ON THE MODES OP USING THE GUN, AND THE DOG, 41 



pivot, it will not explode; it is nevertheless more satisfactory 

 to see it there ; and when we do not, we should give the breech a 

 shglit tap or two to introduce it further up the touch-hole. The 

 non-appearance of the poAvder at the touch-hole is more hkely to 

 happen to the perforated or serrated wadduigs, made to let out'the 

 confined air, than when the wad was introduced entire. The last 

 act of gun-loading is that of putting on a fresh cap, and letting the 

 cock down very gently to fasten on the nipple. In charging the 

 fliiit gun it is also prudent to squib it fii'st, and then to introduce 

 the powder and shot into the barrel. Introduce sufficient priming, 

 but not so much as that the pan-cover should crush it. If a double 



fun be employed, it -will be optional with the sportsman to load 

 oth barrels alike, or to give, as many do, a somewhat heavier 

 charge to the second barrel, be it right or left, that the gunner 

 usually fires on the longest shots. If the quantities of powder 

 used are the same in both barrels, the size of the shot may at least 

 be somewhat larger for the second barrel. Many shooters iti- 

 crease the quantity of shot for the charge of the second barrel, 

 which can only be expedient when the weight of the powder is 

 somewhat increased likewise; and even then, by many, its pro- 

 priety has been often questioned. It is always more or less dange- 

 rous to alter the exact proportions between the powder and shot 

 which experience has pointed out precisely suit tne piece. When 

 a gun has been discharged, it is a good practice to load it im- 

 mediately, while the barrel is stiU warm ; for when allowed to cool, 

 and moisture begins to settle on its inner suiface, it catches some 

 of the finer particles of the powder-charge, and either decomi)Oses 

 them there, or prevents them falling to the bottom ; and in either 

 case the detention diminishes the projectile force which is to act on 

 the shot. 



The just proportions of powder and shot is a matter of vital in- 

 terest to a sportsman, and one to which he ought to pay particular 

 and marked attention. In fact, it is one of the branches of study 

 of v/hich he should make himself completely master. It requires, 

 however, nice observation, and a just method of reasoning, and 

 establishing general rules, and marking their occasional exceptions : 

 all of which mental habits are by no means very common among 

 the ordinary run of sportsmen. Hence it is that we find the actual 

 practice of shooting so loose and unscientific ; and when a man 

 Qoes succeed in acquiring the art in the highest degree of practical 

 skill, yet he seldom has the power of conveying his knowledge to 

 others, or of marking with sufficient clearness the various steps by 

 which he has attained a mastery over his craft. Betvveen just 

 theories and accurate practice there is always a great void ; and it 

 only now and then happens that the one is made to throw light on 

 the other. 



Many trials must be made with every fowHng-piece before itcan 

 be fuUy ascertained what proportions of powder and shot suit it 

 best, and produce the pleasantest and most effective method oi 



