208 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



but then the chamber must not be more 

 than filled with powder. 



I prefer the common single breech, 

 with the patent chamber, on the percus- 

 sion principle. From the strength of per- 

 cussion locks, and the suddenness of the 

 explosion, it might be presumed that some 

 depression in the gun would take place ; 

 but I have known one used with great 

 success by an experienced hunter in the 

 West, who gave it the preference over the 

 flint.* By the percussion plan, the ex- 

 plosion is so quick, that there is, in fact, 

 less chance of a deviation in the line of 

 fire before the ball leaves the gun. 



OF THE STOCK. 



The half stock of curled maple, walnut, 

 or other handsome and variegated wood, 

 extending about one-third up the barrel ; 



* The reader must bear in mind that this paper 

 was written very shortly after the adoption of that 

 invaluable invention, the percussion principle. 



