174 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 
The selection of a punt-gun should be made after considering 
whether the numbers of fowl to be followed are large or small. 
This matter may be clearly understood, but it would be well 
to remember that, unless one’s gun is suitable to circumstances, 
it is not very likely that pleasant results can be expected. 
The punt-gun which seems to be of general use at most 
ordinary fowling-grounds in the British Isles is that of about 
14 in. bore, and capable of throwing a charge of lead varying 
from sixteen to twenty ounces. Where fowl are generally met 
with in small lots, a gun of 1} in. bore, sufficiently strong to 
take the heaviest loads for this size of gun, will be found to 
answer well. With a small-bore yet strong gun, the chances 
are that light charges will be thrown with good effect, and 
still such a gun can be used with a heavy load. Of course, 
there is a limit to all charges, though in the case of a small 
bore the fact lies that a light load can be used, whereas with 
a large bore this is impracticable if fowl are to be killed clean 
and deadly. We may all know that every fowling-piece shoots 
best with its correct load, though in the case of a punt-gun 
some modification of the charge may be successfully attempted, 
according to circumstances and conditions. 
Some noted fowlers have argued that it might be beneficial 
if the shot fired from punt-guns could be formed into an 
elliptical shape at the point of killing range, if strong shooting 
could be guaranteed. This would certainly be of advantage 
for some shots, but not all; for, with the ordinary circle, 
better returns can never be hoped for when the birds are 
placed suitably for a good shot. The elongated shot patch 
can be obtained by loading with side-spreaders in the shot 
charge, though, from personal experience, we find thin and 
weak shooting is the result, and for those who contemplate 
trying such a fad, we advise them to be content with a round 
patch. Nothing will ever be better. 
The cost of breech-loading punt-guns is very high, com- 
