48 MUZZLE-LOADERS AND BREECH-LOADERS. 
pense; in force and pattern it was equalled; in 
safety and handiness it was far surpassed by its 
competitor. 
A book called the Dead Shot, which has been 
circulated extensively in our country, remarkable 
more for the wonderful number of mistakes, if not 
absurdities, that it contains, than for any other 
quality, denounces the breech-loaders in unmeasured 
terms, and, among others, gives the following cate- 
gorical objections, to each of which the writer ap- 
pends, from personal experience, what he considers 
an answer. The Dead Shot says: 
“1. The breech-loader does not shoot so strong 
nor kill so far as the muzzle-loader, though allowed 
a quarter of a drachm of powder extra.” 
The contrary was proved at the Field trial, as 
shown by the foregoing tables, and is proved in the 
field daily. 
“2. The breech-loader is, of necessity, much 
heavier than a muzzle-loader of the same gauge.” 
About one quarter of a pound. 
“¢ 3. It is more expensive as regards ammunition, 
and also as to the gun itself—the latter by reason 
of its not lasting so long, and its greater liability to 
get out of repair than a muzzle-loader.” 
The cartridge-cases cost about twenty dollars a 
thousand; so that if they are used but once, a single 
additional quail or woodcock will pay for ten of 
them. The same wise economy raised this objec- 
tion of expense against percussion-caps when first 
introduced. The gun lasts longer, as there is no 
