IMPLEMENTS FOB COLLECTING, AND THEIB USE. 5 



is tho best, though the full length leather or india-rubber cloth case answers very well. The 

 box should contain a small kit of tools, such as mainspring-vice, nipple-wrench, screw-driver, 

 etc. A stout hard-wood cleaning rod, with wormer, wiU be required. It is always safe to 

 have parts of the gun-lock, especially mainspring, in duplicate. For muzzle-loaders extra 

 nipples and extra ramrod heads and tips often come into use. For breech-loaders the appara- 

 tus for charging the shells is so useful as to be practically indispensable. (6.) For amrmmi- 

 tion. Metal shells or paper cartridges may be carried loose in the large lower coat pocket, 

 or in a leather satchel. There is said to be a chance of explosion by some unlucky blow, when 

 they are so carried, but I never knew of an instance. Another way is to fix them separately 

 in a row in snug loops of soft leather sewn continuously along a stout waist-belt ; or in several 

 such horizontal rows on a square piece of thick leather, to be slung by a strap over the shoul- 

 der. But better than anything else is a stout linen vest, similarly furnished with loops holding 

 each a cartridge; this distributes the weight so perfectly, that the usual " forty rounds " may 

 be carried without feeling it. The appliances for loose ammunition are almost endlessly 

 varied, so every one may consult his taste or convenience. But now that everybody uses the 

 breech-loader, shot-pouches and powder-flasks are among the things that were, (c.) For 

 specimens. You must always carry ^aper in which to wrap up your specimens, as more par- 

 ticularly directed beyond. Nothing is better for this purpose than writing-paper ; "rejected" 

 or otherwise useless MSS. may thus be utilized. The ordinary game bag, with leather back 

 and network front, answers very well ; but a light basket, fitting the body, such as is used 

 by fishermen, is the best thing to carry specimens in. Avoid putting specimens into pockets, 

 unless you have your coat-tail largely excavated : crowding them into a close pocket, where 

 they press each other, and receive warmth from the person, wUl injure them. It is always 

 well to take a little cotton into the field, to plug up shot-holes, mouth, nostrUs, or vent, imme- 

 diately, if required, {d.) For Yourself. The indications to be fulfilled in your clothing are 

 these : AdaptahUity to the weather ; and since a shooting-coat is not conveniently changed, 

 while an overcoat is ordinarily ineligible, the requirement is best met by different underclothes. 

 Easy fit, allowing perfect freedom of muscular action, especially of the arms. Strength of 

 fabric, to resist briers and stand wear ; velveteen and corduroy are excellent materials. Sub- 

 dued color, to render you as inconspicuous as possible, and to show dirt the least. Multiplicity 

 of pockets — a perfect shooting-coat is an ingenious system of hanging pouches about the 

 person. Broad-soled, low-heeled boots or shoes, giving a firm tread even when wet. Close- 

 fitting cap with prominent visor, or low soft felt hat, rather broad brimmed. Let india-rubber 

 goods alone ; the field is no place for a sweat-bath. 



Qualifications for Success. — With the outfit just indicated you command all the required 

 appliances that you can buy, and the rest lies with yourself. Success hangs upon your own 

 exertions ; upon your energy, mdustry, and perseverance ; your knowledge and skill ; your 

 zeal and enthusiasm, in.coUecting birds, much as in other affairs of life. But that your 

 efibrts— maiden attempts they must once have been if they be not such now— may be directed 

 to best advantage, further instructions may not be unacceptable. 



To Carry a Gun without peril to human life or limb is the a fc c of its use. " There^s 

 death in the pot." Such constant care is required to avoid accidents that no man can give it 

 by continual voluntary efforts : safe carriage of the gun must become an unconscious habit, fixed 

 as the movements of an automaton. The golden rule and whole secret is: the muzzle must 

 never sweep the horizon ; accidental discharge should send the shot into the ground before your 

 feet, or away up in the air. There are several safe and easy ways of holding a piece : they 

 wiU be employed by turns to relieve particular muscles when fatigued. 1. Hold it m the 

 hoUow of the arm (preferably the left, as you can recover to aim in less time than from the 



