LOADERS 335 



assist in the perfection of his practice, the loader should 

 rehearse the loading and unloading of guns at other 

 times, of course, than shooting ones. 



The position of the loader is varied by the prefer- 

 ence of the shooter and the game to be shot. Some 

 shooters like their loaders immediately behind them, 

 some on the right and others on the left. On this point 

 Lord Suffolk and Mr. Craven write : " When rocket- 

 ing pheasants are the sole objects, the loader may stand 

 right half-forward without in the least interfering with 

 his master, who, indeed, will be rather helped than 

 hindered ; but if hares and rabbits are also coming out 

 of covert, the man must be well half-back. In grouse- 

 driving a position on the immediate right is obviously 

 to be recommended, for thus placed the loader will only 

 interfere with a shot which would pepper the occupant 

 of the adjoining butt on that side. For partridge- 

 driving over high fences or belts, the rule is the same 

 as with tall pheasants." 



In changing guns the shooter throws up the barrel 

 and grasps the gun by the neck and turns slightly to 

 the loader, who takes it with his left hand and passes 

 the second loaded gun smartly forward with his right. 

 While holding the unused loaded gun, it should be 

 held just below the triggers with the right hand, and 

 the right arm should be leant slightly across the 

 chest so as to rest the barrels on the left arm. The 

 barrels will then be pointing in the air to the left and 

 behind. 



