[Drawing of horse, rider and gun as described above].

The French dragoons carry a gun in a way that is convenient for military purposes, because it does not interfere with the immense housings that cavalry soldiers require; but it is not so handy, it does not lie so freely as the above, nor is it as well suited to a traveller or a sportsman.  The gun is placed butt downwards, as in the Namaqua method, and leans backwards in the same way; but the under side of the gun, instead of being backwards, or towards the horse’s tail, Is towards his head.  The butt lies in a shallow bucket, secured by two straps fixed to the front of the saddle; another strap, leading from the pommel, and passing over the right thigh of the rider, is hitched round the barrel of the gun, and has to be unbuckled and cast off when the gun is taken out.

All ways of carrying the gun with its muzzle downwards, are very objectionable; since the jolting tends to dislodge the charge; if it be considerably dislodged, the gun will probably burst, on being fired.  Also, a very little shaking, when the muzzle is downwards, will shake the powder out of the nipple, and therefore, a gun, so carried, will constantly miss fire.

At Night, to dispose of Guns.—­A gun is a very awkward thing to dispose of at night.  It has occurred more than once that a native servant has crept up, drawn away the gun of his sleeping master, and shot him dead.  The following appears to me an excellent plan:—­“When getting sleepy, you return your rifle between your legs, roll over, and go to sleep.  Some people may think this is a queer place for a rifle; but, on the contrary, it is the position of all others where utility and comfort are most combined.

[Sketch of man and gun as described].

The butt rests on the arm, and serves as a pillow for the head; the muzzle points between the knees, and the arms encircle the lock and breech, so that you have a smooth pillow, and are always prepared to start Up armed at a moment’s notice.” (Parkyns’ ‘Abyssinia.’) The longer the gun, the more secure is the sleeper from accident.  The sketch is not quite accurate, for, in practice, the weight of the gun is never allowed to rest so entirely on the arm, as it is here represented:  if it did so, the arm would soon be numbed.  The gun-stock may be a little bolstered up if desired, to avoid any troublesome pressure on the arm.

Cleaning Guns.—­A bit of rag does as well as tow, and can be used over and over again.  A top furnished with a sponge, to screw to the cleaning rod, is convenient.  “A leaded barrel must be cleaned with fine sand.”  (Hawker.) Quicksilver, if it be at hand, will dissolve out the lead at once.

GUN-FITTINGS AND AMMUNITION.

Powder-flask.—­The flask that is carried in the pocket may be small, if roomy; a large one, in reserve, being kept in a bag, at the front of the saddle.