190 THE SHOOTER'S GUIDS. 



which are rather strong than otherwise, on account 

 of its being less liable to miss fire* It is true, it will 

 wear the flints much faster ; but the expense of these 

 is too trifling to merit consideration; and there are 

 now to be purchased, at some of the gun-smiths, hard 

 white stones, which are admirably adapted for strong 

 locks. But, after all, I am inclined to believe the 

 cock is more liable to break with strong springs than 

 with middling ones, supposing they are in due pro- 

 portion. 



As to gold pans, they are more for show than uti- 

 lity. A steel pan will be found, with common care 

 in cleaning it, to last longer, and to answer every pur- 

 pose as well, as when lined with gold. However, a 

 gold or platina touch-hole is preferable to the com- 

 mon one. Platina has but lately been tried for this 

 purpose, and found to answer equally as well as gold j 

 at the same time that it is much cheaper. 1 have 

 two fowling-pieces with platina touch-holes, which I 

 have used four seasons, and the platina appears, in 

 every respect, equal to gold. 



Forsytes Patent Gun-lock. 



Being on the subject of gun-locks, it would be un- 

 pardonable not to notice, in a particular manner, the 

 late ingenious invention of Mr. Forsyth, of Picca- 

 diJH London. The inventor has obtained a patent 

 for it, and thus describes its properties : 



