THE FOWLING-PIECE. 329 



relief or friction, a difference in size of the bore, or 

 in the length of the barrel, renders less variation in 

 charging necessary than is generally supposed. 



The different proportions of powder and shot must 

 be regulated chiefly by the weight of the gun, and 

 the size of the shot used. The following may be 

 about the proper proportions for the generality of 

 guns not exceeding seven pounds and a half.* 



Size of Shot. Weight of Shot. Weight of Powder. 



No. Oz. Drams. 



22 1| 



3 If If 



4 14 2 



5 If 2J 

 ' 6 li 2| 



7 ]| 2|f 



These proportions cannot be materially deviated 

 from without destroying the effect. If the powder 

 is decreased, the discharge is weakened ; if the 

 powder is increased, the shot spreads ; if the weight 

 of the charge of shot is decreased, there will not 

 be a sufficient number of pellets for effective shoot- 

 ing ; if the weight of the charge of shot is in- 

 creased, the discharge is weakened. 



* If the gun shoots too close, and does not recoil, the quantity of 

 powder may be increased. 



If it shoots too close and recoils, the quantity of shot must be re- 

 duced. 



If it spreads shot too much and does not recoil, the quantity of 

 shot may be increased. 



If it spreads shot too much and recoils, the powder must be re- 

 duced. 



f When these proportions are used, the gun recoils least with the 

 No. 2 and most with the No. 7 charge. 



