176 APPENDIX. 



is done, lie is taken out, and his feathers, which arc no ways changed 

 by this immersion, are pLaced smooth and regnh^r. It is then put 

 into a machine, made for the purpose, among a number of others, 

 and its head, feet,_ wings, tail, &c., are placed exactly agreeable to 

 life. In this position they are placed in an oven, very moderately 

 heated, where they are slowly dried, and will ever after retain 

 their natural position without danger of putrefaction. 



THE GVN. 



As the gun is a very important instrument to the sportsman, and 

 as there are so many different theories and rules respecting its 

 natm-e, functions, and management, we have thrown together a 

 few remarks from various sources, in addition to what is stated in 

 the body of the Avork, with a view of affording the reader the most 

 extended knowledge on the subject, which our limits will permit. 



" Agilis. You seem very decided as to your opinion of the 

 relative value between London-made guns, and those at a much 

 less price manufactured in the country. In what qualities do you 

 suppose the advantages to consist, and how do you prove these 

 qualities may not exist as well in a country as a London made gun ! 

 Pray state your opmion at length. I have never heard the matter 

 fully discussed, though I have certainly seen much confidence 

 shown by the advocates of each. 



" Fentiis. The value is derived from four causes : goodness of 

 raw material, temper, close fitting:, and adaption of the several 

 parts to each other, in shape, position, and substance, as fittest to 

 fulfil the duties for whicli they are separately and collectively 

 intended, in the ]Droduction of convenience, permanence, and effect. 

 _ " Let us consider this in the same light in which we should 

 view any other branch of merchandise ; first it must be conceded, 

 that wherever the best maker may be, there the highest quality of 

 produce will be found; it is likely, therefore, that the material 

 offered to the London maker Avill be superior to that brought f9r 

 sale to the comparatively small consumer (in price if not in 

 quantity) in the country; the well-known competition existing 

 between all London makers, renders it probable that he will use 

 his utmost exertions to secure this advantage in the highest degree. 

 Secondly : with regard to temper, there are two things to be con- 

 sidered, namely, the degree of hardness requked to prevent a move- 

 ment from wearing itself away ; and next with reference to its 

 action upon other parts in contact with it, as in some macliines we 

 have wheels bushed with brass to dhninish friction. Great tact is 

 requisite in this matter; first to know the tem]3er requii'ed; 

 secondly, to give it. The workman who can effect this, is valuable 



