THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE- 123 



were for noblemen, from whom instruc- 

 tions had been received to spare neither 

 time, trouble, nor expense, in producing 

 the very best guns that could be made — 

 in Paris. 



The pains lavished on them had been 

 intended more for show than use, after 

 all ; for, on examining the locks, they did 

 not exhibit that exquisite finish, or betray 

 that smoothness of action, that distin- 

 guish the performances of our Mantons, 

 Moores, Purdeys and Westley Rich- 

 ards. The French Government would 

 do well to send some of their armouriers 

 over to Birmingham, to receive some 

 finishing lessons in the craft of gun- 

 making, for they would then learn .^ the 

 principles upon which our barrels are 

 twisted and bored. At present, they are 

 grossly ignorant of the rudiments of the 

 art, and so will they remain, so long as 

 their foolish jealousy, pride, self-suffi- 

 g2 



