^08 OF SHOOTING, 



the last fifty years, and which I have found 

 to answer every purpose) are from thirty- 

 four to thirty-nine inches; whether I consult 

 the appearance of the piece, its lightness* or 

 the ease with which it is managed, I believe 

 that a barrel not exceeding the one or less 

 than the other of these dimensions, is the 

 most eligible : the caliber of thirty-six should 

 be small five-eighths; the caliber of thirty- nine 

 should be full five-eighths ; the weight of the 

 barrel three pounds and a half, and when 

 full mounted, it should \veigh six pounds 

 and a half, at the least. 



OF THE STOCK, LOCK, &c. 



Upon the other parts of a fowling-piece 

 there is little required to be said, as they are 

 varied according to the fancy of the work* 

 man, or the whim of the purchaser, without 

 any advantage or detriment to the piece. 

 The wood which is most commonly used for 

 the stock, and which appears best for the 

 purpose, is walnut ; and the only choice in 



