39 



when the ducks are flying thick, you must open 

 with your t.eeth if you want a cap. Carrying 

 them in your vest-pocket is (take my word for 

 it until you try it) full as handy. 



Now, to both old and young, let me add the 

 caution : Be careful in handling and carrying 

 your gun. Never carry it with the hammers 

 down on the caps. At half-cock is the proper 

 position ; then, if the locks are well made and in 

 good order, it will be- almost impossible for the 

 gun to be accidentally discharged. Even at full- 

 cock there is less danger than with the hammers 

 down. 



More of the frightful accidents with guns are 

 attributable to this carrying with the hammers 

 down than to any other one thing. How many 

 times guns are accidentally discharged without seri- 

 ous consequences we have no means of finding out. 

 If it could be known, I am satisfied the number 

 from the reasons above given would exceed all 

 others combined. 



A very careless and dangerous way of carry- 

 ing a gun, though a very common one with some, 

 is to grasp it by the muzzle, with the barrels 

 resting on the shoulder and pointing to the front. 

 1 have myself known of three fatal accidents 



