92 POWDER. 



quite so well as the cylinder powder ', which was origin- 

 ally prepared by Mr. Butts, of Hounslow, whose more 

 important concerns, in manufacturing for government, 

 had for many years (luckily for his rivals) prevented 

 him, in some degree, from showing forth in the sport- 

 ing world. In my former editions, I stated that the 

 government contracts, though probably not at an end 

 with Mr. Butts, would soon be considerably lessened ; 

 and we should, therefore, have reason to hope, that 

 there would not exist that difficulty, which there was 

 then, in procuring this extraordinary good powder. 

 My predictions have since been verified ; and Mr. 

 Butts, after highly distinguishing himself in the sport- 

 ing world, retired with the ample fortune which he 

 deserved ; and, I regret to add, died in November, 

 1824. His successors are Messrs. Curtis and Mr. 

 Harvey, from whom I continue to receive the cylinder 

 powder, if possible, better than ever. Their mills are 

 on Hounslow Heath ; their gunpowder office is No. 74, 

 Lombard-street. 



Mr. Lawrence, of Battle, Mr. Taylor, and several 

 others, have now brought their sporting-powder to the 

 greatest perfection. 



With regard to the strength and other good qualities 

 of gunpowder, I shall, instead of saying any thing 

 farther, recommend the epreuvette (or powder proof), 

 whereby we can always be certain of finding out the 

 best ; provided that this machine is properly made, 

 properly used, and nicely cleaned after every fire. I 

 should observe, however, that the little trifling things 

 called powderproqfs, or powdertryers, which sell for 

 three or four shillings, are as likely to mislead as to 

 inform the person using them. 



