BURSTING OF GUN-BARRELS. 837 



a lower numlber to be used for tliis species of game, although 

 many go as low as No. 5. No. 6 will kill a partridge at 60 

 or 65 yards, or even 70. Large shots having a much smaller 

 number of pellets in a charge, it diminishes the chances of 

 killing, from the distances between each pellet, in the circle 

 or disc described, which increases in circumference the greater 

 the distance between the muzzle of the gun and the object 

 aimed at. 



For snipe-shooting no higher number than 9 should be 

 used ; indeed, many use mustard-seed or dust-shot for this 

 sport. 



For wild-fowl shooting much larger shot must be used as 

 it is but a rare occurrence to get within the range of any of 

 the numbers which we have enumerated, with wild ducks, 

 geese, and swans. For these, swan-drops, made specially for 

 the purpose, must be used. But where there is a chance of 

 getting near the birds, B. B., which contains 58, or B, which 

 contains 65 pellets may be used. 



The following table exhibits the number of pellets con- 

 tained in an ounce of each size : — 



BURSTING OF GUN-BARRELS. 



Various causes contribute to the bursting of gun-barrels, 

 and those should all be strictly considered and attended to by 

 sportsmen. 



1 . Keeping the barrel perfectly clean is of the utmost im- 

 portance, in not only preserving it from decay, but also as a 

 means of preventing accidents from bursting, and the fearful 



