To reduce bulges in a metal powder-flask, fill it up with Indian corn, or dry peas, of any other sort of hard grain; then pour water into it, and screw down the lid tightly.  The grain will swell, at first slowly and then very rapidly, and the flask will resume its former dimensions, or burst if it is not watched.  Peas do not begin to swell for a couple of hours or more.

Powder-horn, to make.—­Saw off the required length from an ox’s horn, flatten it somewhat by heat (see “Horn"), fit a wooden bottom into it, caulk it well, and sew raw hide round the edge to keep all tight.  The mouth must be secured by a plug, which may be hollowed to make a charger.  Pieces of cane of large diameter, and old gunpowder canisters, sewn up in hide, make useful powder-flasks.

Percussion Caps.—­Caps may be carried very conveniently by means of a ring, with two dozen nipple-shaped beads, made of some metal, strung upon it; each bead being intended to be covered by a percussion-cap.  The beads are cleft down the middle, which gives them a slight springiness, that more effectually secures the caps that are placed upon them:  the ring is tied by a thong to the belt or button-hole.  It is very Difficult, without this contrivance, to keep caps free from sand, crumbs, and dirt, yet always at hand when required.  I can confidently recommend it, though as it is old-fashioned and not well suited for sportsmen in England, it is rarely to be met with.  Spring cap holders are, I am sure, too delicate for rough travel.

To protect Caps from the Rain.—­Before stalking, or watching at night in rainy weather, wax or grease the edge of the cap as it rests on the nipple:  it will thus become proof against water and damp air.  Some persons carry a piece of grease with them, when shooting in wet weather, and with it they smear the top of the nipple after each loading, before putting on the fresh cap.  It is said that the grease does not prevent the full action of the cap upon the powder.  A sportsman has recommended to me a couple of well-marked caps, into the heads of which small wads of cork have been fitted; he uses them for loaded guns that are to be laid by for some hours or days.  A broad leaf wrapped loosely round the lock of a gun, will protect it during a heavy shower.

Substitute for Caps.—­When the revolution in Spain in 1854 began, “there was a great want of percussion caps; this the insurgents supplied by cutting off the heads of lucifer-matches and sticking them into the nipples.  The plan was found to answer perfectly.” (Times, July 31.)

Gun-pricker.—­I am indebted for the following plan, both for clearing the touchhole, and also for the rather awkward operation of pricking down fresh gunpowder into it, to an old sportsman in the Orkney Island of Sanday.  He takes a quill, and cuts off a broad ring from the large end of it; this is pushed over the small end of the quill, and lies securely there.  Next, he cuts a wooden plug to fit the quill; into the plug, the pricker is fixed.