Injuries to Guns, to repair.—­Ramrod tubes often break off, and it is a very troublesome accident when they do so.  I know of no contrivance to fasten them on again, except by using soft solder, the application of which will not in the least hurt the gun:  ashes, at a dull red heat, must be heaped over the barrel to warm it sufficiently, before applying the solder.  If the ramrod tubes have been lost, others made of tin may replace them.

The Sight of a Gun, if it falls out and is lost, can easily be replaced by a substitute.  A groove must be cut with a file across the substance of the barrel, if the gun be a single one, or across the midrib, if double-barrelled; into this a piece of iron, ivory, bone, horn, or hard wood, with a projection carved in the middle for the sight, must be pushed, then the metal on either side must be battered down over it, with a hammer or stone, to keep it firm.

A broken Stock, however much it may be smashed, can be well mended by raw hide (see “Hides").  Blacksmith’s work and carpentering are seldom sufficient for the purpose.  It is within the power of a rough workman to make a gun-stock, but it is a work of great labour.

A Ramrod may be replaced by cutting a stick from a tree, straightening it in the fire, and then seasoning it. (See “Green Wood.”)

Guns to hang up, to carry, and to clean.—­Hanging Guns to a Wall.—­Fix a loop of leather for the muzzle, and a strap and buckle for the stock, with a piece of sheepskin or canvas nailed so as to hang over it, as in fig. 1.  A more complete way is to sew a long pocket with a flap to it, which is tied up on to a stick or bar, as in fig. 2:  the gun has simply to be Lifted out and in.  The pocket must be made baggy at the part which corresponds to the cocks of the gun.

[Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 As described in text].

Carrying Guns on a Journey.—­“Look at the gun, but never let the gun look at you, or at your companions,” is a golden rule; for among the chances of death to which a traveller is exposed, that of being shot by an attendant’s gun going off accidentally, ranks high.  Servants should carry their guns with the cock down on a piece of rag, that covers the cap:  take it all in all, it is the best plan for them.  A sportsman will find great convenience in having a third nick cut in the tumbler of his lock, so as to give an additional low half-cock, at which the cock just clears the nipple; it will prevent the cap from falling off or receiving a blow.  I have long used this plan, and find no objections to it:  many pistols are furnished with this contrivance.  Careless gun-makers sometimes make this catch so low, that when the cock is lifted a little back from it, and let go, it strikes the cap by reason of the elasticity of its metal, and lets off the gun:  the traveller should beware of this fault of workmanship.

[Sketch of gun as described].