472 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



and chilled, the latter being hardened by a mixture of tin. There 

 is no question that the latter gives greater penetration, as it does 

 not bruise as badly in the barrel, and from its greater hardness 

 breaks bones that would flatten or turn aside the soft. For all 

 this the soft variety is most generally used in the field, and for 

 small game does well enough. For wild fowl or at the trap, trial 

 will satisfy any one that chilled shot is the better. 



A great change has been made within a few years in the sizes of 

 shot generally used. Formerly the large sizes were preferred, but 

 experience demonstrates the at least equal killing powers of the 

 smaller, from the greater number of wounds inflicted. In the 

 smaller sizes the number of pellets to the ounce greatly exceeds 

 those in the larger, and these extra pellets largely increase the 

 chances of hitting the bird, and also of giving it many wounds, 

 which, though not so large or deep as those inflicted by heavier 

 shot, drain its life as effectually. For field-shooting Nos. 10 and 

 8 are now the favorites, and for ducks No. 6, with No. 2 for 

 geese. 



We do not hesitate to say we consider American shells fully 

 equal to any imported. The primers and paper used in the Union 

 Metallic, United States, and Winchester Companies' shells are sure 

 fire and tough enough to stand repeated loading. For those who 

 do not care to reload, the second-grade shells are as good as the 

 first, and both are lower in price than the imported shells, which 

 are no better. Paper shells have practically superseded metal, 

 being lighter, more easily carried, and safer, besides costing so 

 little that they can be thrown away after firing. The metal shells 

 give slightly better penetration, and in shooting from a stand or at 

 the trap may be used with advantage, but for field use the paper 

 are good enough, and in such cases " it pays to let well enough 

 alone." 



