THE SUOT-GUN, AND HOW TO USE IT. 313 
CHAP PER XOCxXii: 
THE SHOT-GUN, AND HOW TO USE IT. 
In a book of this kind, where wild fowl is the first, 
and every thing else a secondary consideration, the 
reader can readily see the impossibility of reviewing 
the shot-gun, except In a cursory manner ; although a 
frank confession prompts me to admit I would like to. 
‘The explosive force of gun powder having been dis- 
covered inthe fourteenth century, active inquiry was 
made how to confine this destructive element to the 
purposes of war. And it is a matter of interest to be 
able to recall the fact that so long ago as that time 
breech-loading cannon were made. We cannot spare 
the time or space to dwell on these things that are a 
matter of history, but carried along as if by a panorama, 
let our thoughts dwell lightly on them, and consider 
them as they are, as of bygone ages. 
In 1630 the flint lock was invented in Spain; for 
two centuries it was considered par excellence in the 
art of gun-making. At about the beginning of the 
nineteenth century Joseph Manton invented improve- 
ments, that made him the most renowned inventor of 
his day. Being a skilled artisan, ambitious, ever pro- 
gressive and honest, his make of guns gained world re- 
nowned celebrity, and were considered perfect models 
of elegance and beauty, and unsurpassed in shooting 
powers. 
