THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 121 



tions in the spring, by the river's side 

 and in the marshes, I will take the liberty 

 of making a few observations on the im- 

 measurable difference between a French 

 and an English gun. 



I can take upon myself to say, and I 

 am prepared to prove, that the French 

 armourers are a century behind us in the 

 manufacture of these weapons, as regards 

 material, finish, and workmanship. I 

 have taken some pains to discover the 

 cause, and have had several conversations 

 with Lepage, the best maker in Paris, on 

 the subject. 



It is surprising, that for the last quar- 

 ter of a century, during which the French 

 workmen have had frequent opportuni- 

 ties of seeing Enghsh guns, they should 

 not have striven to rival us in this im- 

 portant branch of trade ; but, with the ex- 

 ception of a little extra polish externally 

 applied, their locks and barrels are as 



VOL. II. G 



