2 WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS CIIAP. 



match -rifle was immensely heavy, weighing, in many instances, 

 10 Ibs., although the bullet was exceedingly small. 



The idea of non-recoil was paramount as necessary to ensure 

 accuracy. 



It will be at once perceived that the rifle was a most inferior 

 weapon, failing through a low velocity, high trajectory, and weak- 

 ness of penetration. 



In 1840, I had already devoted much attention to this subject, 

 and I drew a plan for an experimental rifle to burn a charge of 

 powder so large that it appeared preposterous to the professional 

 opinions of the trade. I was convinced that accuracy could be 

 combined with power, and that no power could be obtained without 

 a corresponding expenditure of powder. Trajectory and force would 

 depend upon velocity ; the latter must depend upon the volume of 

 gas generated by explosion. 



The rifle was made by Gibbs of Bristol. The weight was 21 

 Ibs., length of barrel 36 inches, weight of spherical belted bullet 



3 ounces, of conical bullet 4 ounces, charge of powder 16 drams. 

 The twist was one full turn in the length of barrel. The rifling 

 was an exceedingly deep and broad groove (two grooves), which 

 reduced the difficulty of loading to a minimum, as the projecting 

 belt enabled the bullet to catch the channel instantly, and to 

 descend easily when wrapped in a greased silk patch without the 

 necessity of hammering. The charge of powder was inserted by 

 inverting the rifle and passing up the loading-rod with an ounce 

 measure screwed to the end ; this method prevented the powder 

 from adhering to the sides of the barrel, and thus fouling the grooves. 



An extraordinary success attended this rifle, which became my 

 colossal companion for many years in wild sports with dangerous 

 game. It will be observed that the powder charge was one-third 

 the weight of the projectile, and not only a tremendous crushing 

 power, but an extraordinary penetration was obtained, never 

 equalled by any rifle that I have since possessed. 



This weapon was in advance of the age, as it foreshadowed the 

 modem Express, and the principle was thoroughly established to 

 my own satisfaction, that a sporting rifle to be effective at a long 

 range must burn a heavy charge of powder, but the weight of the 

 weapon should be in due proportion to the strain of the explosion. 



When I first visited Ceylon in 1845, there were several 

 renowned sportsmen who counted their slain elephants by many 

 hundreds, but there were no rifles. Ordinary smooth-bore shot- 

 guns were the favourite weajxms, loaded invariably with a double 

 charge of powder auil a hardened ball. In those days the usual 



