A POEM. O 



But if you stili to handle one decline, 

 A single barrel should be two feet nine, 

 Nor this the difference only, furthermore 

 Instead of fourteen, number twelve the bore, 

 And they should e'er of twisted stub be made, 

 Allow'd the best by sportsmen and the trade : 

 The common barrels, understand, I would 

 Not utterly condemn, for some are good, 

 But can't be deem'd so safe as t' others are ; 

 Let not the difference in the price debar 

 Your owning such ; that cash is well applied 

 Which buys you confidence, can't be denied; 

 Indeed, I may say none but sorry fools, 

 Would shooting follow but with first-rate tools; 

 Those who to niggardness in aught are prone, 

 Had better far to leave this sport alone, 

 And where the purse is low, I must contend 

 Had better strive th' exchequer to amend 

 Than choose such sport, their time and means apply 

 In recreations with economy. 



