FOREST, FIELD, AND PRAIRIE. 



GUNS AND AMMUNITION ; AND THEIR USES. 



IN laying down specific instructions for the selection of guns 

 and rifles, with their appropriate charges and various kinds ot 

 ammunition adapted to different localities, seasons, and varieties 

 of game, we do so with the positive conviction that our views and 

 opinions will be controverted at the outset by hundreds who may 

 differ with us and with each other ; just as they would be, if we 

 took a position diametrically opposite from that which we now take. 

 With this special plea, we will proceed ; simply premising that 

 what we print here has received the sanction of gentlemen of ven- 

 erable experience in the use of old time and modern implements 

 in all parts of America, on both sides of the Rocky Mountains, and 

 who are recognized by the sporting fraternity as reliable and 

 sufficient authority. 



THE RIFLE. 



All rifles divide themselves into two great classes, long range 

 and short range. Long range rifles are used as military weapons 

 for arming infantry, and as sporting weapons for hunting cariboo, 

 deer, antelopes, and other such timid game as will not allow of 

 near approach. Short range rifles are used as military weapons 

 for arming cavalry, and for general sporting purposes. The divis- 

 ion between the two may be taken at two hundred yards. Rifles 

 for match shooting may be used at both ranges ; but, from the 

 natural desire of all of us to accomplish the most difficult feats, 

 they are generally held to mean long range weapons. 



The first rule we shall lay down is this : It is necessary to de- 

 cide whether you want a rifle for long or for short range. You can 

 select either, or both, but not both in the same rifle. One will not 



