XXII 
THE DEER 
215 
in loading. The first movement was to pour into 
the extremely small bore 4 drams of powder, 
without spilling it; the second was to press down 
a thin wad, with a thick greased felt-wad on the top 
of it; the third was to wrap the bullet in a greased 
linen patch, and ram this gently upon the greased 
wad. As the winged bullet was mechanically fitted, 
and highly greased in its linen patch, it was 
thoroughly air-tight, therefore the force necessary in 
loading compressed the air between the descending 
bullet and the wad upon the powder. The bullet 
formed a piston, and when the weight of the loading- 
rod was removed, the elasticity of the compressed 
air forced the bullet upwards, and left a dangerous 
vacuum between it and the powder about 8 inches 
distant. This was a source of danger, and although 
the barrel was of sufficient strength to resist the 
strain, by not absolutely bursting, many barrels 
bulged, my own included. Nevertheless the move 
had been made by Mr. Purdey in the right direction. 
I used this rifle in Scotland and in Africa, and I 
never made better practice. 
Deer-stalking in the Highlands, although most 
enjoyable, is a selfish sport. If a house is full of 
guests, it is almost impossible to afford “stalking” 
for any number, it is therefore necessary to drive, 
as by this means all can share in the day’s sport 
without prejudice. At the same time, there is a 
great gulf between stalking and driving. In the 
latter process much knowledge is necessary, and 
great patience on the part of the keepers or gillies, 
