CARE OF GUNS. 51 



In the field, every precaution should be taken to pre- 

 vent accidents. I have carried two sizes of coarse shot in 

 my body for six years, hence the following precautionary 

 advice : Central fire guns, with rebounding locks, are less 

 liable to be discharged in handling than those whose 

 hammers rest on the plungers or caps. Pin-fire guns are 

 inconvenient, and even dangerous. Guns not having re- 

 bounding locks should be carried at half-cock when 

 loaded, to prevent any discharge from a blow on the ham- 

 mers. 



When hunting in company, in cover, never shoot reck- 

 lessly. Better let a thousand birds pass than shoot in 

 the direction of a companion. In carrying a gun, see 



GUST-SLING FOR SADDLE. 



that it is never pointed at a fellow hunter. Do not draw 

 your weapon after you through a fence, or over fallen 

 trees and rocks. When alone, carry at a trail, or over 

 the shoulder. In climbing hills in winter, examine the 

 muzzle of your gun, and see that it is not filled with 

 snow ; also beware of sand when lying in holes about the 

 sea-shore. When in the saddle in an open country, carry 

 a gun before you in a broad sling slipped over the pom- 

 mel of the saddle. When mounted in cover, sling your 

 gun from the saddle with two straps, underneath the left 

 leg, and over the stirrup strap. I have carried two guns 



