194> r GUNPOWDER. 



dry weather, powder will burn remarkably well ; I make a point, 

 particularly when the atmosphere is hazy or heavy, to air my 

 powder, as well as my gun before going out ; and, for this pur- 

 pose, I never suffer the flask to be out of my own hand by 

 holding the flask (a copper one) a short distance from the fire, 

 the powder will be well aired in one or two minutes. 



For ascertaining the strength of powder, gunsmiths generally 

 make use of an instrument, which, I believe, is called a trier 9 

 and from which may be obtained tolerably accurate results : I 

 prefer the fowling piece for this purpose : by adjusting the charge 

 very exactly, and firing at paper many sheets in thickness, and 

 at given distances, much satisfaction may be obtained, not only 

 as to the quality of the powder, but of the manner in which the 

 gun throws the shot. 



THE POWDER FLASK. 



A copper flask is preferable to any other. 



