MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 367 



ticed that the bursting of guns is far more frequent with those 

 who reside in the neighborhood of the Sea-shore than in any 

 other part of the country, owing in a great measure to the fact 

 that the salt moisture of the atmosphere produces rust with so 

 much rapidity that it is almost impossible to keep the barrels 

 clear of it, even with the most persevering industry. Of this, 

 however, we will speak more fully under another head. 



We are astonished that any sensible Sportsman could for a 

 moment entertain or endeavor to promulgate such a ridiculous 

 notion as j^i^dltng away a gun dirty to preserve it from rust ! In 

 fact, we cannot understand his motive, or conjure up one single 

 good reason for so doing ; but, on the other hand, we are satis- 

 fied that such a course would be attended with the most injuri- 

 ous results. 



SHOOTING BOOTS. 



• How frequently have we seen some one of our Sporting friends 

 victimized during a whole day's shooting by the tortures of a 

 pair of badly made and ill-constructed boots; and how often 

 have we sympathized with them in their misfortunes, as well as 

 laughed at their negligence in being caught in such an unsports- 

 manlike predicament. 



Nothing adds more to the comfort and good-humor of a 

 Sportsman than a perfect fitting and well-modelled boot, and 

 nothing is more easily obtained, if recourse is had to a smart 

 workman. If walking boots are not made full, large, and easy, 

 no comfort can be expected from them, as they will be sure 

 either to cramp the feet, pinch the toes, gall the heel, skin the 

 instep, or arrest the free circulation of the blood, and fatigue the 

 wearer almost to death. It is no use, certainly, to enumerate 

 any more of the miseries attending a pair of bad-fitting shoot- 

 ing-boots, as many of our readers no doubt, some time in the 

 course of their lives, have had a practical demonstration of the 

 matter, and perhaps can speak more feelingly on the subject 

 than Ave can, as we have always been very particular in the 

 choice of these articles, and consequently have seldom been 

 caught in the fix alluded to. There are, however, some other 

 objections attending the ownership of a pair of tight boots, par- 



