MUD-BOARDS. 



379 



Mud-boards should be smooth and even as the 

 outside of a fowling-punt (see sketch). 



Shoulder-guns. On this subject a great deal 

 might be written as to various plans, actions, and 

 figure of merit. I maintain that one good gun 



MUD-BOARDS 



Of |in. elm, i8in. long by Sin. wide. Three small strips of oak, fin. 

 square, to be riveted across surface to prevent splitting ; the centre 

 one under instep. Two similar strips to be fastened on lengthways 

 outside, 4in. apart, to prevent a slip sideways on the ooze. Fasten- 

 ings of stout well-oiled leather, and secured by copper rivets with 

 broad washers over leather. 



is much the same as another, whether made in 

 London,* Dublin, York, Birmingham, Edinburgh, 



* It is all the fashion to grumble at the prices of London gun- 

 makers. The fact is, to such firms name is money. If they can help 

 it, nothing in the slightest degree inferior will they take in at their 

 doors. (I except those very cheap and new men.) You may consider 

 you pay them to choose you a reliable and excellent article. This 

 their long experience enables them to do well. Go to Birmingham if 

 you like (there are certainly four or five admirable firms there), and 



