IN THE MARSH. 123 



cause the gun will throw them closely together, and 

 you will find, if held right, that sneaking cripples will 

 stand a poor chance of escaping the charge ; while pin- 

 tails circling around at a height of fifty and even sixty 

 yards, will be much surprised, for we will kill them, and 

 a good many of them, at that height. If I remember right, 

 you told me your gun was a 10 bore, weighed nine and 

 three-quarters pounds, 30 in. bbl ; right barrel modified, 

 left full choke. That is just my idea of a gun, except 

 with me a gun for ducks should have both barrels full 

 choked. It cannot shoot too close for ducks. Your shells 

 load with four and a half dins, powder. What kind ? It 

 doesn't matter much, any kind you get from a reliable 

 dealer will satisfy you. Now, don't be in a hurry to 

 load your shells, but use care, for they must be loaded 

 carefully and properly, to expect good results. By 

 the way, here is a shell I had in my pocket the other 

 day, when out targeting my gun. This is the kind 

 you want. You won't have time to load shells this 

 afternoon, so go to the gunsmith's and order enough 

 like this, four and a half dms. powder, one card on 

 powder, two pink-edged No. 9 on that, then another 

 card; next one and one-eighth ozs. No. 6 chilled shot, 

 with card on that ; then crimp tightly. That's what I 

 use for ducks. Don't be afraid of chilled shot hurting 

 the inside of the barrels, no fear of that ; experiments 

 have been made time and again, and it has been de- 

 monstrated beyond a doubt that it does not injure the 

 metal in the least. 



" Don't know as I have time. Yet, seeing I am right 

 here, passing your house, will step in for a moment and 

 see what kind of a hunting outfit you have. Good 

 enough ! Corduroy all through ; coat, vest and pants 



