150 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



enable me to assert, that this very essen- 

 tial point is but too frequently neglected 

 by even the first-rate firms in this metro- 

 polis. 



No two guns shoot alike ; and it is only 

 by unremitting attention to their various 

 powers of throwing shot that their res- 

 pective merits can be proved. Some guns 

 take less powder and more shot, and vice 

 versa; and many pounds of both have been 

 expended before the desired end has been 

 accomplished. I have known guns to 

 have been actually condemned, as want- 

 ing in almost every requisite, which have 

 eventually proved superior to those of 

 reputed and tried excellence. 



I can picture to myself the novice fur- 

 nished with one of Man ton's best doubles, 

 with all the appurtenances to boot — a gift 

 from his indulgent governor, uncle, or 

 aunt — sallying forth in the grey of the 

 morning, with old Ponto at his heels. 



I will take it for granted that he starts 



