j6 ON THE WING. 



chambers with the strength of solid steel, and giving 

 ample resistance to the cartridges during their explo- 

 sion. The covering or lid to these false chambers is 

 very securely attached to the barrels, on one side by 

 means of a hinge, and on the other side by means of 

 a spring. One end fits snugly against the bases of 

 the cartridges, the other against an iron abutment on 

 the stock, which latter is securely fastened to a pro- 

 longation of the barrels. Indeed, these false chambers 

 are part and parcel of the barrels themselves ; and 

 when closed they form a solid abutment against the 

 cartridges. The cartridges are fired by the hammers 

 striking each a steel rod running through the contents 

 of the false chambers, and impinging upon the caps of 

 the cartridges, giving to the latter a "central fire." 



It will be seen that by this arrangement a great 

 point is secured, — the absolute fixity of the barrels 

 in their position. They are never moved. Then, too, 

 the labor of loading is a very simple matter ; and the 

 gun can be charged as quickly as any breech-loader. 

 In fact, so far as simplicity of mechanism is concerned, 

 this gun is not a whit behind any gun in the market ; 

 while as regards its safety I don't think it can be 

 doubted in this respect. 



Again, the cartridges used in this gun have none of 

 the objections that can be urged against those used in 

 the English guns. The cartridge-cases are made of 

 steel, and can be used, I should say, about as long as 

 the gun itself. Two dozen of these cases come with 

 each gun ; and, so far as expense is concerned, they 

 make the cost of the cartridges much less than the 



