MUZZLE-LOADERS AND BREECH-LOADEKS. 51 



" 9. Another serious objection to the breecli- 

 loader is the -weight of ammunition that must be 

 carried in the shape of ready-made cartridges when 

 going to the Highlands or any remote shooting 

 quarter. And then arises the difficulty of keeping 

 them perfectly dry in damp weather ; and every one 

 knows how very soon the damp will peneti-ate 

 through a paper case, and cake, and weaken the 

 force of the gunpowder." 



If the cartridge cases are carried unloaded, the 

 bulk of ammunition is increased; if loaded — and 

 they are as safe as powder in mass — neither the 

 weight nor bulk is at all increased. The powder 

 might be injured in very damp weather in the course 

 of years; but such an occurrence has not yet come 

 before the public. 



" 10. The cartridges must be carried in a strong case 

 with divisional compartments. In the event of their 

 being carried loose, they become damaged ; and the 

 danger of so carrying them is excessive, by reason of 

 the results which may ensue in the event of a fall 

 or accident in getting over a hedge, or otherwise, 

 whereby a blow or friction is given to the metal 

 pin which explodes the cap." 



Friction will not discharge them, and no ordinary 

 blow ; and, in case of explosion, the danger is merely 

 what may result from the discharge of a charge of 

 powder in the open air — by no means so great, but 

 about as probable as from the explosion of the caps 

 in the cap-pocket. The writer has never heard 

 of such an occurrence, and English sportsmen 



