Double-barrel 12-bore gun—for choice a Keeper’s hammerless non-ejector gun and ammunition (Nos. 3 and 5 shot).[9]
Double-barrel ·410 hammer-gun and ammunition (Nos. 8, 10 and 12 shot).
Cartridges with a full charge of powder and No. 8 shot will kill larger birds at a considerable distance; those with Nos. 10 and 12 shot are specially loaded for collecting smaller birds at closer quarters, and may be used at distances of from fifteen to twenty-five yards without damaging the specimens. The loads are: ⅜ oz. No. 12 shot, ¾ dr. black powder, or 9 grains Schultz; ½ oz. No. 10 shot, ¾ dr. black powder, or 9 grains Schultz. In damp climates black powder will be found more reliable. If shot larger than No. 8 is used with this gun, the pattern is erratic and the result uncertain. Messrs. Cogswell and Harrison, 226 Strand, W.C., have had considerable experience in loading cartridges for these guns, and their Nos. 10 and 12 shot is even and carefully screened.
No. 1 saloon pistol and ammunition (turned-over caps with dust shot). This pistol will be found of great value for collecting small birds at very close quarters in thick cover, or the more active lizards. It can be easily carried in a holster on a belt, to which is also attached a small pouch for ammunition. Small brass turned-over caps, loaded with a pinch of dust-shot, can be had of Messrs. Cogswell and Harrison.
Telescope.
Binocular field-glasses.
Traps can be procured from Mr. S. J. Beckett, 39 Dresden Road, Highgate, N. (apply, in the first place, by letter). For catching hyænas, etc., large traps are supplied; for smaller mammals, Brailsford live-traps and Cyclone and Schuyler break-back traps are the best, and should be procured in several sizes. Pitfall-traps made by sinking earthenware jars flush with the ground are also useful.
Several air-tight zinc-lined collecting boxes, fitted with light wooden trays. These are made by Messrs. Lovelace and Co., 20 Gloucester Road, S.W., and will be found extremely serviceable for packing, storing, and transmitting skins of smaller mammals and birds. When starting they can be packed full of stores. Uniform cases may be substituted, but, unless protected by wooden travelling-covers, are liable to get damaged and to admit insects.
A set of carpenter’s tools; screws and French nails of various sizes.