IN THE MARSH. 123 



cause the gun will throw 'them closely together, and 

 you will find, if held right, that sneaking cripples will 

 stand a poor chance of escaping the charge ; while pin- 

 tails circling around at a height of fifty and even sixty 

 yards, will be much surprised, for we will kill them, and 

 a good many of them, at that height. If I remember right, 

 you told me your gun was a 10 bore, weighed nine and 

 three-quarters pounds, 30 in. bbl ; right barrel modified, 

 left full choke. That is just my idea of a gun, except 

 with me a gun for ducks should have both barrels full 

 choked. It cannot shoot too close for ducks. Your shells 

 load with four and a half dms. powder. What kind ? It 

 doesn't matter much, — any kind you get from a reliable 

 dealer will satisfy you. Now, don't be in a hurry to 

 load your shells, but use care, for they must be loaded 

 carefully and properly, to expect good results. By 

 the way, here is a shell I had in my pocket the other 

 day, when out targeting my gun. This is the kind 

 you want. . You won't have, time to load shells this 

 afternoon, so go to the gunsmith's and order enough 

 like this, four and a half dms. powder, one card on 

 powder, two pink-edged No. 9 on that, then another 

 card; next one and one-eighth ozs. No. 6 chilled shot, 

 with card on that ; then crimp tightly. That's what I 

 use for ducks. Don't be afraid of chilled shot hurting 

 the inside of the barrels, no fear of that ; experiments 

 have been made time and again, and it has been de- 

 monstrated beyond a doubt that it does not injure the 

 metal in the least. 



" Don't know as I have time. Yet, seeing I am right 

 here, passing your house, will step in for a moment and 

 see what kind of a hunting outfit you have. Good 

 enough ! Corduroy all through ; coat, vest and pants — 



