154 CHOICE OF A GUN. 



among the host of London makers, would be absurd. From 

 any of a dozen a person will be certain of obtaining a first-rate 

 implement ; and from the Mantons, Purday, Egg, and many 

 others, guns of the most efficient qualities and beautiful finish 

 will be procured. 



Some sportsmen are partial to such makers as forge their 

 own barrels, and who thus afford them an opportunity of 

 seeing their gun in progress from its commencement to its 

 finish ; and I acknowledge that I like to see my barrels 

 fabricated ; not but that I believe the greatest pains are 

 bestowed upon proving his barrels by every gunmaker of 

 character, and that none will be permitted to leave the shop 

 of any reputable artist that have not been faithfully tested as 

 to strength and safety. 



So much depends on individual fancy, as well as the 

 personal formation of the shooter, that no two persons will 

 exactly select the same gun. He who has long or short arms, 

 or any peculiarity in the formation of neck or shoulders, will 

 require, according to circumstances, a differently shapen stock. 

 Every man knows the gun best suited to his taste and figure, 

 and few can shoot with one that differs materially from that 

 which he has been accustomed to. To tell an experienced 

 sportsman the qualities a finished gun should possess, would 

 be giving him unnecessary information ; and should the neo- 

 phyte on this head wish for ample instructions, let him consult 

 Colonel Hawker, and he, honest man, will open up all the 

 arcana of the craft ; and though he may not teach him " the 

 cunning trick of shooting ;" he will, if his advice be attended 

 to, enable him to thoroughly comprehend the requisite qualities 

 of an efficient and well-finished fowling-piece. 



Indeed, it is' a miserable species of economy for a sportsman 

 to purchase an inferior gun. To expect that the low-priced 

 ones which are manufactured in country towns will be either 

 safe or durable, is an absurdity. No doubt the charges of 

 some fashionable makers are exorbitant; and from more 

 moderate tradesmen, of excellent repute, an equally good gun 

 may be procured at a considerably less price. But if a London 

 maker be expensive, he certainly gives you the best article 

 that improved machinery and the first workmen in the world 

 can produce. With common care it will nearly last a life- 

 time ; and the small consideration between a warranted, and a 

 flimsy. and hastily-formed fowling-piece, will be too contemp- 



