324 THE SPORTING RIFLE. 



have produced greater accuracy than has ever been obtained 

 with the plug ammunition.' These are the opinions of 

 officers of high standing, who have devoted much time to 

 the study of rifled arms, and are therefore worthy of every 

 consideration. 



" In my next I purpose giving a description of some other 

 contrivances, which I consider improvements, together with 

 a few remarks in connexion with their use. I shall also be 

 happy to answer any questions on the subject of rifle- 

 shooting, if space is granted me for that purpose ; but, as I 

 shall endeavour to give scientific reasons for everything I say 

 or advise, I trust that those who may be disposed to differ 

 from me will do the same; thus placing it within the power 

 of many of your inquiring readers to judge and decide for 

 themselves. 



" J. BOUCHER." 



On the other hand, Major Nuthall's grooving is repre- 

 sented in the annexed section, the original of which was 

 kindly furnished me by himself. The rifles on this plan have 

 been used with his own bullet, which has a very wide 

 cannelure, and also with the regulation ball, but as far as I 

 know, with out any very great advantage in point of accuracy. 

 Mr. Boucher's I have not seen shot, but I am assured by 

 those who have that the performance, at all practicable 

 distances, is quite equal to his own description. 



THE WHITWORTH RIFLE. 



Seventhly, we have the hexagonal bore of Whitworth, 

 which has attracted a great deal of attention, and which, 

 when carefully made, is capable of effecting excellent shooting. 

 But if the ball used is also pentagonal, as recommended by Mr. 

 Whitworth, it fits into the angles so accurately, that the 



slightest amount of foul- 

 ing interferes with the 

 loading. Fig. 75 shows 

 the shape of the ball and 

 a section of the barrel, 



WmTWOBTH's BALL AND EIF L E . ^ ^ "P"*"*? * 



transverse section of the 



