292 DUCK GUN WADDING. 



Mr. Johnson says, " if cork were so cut as to fit 

 the caliber of the fowling-piece, there is little question 

 but it would be superior to any other kind of wad- 

 ding; but in this case the assistance of a regular 

 cork-cutter will be required." Mr. D. Egg appears 

 to be of the same opinion. In the third edition I 

 said " This article is just going to press, or I would 

 have sent for a cork-cutter, and tried the experiment ; 

 although I confess I have my doubts as to cork an- 

 swering so well as oakum, were it only from the 

 uncertainty of always getting it equally sound in 

 every part." I have, since 1824, tried the cork 

 wadding. As to pasteboard, leather, paper, &c. they 

 have no chance against it ; but the oakum, when 

 rolled up tight and hard, shot full as well, if not 

 better ; and had I not selected the very best cork, 

 the oakum would most probably have had the de- 

 cided advantage. 



In short, use either cork or oakum, and you are 

 sure to have the best wadding for duck guns. 



The wadding of cork, it may be well to observe, 

 should be cut somewhat less than half the she of its 

 diameter. For I found that when cut thicker, it 

 rather made the guns recoil, and scatter : and when 

 thinner there was a want of force to the charge ; 

 most probably owing to the cork being liable to 

 swerve in the relief of the caliber, and thereby be- 

 coming no better than a common punched wadding. 



I have put the oakum wadding under the head of 



