222 RIFLES, GUNS, AND OTHER SPORTING REQUISITES. 



in India to be provided with one, and never to go after dangerous game without it. The 

 knife is indeed but a poor weapon to depend upon ; but when everything else has failed 

 and you find yourself at close quarters with a Panther, Bear or Boar, you may find that 

 one well directed thrust may decide the fight in your favor. 



A hunting knife, to be practically useful as a weapon of offence, should be double 

 edged, the blade being about eight inches in length and one and a half in width, tapering 

 rather suddenly to a fine point. It should always be kept as sharp as a razor, and should not 

 be used for hacking or rough work. It should be kept in a wooden sheath, in which it is 

 secured by a spring, which is released by the hand in the act of grasping the hilt. 



A knife is most conveniently worn, not in a frog, but diagonally on the left side, the 

 scabbard being firmly attached to a broad leather belt. In this position the knife is always 

 ready to the hand ; it is not in the way even when going through thick jungle ; and in the 

 event of a fall with one's horse there is no danger of injury from it. 



Cartridges are most conveniently carried in leather pouches forming part of the belt, 

 with separate stalls for them ; eight or ten are enough to carry, four or five on each side of the 

 belt buckle ; a strong leather flap should hang over and protect each pouch. At the back 

 another small pouch to contain odds and ends, may be attached, and the belt should be 

 made to unfasten behind, so as to allow of a binocular case being slipped on to it when 

 required. 



TELESCOPES AND BINOCULARS. 

 Binocular field glasses are very useful when looking for game, but when it has been 

 found, a good telescope is required to enable one to judge of the size of horns and other 

 details. I, therefore, advise every sportsman to provide himself with both. 



