BREECH-LOADERS. 77 



OldPr ' When all the advantages of the 



breech-loader are contrasted with the 

 known disadvantages of the muzzle-loader, it is 

 difficult to account for the prejudice that has 

 existed against them for so many years ; for, not- 

 withstanding that the present system was intro- 

 duced by La Faucheux a quarter of a century 

 ago, it is only lately that it has come into general 

 use amongst sportsmen. Numerous objections 

 have been urged against the system, but none 

 appear to have had any substantial foundation ; 

 and I shall not enter into them, although I am 

 aware that there are many sportsmen of the old 

 school who, from prejudice, will not even deign to 

 give it a trial: with them, arguments and facts 

 are both equally lost. 



In the pursuit of large game, breech- 



The Disadvan- 



Muzzie-ioad- la din g arms ar e infinitely preferable ; 

 for until the last few years the hunter 

 was always obliged, when waging war with the 

 denizens of the forest, to keep up a battery of 

 several guns and rifles, which, to say nothing of 



