SHOT, POWDER, SHELLS, WADS AND LOADING. 335 
I was only prepared to fire powder and wad at it. 
There is such an infinite variety of shells made, and 
so reasonable in price, that it does seem that any one 
can find some kind of paper shells within his means. 
A good quality will stand re-loading anywhere from 
three to eight times, and as they can be crimped each 
time, they answer in place of brass shells for economy. 
In brass shells, wads should be used two sizes larger 
than the shell—that is, in No. 10 shells, No. 8 wads. 
Not to be behind the times, and to keep pace with the 
constant improvements being made, shell manufactur- 
ers are all the while trying to improve their make. 
The result is conical and round bases. The conical base 
performs a double function,—it increases the penetra- 
tion, and the extra thickness, the strength of the shell. 
But any shell made by a reputable maker is safe enough. 
Tam an ardent lover of water-proof shells for wild 
fowl shooting, and would not use any other as a gift. 
This reason is not a groundless one, but formed after a 
miserable day spent with ordinary shells in a drizzling 
rain,—shells sticking so that after each discharge of the 
gun the empty shell would have to be driven from the 
barrel with a wiping stick. Since that day, I have 
used nothing but water-proof shells, and now when I 
am out, and the elements punish me with rain or snow, 
the least of my troubles is the fear of shells sticking in 
my gun. 
Waps.—I never saw a thorough hunter unless he 
has his own notions about wadding. There is but one 
secret in wadding, that is, plenty of wads on the powder. 
tight-fitting and well lubricated. Almost any gun will 
shoot better with wads on the powder one size larger 
than the bore. There may be occasional exceptions, 
but they are rare. 
