GUNS. 



441 



for actual service, a home-made gun, costing only one- 

 tenth as much, may be found to be just as well; but it can 

 never present the same appearance, nor have its exquisite 

 balance and grace of outline, and herein lie its principal 

 charms. 



There are so many excellent makes of guns in this 

 country, that it is a good deal a matter of choice as to 

 which one we will select. The cheapest American guns 

 are to be preferred to common Birmingham or Belgian 

 makes, as they invariably fit closer in their joints, are 

 more durable, and, as a rule, are much better shooters; 

 aside from this, they are made with interchangeable parts, 

 so that any break-down can easily be remedied at a 

 trifling expense. 



In so vast a country, and where so many thousands of 

 men use guns, there ought to be room for all; yet some 

 will get driven to the wall, and experience only will 

 teach many which are the best guns. 



