AN EXPLOEATION IN THE FAR EAST. 447 



be found to be the most effective for large game of any yet 

 introduced. I write without having put them to the test 

 of actual trial on our Indian quadrupeds ; but since I got 

 the gunmakers to make them, several sets have been sent out 

 to different parts of the world, and we shall shortly learn the 

 result. In any case, the same rifle might be used with a 

 short, solid conical, or a hollow Express, or even a spherical 

 bullet. Were I myself going back to my old hunting grounds 

 to-morrow, I would take with me two rifles, namely, a *500 

 Express, with mould made to allow of a hollow of any 

 length being made by a movable "plunger," and also fitted 

 with a solid mould ; and a twelve gauge with segmental, and 

 also solid, bullet, weighing about twelve pounds, and taking 

 six drachms of powder as the charge. For hill work only 

 I would take the '500 Express, and a No. 16 weighing 

 lOlbs., to take a " segment " ball and five drachms. 



As regards choice of a maker, so many now turn out 

 admirable weapons on the old large-bore plan for spherical 

 ball or shell, that it would be invidious to make any very 

 close selection. Doubtless there are many others equally 

 capable, but I know, from actual experience, that Messrs. 

 W. W. Greener of Birmingham, Keilly of London, and Henry 

 of Edinburgh, are to be depended on for such weapons. My 

 only successful experience with the Express system has 

 been with Mr. Henry of Edinburgh. These rifles are not 

 easy to make ; and those of many makers I have tried have 

 proved either not to be really on that system at all shooting 

 a heavier bullet with less powder, or else have shot in a 

 very inferior manner. Almost any proper gunmaker should 

 be able to make a " segment " ball ; Messrs. Greener and 

 Henry have made them for me. 

 All rifles should, by preference, be double-barrelled. To 



