124 MANTAl FOE TOrNG SPORTSMEN. 



of t!io twopenny community among which it is located, 

 after being brought to perfection and proved satisfactorily, 

 at some considerable expense, the small farther advance 

 needed to set it in operation before the public, is not 

 forthcoming ; and, in consequence, the best weapon in the 

 world remains comparatively unknown, while half a dozen 

 mere pretenders are reaping golden premiums. 



This arm can be, and is, made double-barrelled quite 

 as effectively as single, and can be finished and orna- 

 mented up to any desired limit. 



I should choose, for my own use, a double barrel to 

 carry a conical ball of precisely one ounce weight, the 

 round bullet being proportionably lighter, of from 28 to 

 30-inch barrel — the shorter length, if to be used principally, 

 or much on horseback — with a weight of not to exceed 

 ten pounds. It should have a plain fowling-piece stock 

 for quick shooting, and rather an open V shaped back- 

 sight to facilitate rapidity of taking aim, though it might 

 be furnished, also, with a telescope back-sight, and thread- 

 and-ball end-sight, for target practice and rest firing. 



Eor oif-hand shooting and real work in the field, such 

 gimcrackeries are useless and ridiculous. 



I should prefer the gun to be finished in plain blue 

 steel, without any ornament or engraving, as easier to keep 

 clean, less likely to absorb rust, and on the whole more 

 sportsmanlike. Such a weapon can, I presume, be fur- 

 nished of the best quality for about one hundred dollars, 

 and I will insure it to shoot to the builder's satisfaction, 

 and to kill deer, horse or man, if held fairly on its mark, 

 at any distance from 500 to 1000 yards. 



