16 



SHOOTING: 



How many shots it on the plate will throw, 



By change of charge the best you soon will know ; 



Two hundred pellets of the number seven, 



Aye, and with force, against it should be driven, 



With insufficient strength you oft may wound, 



But seldom bring the game stone-dead to ground ; 



The centre should be thick, if you hold straight, 



And the rest seem from it to emanate ; 



The pow'r propelling may be also trac'd 



By how much white-wash by the shot's displac'd. 



As here some practice is requir'd, you may 



P'rhaps ascertain its force a better way, 



By getting some particular sporting friend 



To spare an hour, or otherwise to lend 



His out-and-outer ; with the which you'll see 



How many sheets the same siz'd shots will flee 



Of stout brown paper through, placed in a frame 



At forty paces off, then at the same 



Number of sheets likewise your weapon try, 



To see in point of force if it will vie 



