-MECUM 



rifle I drew often came in contact with timber in the way I have 

 described. Across no ground can a sling over the chest be com- 

 fortable; but I append another pattern, as it may be useful to 

 anyone who does not mind pressure on the chest. The weight is 

 better distributed than in the ordinary way, and the height of the 

 rifle may be increased or reduced as wished, by drawing the strap 



(B) up or down through the flat hole (A) in the butt. This strap 

 is sewn on the back of (D), while a leather loop (C) is sewn on the 

 sling, which in its turn is sewn to (D). The rifle barrels pass 

 through (C), and if a small strap or waist-belt be worn over (D), 

 the butt is kept quite close to the side. 



I discarded this sling, after a very long trial, as the weight on 

 the chest was too oppressive for me, but the friend who gave me a 

 pattern had long used it with a light rifle, and considered it per- 

 fection. The single '450 I used had no eyes for a sling, so I simply 

 whipped one end of a strong leather strap to the barrel in front of 

 the fore-end, and the other to the small of the butt ; many a long 

 mile I rode and clambered with that simple sling. 



Oil, &c. It may seem unnecessary, but it is just as well to 

 mention that what is called " Rangoon oil " is the best for the 

 barrels. Vaseline is the same oil further purified, and is equally 

 good. For the locks and action use nothing but " watchmakers' 



