1st Method.—­The annexed sketch (p. 258) explains the method I have described in previous editions of this book.  The stock is firmly lashed to a tree, and the muzzle to a stake planted in the ground.  A “lever-stick,” 8 inches long, is bound across the grip of the gun so as to stand upright; but it is not bound so tightly as to prevent a slight degree of movement.  The bottom of the “lever-stick” is tied to the trigger, and the top of it to a long, fine, dark-coloured string, which is passed through the empty ramrod tubes, and is fixed to a tree on the other side of the pathway.  It is evident that when a beast breasts this string, the trigger of the gun will be pulled.

[Sketch of man setting up gun to be fired as above].

1nd Method.—­I have, however, been subsequently informed of a better plan of adapting the “lever-stick.”  It is shown in the accompanying diagram (below).  The fault of the previous plan, is the trouble of tying the string to the trigger; since the curvature is usually such as to make it a matter of some painstaking to fix it securely.  A, B, C, is the “lever-stick.”  Notch it deeply at A, where it is to receive the trigger; notch it also at B, half an inch from A; and at C, 5 inches or so from B. In lashing B to the grip of the stock at D, the firmer you make the lashing, the better.  If D admit of any yielding movement, on C being pulled, the gun will not go off, either readily or surely; as will easily be seen, on making experiment.

[Sketch of rifle with stick rigged as above].

3rd Method.—­I am indebted to Captain J. Meaden for the following account of the plan used in Ceylon for setting a spring gun for leopards:—­

“Remove the sear, or tie up the trigger.  Load the gun, and secure it at the proper height from the ground.  Opposite the muzzle of the gun, or at such distance to the right, or left, as may be required, fasted the end of a black string, or line made of horsehair or fibre, and pass it across the path to the gun.  Fasten the other end to a stake, long enough to stand higher than the hammer.  Stick the end of the stake slightly in the ground, and let it rest upright against the lock projection, the black line being fastened nearly at that height.  Pass round the small of the stock a loop of single or double string.  Take a piece of stick 6 or 8 inches long, pass through the loop, and twist tourniquet fashion until the loop is reduced to the required length.  Raise the hammer carefully, and pass the short end of the lever-stick, from the inner to the outer side, over the comb, and let the long end of the lever rest against the stake:  the pressure of the hammer will keep the lever steady against the stake.  To prevent the lower end of the stake flying out, from the pressure of the lever on the upper part, place a log or stone against the foot.

“An animal pushing against the black string, draws the upper end of the stake towards the muzzle, until the lever is disengaged and releases the hammer.