12 SHOOTING: 



The flask upright in sand well heated place, 

 Which simple plan pursued, will quick displace 

 A trifling moisture, but if clogg'd with wet, 

 Cast it aside, for though by heat we get 

 The grains apart, much of its strength is lost ; 

 So, on the other hand, our plans are crost 

 If to it we apply a heat too great, 

 For then the sulphur will evaporate. 

 Some of my readers, I may, p'rhaps, amaze, 

 When I inform them that the shining glaze 

 Which as a cov'ring ev'ry grain arrays, 

 Is ill deserving of the sportsman's praise ; 

 And, were it unadorn'd, most certainly 

 The self-same powder would be found to be 

 Much more effective, almost ev'ry grain 

 Would do its duty, nor be us'd in vain, 

 And ignite quicker ; but in such a case 

 In glass it should be kept in some warm place. 

 The Battle powder, it is said, is best, 

 Which has been prov'd by the severest test, 

 And is the cleanest, that must be confess'd. 



