[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.
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