GUNS. 35 



were filled. The paper shell burst, splitting the 

 holder's thumb open, and depriving him of the 

 use of his hand for several days. The metallic 

 shell did no serious harm whatever, not bursting, 

 delivering its charge rather forcibly, but luckily 

 not towards any one. By capping the shells 

 before filling, which should ahoays be done, 

 all positive danger from accidental explosion is 

 avoided. 



The "Sturtevant" shell I like best for the 

 following reasons : First, the loading apparatus is 

 reduced to a minimum. From its construction, the 

 anvil and ejector remaining in the shell, the extra 

 tool for punching ofi* caps needed v/ith all other 

 shells is dispensed with, the rod for pushing down 

 the wads answering the purpose. Second, they 

 are less liable to miss fire. Third, the cost of 

 caps, which are the same as used in the paper 

 shells, is less than any others, excepting common 

 muzzle-loading, and, in cases of emergency, G. 

 D.'s may be used. Fourth, with proper care 

 they are more durable than any other shell. 



Wads (Eley's are the very best ones) two 

 sizes larger than the bore of the shell should be 

 used to prevent the displacement of the shot in 

 one barrel by the discharge of the other, as fre- 



