A SERVICEABLE GUN. 5 



upon ; but they invariably and most notably those in 

 the metropolis charge such exorbitant prices that a 

 large armament is beyond the means of all who have 

 not a heavy banking account. Thus, a few years ago, I 

 wanted a strong, serviceable double-gun. A friend 

 advised me to try a Birmingham firm ; I did so, and 

 received in consequence one of the most perfect weapons 

 ever manufactured. On the Chesapeake I shot canvas- 

 back duck with it ; if held straight, no bird could escape 

 under sixty yards, and very few indeed under eighty. 

 In fact, it was as good a shot-gun as I ever had to my 

 shoulder; and what do you think I paid for it ? Thirteen 

 pounds sterling. Many will say that it was a rattle- 

 trap thing, without finish. Nothing of the sort it was 

 quite the reverse, and, with the exception of the en- 

 graving on the lock-plates, was as perfect as anything 

 originating from St. James's Street. Day after day, on 

 the Susquehanna, I used this gun. Mr. Ballard, Mr. 

 Frick, and a dozen other gentlemen of Baltimore, saw 

 its execution, and marvelled at it. So now, when I am 

 going to Africa, to meet the lion, the black rhinoceros, 

 the leopard, and last, though not least, the lordly 

 elephant, is it to be wondered at that I should return to 

 the suppliers of this gun for the slaughter of canvas- 

 backs to provide me with what I required to kill the 

 graceful spring-buck, the awkward giraffe, or the portly 

 eland ? Well, I did so ; my wants were stated, and 

 my ideas listened to. 



As many may wish to do as I have done, it being 

 requisite for them to be careful in regard to the sums 

 paid for the necessaries of their outfit, the hint I have 

 given above will be useful. 



Well, I saw a partner of the Birmingham house, 



