162 THE PERCUSSION GUN. 



hole, and not only ignites the gunpowder much more completely, 

 but appears to assist its force, as the percussion gun drives the 

 shot with a degree of strength scarcely to be believed by those 

 who have not witnessed it. In fact, the strength of the percus- 

 sion priming is driven into the barrel of the fowling-piece, as 

 there is no other way for much of the expansive fluid to escape ; 

 whereas, in the common lock, the hammer, being driven up by 

 the stroke of the cock, suffers the elastic force, or strength of the 

 priming, to escape ; nor is this all no doubt can exist, that part 

 of the force of the charge is expelled through the touch-hole, 

 and this rule will, in all probability, be found to obtain in a 

 greater degree when the wind blows strong. It follows, there- 

 fore, that the percussion, compared with the common method, 

 will produce a more instantaneous discharge, superior force, and 

 greater precision, with a much less charge of gunpowder. 



Waterproof.- Percussion guns are much more susceptible of 

 being rendered waterproof than guns upon the old method. 

 Nevertheless, waterproof, as far as relates to the fowling piece 

 is not of that importance as a superficial observer might imagine. 

 Shooting is always unpleasant in rainy weather in heavy and 

 incessant rain it is out of the question. In a slight drizzling 

 rain, or for a shower, the sportsman may keep the field with a 

 percussion gun, and will experience no hanging fire ; but the 

 scent will be indifferent, nor will game lie well unless in hedges 

 and strong- covers 



