BAT-SNIPE SHOOTING. 89 



moved, and every portion of the iron-work kept 

 well lubricated. At night a waterproof covering 

 should be used, and the charge invariably left un- 

 drawn, as the dirt prevents oxydization for a time ; 

 and during a rain the utmost care should be taken 

 to protect, if not the entire gun, at least the locks and 

 trigger-plate. Kerosene oil is excellent to remove 

 rust, but is too thin to form a coating, and not so 

 good a protection as sweet or whale oil. Varnish 

 is highly recommended, but I have never known 

 any one to try it ; and in case no oil can be obtain- 

 ed, the gunners on Long Island are in the habit of 

 shooting a small snipe, which is often extremely fat, 

 and using its skin as an oiled rag. 



Of course with a breech-loader the charge is with- 

 drawn, and the cleaning apparatus may be forced 

 through every evening, although this is unnecessary, 

 as the dirt is rather a protection ; and after the cleaning, 

 whether of the muzzle-loader or breech-loader, the 

 barrels should be well oiled both inside and out. If, 

 however, the gun is to be left for along time unused 

 and exposed to salt air, a piece of greasy rag woimd 

 upon a stick may be thrust into the barrels to the 

 bottom, and oil should be liberally applied to the ex- 

 posed parts. Moreover, the locks, however well 

 they may fit, will be injured after a whUe, and should 

 be removed and examined occasionally. The size of 

 shot used should be changed according to the season 

 and character of the flight ; in July, when the yellow- 

 legs and dowitchers are the principal victims, N"o. 8 

 is abundantly large ; but in August, when curlews, 



