48 MUZZLE-LOADERS AND BREECH-LOADERS. 



pense ; in force and- pattern it was equalled ; in 

 safety and handiness it was far surpassed by its 

 competitor. 



A book called the Dead Shot, which has been 

 circulated extensively in our country, remarkable 

 more for the wonderful number of mistakes, if not 

 absurdities, that it contains, than for any other 

 qiiality, denounces the breech-loaders in unmeasured 

 terms, and, among others, gives the following cate- 

 gorical objections, to each of which the writer ap- 

 pends, from personal experience, what he considers 

 an answer. The Dead Shot says : 



" 1. The breech-loader does not shoot so strong 

 nor kill so far as the muzzle-loader, though allowed 

 a quarter of a drachm of powder extra." 



The contrary was proved at the Field trial, as 

 shown by the foregoing tables, and is proved in the 

 field daily. 



" 2. The breech-loader is, of necessity, much 

 heavier than a muzzle-loader of the same gauge." 



About one quarter of a pound. 



" 3. It is more expensive as regards ammunition, 

 and also as to the gun itself — the latter by reason 

 of its not lasting so long, and its greater liability to 

 get out of repair than a muzzle-loader." 



The cartridge-cases cost about twenty dollars a 

 thousand ; so that if they are used but once, a single 

 additional quail or woodcock will pay ibr ten of 

 them. The same wise economy raised this objec- 

 tion of expense against percussion-caps when first 

 introduced. The gun lasts longer, as there is no 



