302 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE. [chap. x. 



mounting, is excessively in the way of a person who has 

 to do with a restive or frightened horse. There are 

 straps also in this case, which are as troublesome as 

 in the former. Moreover, in all of these there is a 

 jingling and a rattling when the horse trots or canters, 

 which is a very unsportsmanlike sound, although 

 it may be thought by some to be soldierlike and 

 dashing. 



Now the Hottentot plan that I recommend I 

 consider perfect : it is to have a case of strong leather 

 (see plate, p. 286) of such a size and shape as to admit 

 the gun-stock a little stiflly ; this case, which I will 

 call the " gun-bag," is fastened tightly above to rings 

 or dees in the pommel of the saddle ; below, it is 

 altogether unsupported except by a thong, which 

 passes round the saddle-girth and keeps the gun-bag 

 from tilting too far forwards ; the gun is pushed 

 stock downwards into the bag, the barrel passes 

 between the right arm and the side, while the muzzle 

 is so entirely clear of the person, that even in taking 

 a droj)-leap, that of an orduiarily-sized gun never 

 shifts into a dangerous jjosition. Some time is taken 

 before a person unused to it will find out the best 

 adjustments for both fastenings, as they should be 

 varied according to the rider's seat, but when once 

 determined they have never to be changed. There is 

 no objection whatever to this plan ; the hands of the 

 rider are free, and the gun is safe and quite out of 

 the way. It does not cumber him, but he feels it 

 nestling by his side, as an inseparable and faithful 

 companion should do ; the cocks are in full sight ; a 



