850 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



for loosening the particles of lead adhering to the sides of the 

 barrels is called a brush, and being made of brass wire, or of 

 some other metal softer than that of the barrels, it may be used 

 with perfect freedom, without fear of injuring the barrels, as 

 some erroneously suppose, by scratching them. If the Sports- 

 man be accompanied to the field by a Marker, we would advise 

 by all means to send along with him a patent Washing-rod 

 and a wire brush ; in fact, the weight is so trifling, and the in- 

 convenience of carrying the instrument when separated into its 

 three distinct parts is so very inconsiderable, that we would 

 suggest that every Shooter who goes out for a regular day's 

 sport slip one into his pocket, and its opportune service some 

 time or another will amply repay him for all bis trouble. 



POWDER-FLASKS. 



It is useless to spend time in the consideration of all the 

 various kinds of Powder-flasks now and formerly in use, but 

 merely remark that those made of copper, zinc, or German sil- 

 ver, and so arranged that the portion of powder necessary for 

 a load is entirely cut off when being introduced into the barrel 

 from the mass of powder remaining in the flask, are the only 

 kind of instruments that are recognized at present, and very 

 properly so, as many terrible accidents have happened from the 

 use of those of inferior construction. The explosion of Powder- 

 flasks is not an unusual circumstance, but we may say a matter 

 of weekly occurrence during the season of Keed and Black- 

 birds in our neighborhood. These explosions are owing entirely 

 to the inferior quality of many of the flasks that are sold in our 

 city ; the springs soon get out of order, and the connection be- 

 tween the mass and the intended charge is no longer complete; 

 and, if the Gun be overheated, as is frequently the case in quick 

 shooting, or, what is more probable, if a particle of ignited wad 

 should remain in the Gun, an explosion is sure to take place, 

 and the flask be blown from the grasp into a thousand pieces, 

 perhaps carrying a finger or two along with it, and otherwise 

 disfiguring and dangerously mutilating the face. We have been 

 present at two accidents of this kind, and hope never to see the 

 like again ; in one case, two fingers and a portion of the thumb 



