32 The Partridge Family 



sized gun may prove a genuine disaster, while the 

 man with the twelve-gauge may restock from any 

 country store, or, if in the field, borrow from his 

 comrade or any one he may meet. The reader 

 will readily understand the importance of these 

 points, and when it is remembered that the sole 

 advantage of the smaller gun lies in the trifling 

 reduction of weight, the choice becomes a simple 

 matter. I have tried arms by many makers and 

 of all practical sizes, and I unhesitatingly recom- 

 mend a twelve-gauge, by a first-class firm and of 

 weight, etc., to suit the individual. If the novice 

 decides to purchase the best obtainable he will 

 make no mistake, for a really fine gun, like a fine 

 watch, properly cared for, should last a lifetime. 

 It should, of course, be a hammerless ejector, the 

 safest and most efficient gun now available, and 

 if it weigh between seven and eight pounds it 

 will be the proper thing for ninety-nine out of 

 one hundred men. Equally, of course, the powder 

 should be of the smokeless brand, for the less 

 suspicion of smoke the better for the chances of 

 the second barrel, particularly in cover-shooting 

 and upon dark, humid days. 



The costume is also worthy of attention. One 

 of the best consists of medium-weight, dead-grass 

 color duck for coat, vest, and pants, and duck or 

 felt hat, or a corduroy cap to match. The boots 

 should be of the recognized shooting pattern, 



