326 
FOREST AND STREAM 
all tills, and velocity and closeness are now reconciled; and in this great 
fact lies the modern improvement. This is what I have stated all along 
for the four years I have practiced the new system. 
In the exact lines of boring, as now used, perhaps no two gunmakers 
agree, and I may state that no mere Ane measurement will produce good 
shooting, because the elasticity of metal varies bo greatly, while occult 
causes prevent any attempt to turn out guns to shoot in the highest style 
Without prolonged and expensive trials. The micrometer is only called 
into service in a difficulty, or for curiosity in endeavoring to account for 
the peculiarities of some parLicnlar gnn. All scientific artillerists know 
that there is no “royal road” in gunnery, and hence governments spend 
vast sums yearly in experimentation. It is the same with high class 
gunmakers, whose profits are in a large degree absorbed by the labor and 
timo so expended, to which has now to be added the greater cost of am¬ 
munition for breech loaders—no shells being loaded twice—and the very 
best or everything being used to arrive at proper results. Your readers 
will perceive that there is a vast difference between “arc,” as applied to 
gunnery in an assumed axiom, and “were” as applied to an erroneous 
system of boring; and perhaps Mr. Eyrich should re peruse whatever 
document he quotes from, aud also, in justice, publish its dale. If ever 
I nBed the word “arc” it must have been previously to the new’ boring, and 
therefore perfectly correct in the then existing state of matters. 
It is perhaps hardly worthwhile to show thatMr. Eyrich’sexperiments 
are the very reverse or analogous, but I have seen in my time so many 
extraordinary experiments reported and assertions made in controversies 
on gunnery that I have ceased to be surprised at anything. All the con¬ 
ditions arc coolly altered, and then the results are triumphantly pub¬ 
lished as being beyond question a refutation of some opposing theory— 
to lire loose shot at a plank, to then concentrate shot so that a large 
number would strike upon a small space of the plank, and finally, to 
make small bombs and discharge them against the same plank, and then 
draw r any deduction regarding the general question of velocity and close¬ 
ness of loose shot, as affected by boring the barrel, is so extraordinary 
an experiment, so fallacious, that I am only restrained from writing in 
adequate terms about it by a respect for American sportsmen, many of 
whom are deeply skilled in these matters, and by the knowledge that as 
grave blunders have been committed in this country by men who pre¬ 
tended to be leaders of public opinion. I have also known men of the 
highest scientific attainments make such astounding blnnders in gunnery 
—as in the famous discussion between Mr. Bessemer, the inventor of 
the new steel manufacturing process, aud myself, in the London Times 
some years ago—that I am forced to the conclusion that anything like an 
approach to correct knowledge therein is only reached by an original 
natural adaptation, followed by extended experience. In the Times 
discussion, Mr. Bessemer fell into the astounding delusion that steam 
would dri ve small bullets from a rifle with as great velocity and as far as 
gunpowder because he could drive steam itself through a tube with a 
velocity of 1.600 feet a second, about equal to the initial velocity of a 
rifle ball. But he forgot all the retarding forces, and that gunpowder 
starts with a velocity not of 1,600, but of 7,000 feet a second! The re¬ 
tarding forces diminish the expauding rate of the powder, as affecting 
the projectile, from 7,000 to 1,600 feet. Mr. Bessemer argued that he had 
only to envelop the ball in a fluid (steam), traveling at 1,600 feet, to Mend 
it 1,600 Teet. But he forgot that to do so he must make the steam ac- 
eornpeuy the bullet all the way. I give this case in no spirit of triumph, 
but as, from Mr. Bessemer’s high scientific position, one of the most 
illustrative I can call to mind at this moment. 
To conclude, if any ^>ue interested in these matters will take the 
trouble to refer to my latest publication—“Shooting, &c.,” Messrs. 
Sampson, Low & Co., Loudon—they will find that, so far am I from as¬ 
serting that “closeness and velocity are antagonistic,” at page 109 I 
demonstrate in reference to the highest and most improved shooting that 
the velocity of No. 6 English shot is at least at the rate of 2 280 feet 
a second over forty yards, and as a matter of course, with the small mo¬ 
mentum of birding shot, the Initial velocity is very much greater, that 
of a rifle ball, which will go a mile, beiug only some 1,600 feet, and all 
this with “closeness.” J. D. Dougadl. 
DUCKS ON THE KANKAKEE, 
La Porte, Ind., May 22d, 1876. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
In your issue of May 18th, I observe two letters, one from St. Louis, 
from “Romer,” and one from Pittsburgh, from “South Fork.” During 
the last twenty years 1 have spent more or less time upon the Kankakee 
River aud marshes, in the fall of each year. Though not much of a 
shot, but loviDg the sport, I have become somewhat familiar with the 
habits of the docks and geese, as they frequent this part of the country. 
Ten years ago the wood duck, mallard, and both kinds of teal weie 
plenty, aud geese visited our wheat fields in Lhe fall In large numbers. 
Then there was but little shooting in the spring on the river or marshes. 
Tile ducks and geese bred plentifully, and in the fall we had fine sport, 
but our game of this sort has been growing lees, until last fall there was 
none of any consequence. 
I attribute this to two causes: First, the shooting in the spring; and 
second, the increased number of gunners. Those kinds of ducks above 
mentioned used to breed in the marshes in great numbers, but since the 
spring shooting ba9 become so prevalent, continuing, as “South Fork” 
says, after the birds are mated, it ba9 driven them away to seek other 
bomeB. I think, as “Romer” says, nothing but the entire prohibition of 
spring shooting will do any good. There are several kinds of the duck 
family that only stop to feed aud rest in the spring. Such are the blue- 
lull, sprig-fail, red^head, all of which bnt the first named, migrate fuither 
north to find their breeding grounds, mid relurn to us in the fall, but 
now in greatly diminishea numbers. I do not pretend to say what 
other route they take southward, bHt do say that from the best informa¬ 
tion 1 cun obtain from Forest and Stream aud other sources, they 
systematically avoid ne. I have no doubt that if the spriog shooting 
was entirely stopped, we should have something like old limes in the 
full again. 
I think “South Fork 1 Ms laboring under a wrong impression. From 
my observation I judge that the ducks and geese—ducks first—came up 
the Mississippi from the south, then up the Ohio, aud so on np the Illi¬ 
nois branches of the Ohio until they reach ub, feeding along and follow¬ 
ing up the opening spring; and if perchance there comes a cold snap 
they put back to warmer weather and remain until the cold abates. If 
our shooting is no better the coming than the last fall, we shall be com¬ 
pelled to take the advice heretofore given: “Go West and grow'up 
with the country,” North Fork, 
THE KAY CARTRIDGE. 
Newark, Juno 9th 1876. 
Editor Forest and Streami- 
Id looking over y oar spirited paper of June 1st we notice an article 
over the signature of “Old Sportsman,” relative to eur concentrating 
cartridge, which we think calculated to produce wrong impressioua 
among gentlemen sportsmen who are partial to the gun and dog. 
With your kind permission, we will make Lhe following explanations 
relative to our cartridge aud ils proper uses. First. Ely’s brown paper 
sheila Tor J2-gangc: gnns will not crease properly when loaded in the 
manner iu which “Old Sportsman” says he loaded bis—first, three and a 
half drachms powder; next, two common wads; third, one of our cart¬ 
ridges on the top; then crease. With such loading the result of the 
shooting is not to be wondered at. Any dieiuterested sportsm >n can try 
this manner of loading shells, and he will find out that the above named 
shell cannot be creased when loaded in that way except by crushing the 
roll at the top of our cartridge, and which coniines the concentrator. 
To crush or damage tbia roll destroys the valuo of our cartridge alto¬ 
gether. “Old Sportsman” might as well knock the bottom out of his 
glass and then complain that it did not hold its coutents. The same 
make and grade of shell for a 10-gauge gun will take the load exactly as 
“Old Sportsman” says, and crease properly from the simple fact of their 
being about three-eighths of an Inch longer than those for 12-gauge. 
It is a well established fact among gentlemen who have tried them that 
the Kay cartridge concentrator will shoot proportionally better at any 
given distance, from the same gnn, than loose shot, other things being 
eqnal; bnt when the very strength of our cartridge is destroyed by 
breaking the roll at tbe bead of it, by forcing a creaecr over it in the 
manner described, we don’t think it is getting very fair treatment, and 
the cartridges cannot possibly do themselves, or the gentleman*using 
them, justice. At the present standard of forty yards distance, thirty 
inch circle, the penetration, pattern, &c„ is so ninch better than has 
heretofore been achieved with loose shot'that there is really no compari¬ 
son between them. 
In loading our make of cartridge concentrators into shells, and then 
nsing a creaser, we would suggest to sportsmen and others that a wad on 
the end of the crease plug just the thickness of the cartridge roll will 
prevent the plug from going too deep into the shell aud so breaking down 
the roll, thereby destroying the merit of the cartridge. A little care ex¬ 
ercised in loading shells with onr cartridge concentrator will give moat 
satisfactory resnlts to the parties using them. 
There are a couple of other points in “Old Sportsman’s” communica¬ 
tion that we think are open for explanation, but not fromnB. How does 
“Old Sportsman” manage to get twenty cartridges of 11-16 ounces each 
out of the pound or cartridges that be bought? If Philadelphia dealors 
are so liberal in their weights this Centennial year we should like to 
have their addresses, to profit by their liberality. Next, in giving yon 
this statement of his shooting with our cartridge, after destroying its 
merits, why did he not make a comparison with some shooting of loose 
shot from the same gun? The fault could hardly be with the gun, for 
we all know Lhat Scott’s makes arc good. 
By way of finishing this communication, permit us to suggest, for the 
benefit of “Old Spottsman,,' that there are always Iwo sides to a question, 
and that when he sees fit to try our concentrators again to do so fairly. 
Then try the loose shot from the same gnn, distances, loads, &c., being 
equal for his comparisons. We Will cheerfully abide by the results. 
Allan B. Kay & Co. 
Rational §a$times. 
THE CURLERS’ CONVENTION. 
T HE lentil annual convention of the Grand National 
Curling Club of America was held on Wednesday 
last at Taylor’s Hotel, Jersey City. The convention, if not 
oue of the most numerously attended, was one of the best 
held by the Grand National. The delegates were solid, 
representative men, who have met with success in the 
world as well as on the ice. 
The Executive Committee met at 1:15 P. M, Mr. John 
L. Hamilton, of New York, President of the Grand Na 
lional in the chair. On the roll being called it was found 
that the following cities were represented:—Caledonian, 
New York—John Laughland; New York, New York— 
John Patterson; Caledonian, Buffalo—George Macnoe; 
Jersey City Club -James Stevens; Burns, Cleveland— 
Hugh Crawford; Burns, Ogdensburgh—William Congal- 
ton° Milwaukee, Milwaukee—D. Foulis (proxy); Chicago, 
Chicago—Andrew Davidson (proxy); S. Andrews, N. Y.— 
A. Dalrymple; Albany, N. Y.—T. M. McCredie, Sr.; 
Paterson, Paterson—John Gunn; Thistle, N. Y.-Wm. 
Meikle; Caledonian, Brooklyn—A. D. Baird; Empire City, 
N. Y.—S. McIntyre; Thistle, Chicago—L. T. Martin; 
Thistle, Brooklyn—W. W. Watkins; Troy City—Joseph 
Hinne; Ivanlmc, Paterson—H. L. Butler; Manhattan, New 
York—P. B. Shields; Newark—Alex. Phillips; Burns, N. 
y.—Wm. Hogg; Utica, N. Y.—Isaac Whiffen; Portage 
City, Wis —A. Hoagland (proxy). 
There were thus only seven clubs unrepresented, viz: 
Orchard Lake; Yonkers, N. Y.; Thistle, Detroit; Granite, 
Detroit; Four Brothers, Canada; St. Lawrence, Prescol, 
Ontario; Toledo, Ohio. 
An application from the Burns Club of Toledo for ad¬ 
mission into membership with the Grand National was 
granted. A letter was read from the Cleveland Burns 
Club as to a dispute about a medal match between them 
and the Caledonian Club of Buffalo. The Buffalo Club 
being willing to give it up, the convention ordered the 
medal to be handed over to the delegates from Cleveland. 
It was resolved that all medals not played for last winter 
be played for next season by the clubs already pitted 
against each other, and that the place be named by the 
umpire; also lhat the Annual be published as usual. 
A dispute between the Paterson and Empire City Clubs 
was referred to the Committee on Distribution of Medals. 
The following committee was appointed on the distribu¬ 
tion of medals;—Messrs. A. Dalrymple, James Stevens, H. 
Crawford, Isaac Whiffen, L. T. Martin, Thomas McCredie, 
and W. Meikle. On motion, carried that to article six of 
the Quoiting Hides, as given last year in Foxiest and 
Stream, the following addition be made: “But that each 
player shall be allowed to name a person to put up a mark 
as a guide.” 
The general meeting was called to order by President J. 
L. Hamilton. The minutes of the Executive Committee 
were read and approved. The auditing committee having 
reported, the Committee on Distribution of Medals handed 
in the following list of medal matches to be played next 
winter:— _ _ 
Chicago Club vs. Thistle, Chicago; Mdwaukee vs. Pott¬ 
age City; Granite, Detroit vs. Detroit; Troy City vs. Uti¬ 
ca; Burns, Cleveland vs. Toledo Burns; Buffalo Caledo¬ 
nian vs. Four Brothers; Burns, Ogdensburg, vs. Prescot; 
Jersey City vs. New York Thistle; New York Caledonian 
vs. Albany; St. Andrews, New York, vs. Empire City; 
Patcrsou vs. Yonkers; Burns, New York, vs. Ivanhoe, 
Paterson; Manhattan, New York, vs. Caledonian, Brook¬ 
lyn; Thistle, Brooklyn, vs. New York. Newark to have 
a point medal. Orchard Lake to have a point medal. Pat¬ 
erson and Empire City to be called again. Cleveland and 
Utica to play again on the first opportunity at Buffalo, 
and either failing to come up to time to forfeit the 
medal. The Garoon medal to he played for next winter at 
Chicago. 
The above report was received and adopted and the 
Committee discharged. . 
On motion carried that vulcanite stones be admitted into 
competitions where other stones are beiug used. 
On motion carried that “the rules drawn up for guidance 
in the match for the- Bell Champion Quoit be published 
every year in the annual along with the rules of curling.” 
The question of au Inter-State match was disposed of 
by the carrying of the following motion:—“That the G. 
N. C. C. endorses the action of ils officers in carrying out 
the Inter-State match, that it be played for hereafter under 
the auspices of the G. N. O. C., and that the expense be 
borne by the clubs participating." It was then decided 
that the next convention meet at Chicago. 
After the President’s address, and the passing of a 
hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Hamilton for the able and , 
courteous manner in which he had discharged for two F 
years the duties of President, the convention took up the 1 
election of officers, with the following result:— 
President, Mr. John L. Hamilton, of New York; First . 
Vice-President, Mr. L. T. Martin, of Chicago; Second® 
Vice President, Mr. Alex. Phillips, of Newark; Secretary ■ 
and Treasurer, Mr. David Foulis, of New York. 
THE QUOITING MATCH. 
The annual match for the Bell Champion silver quoit, 1 
open to all members of the Grand National Curling Club, ■’ 
came off on Thursday in a park at Lafayette, near Jersey I 
City Curling Rink. Twenty-six players entered for the I 
first tie. The concluding ties were as follows:— 
THIRD TIB. 
Hame. Score. I Name. Score.® 
James Stevens..31 George Henderson.- is I 
A. McGregor..31 Ueorce Grieve.18 I 
J. Love...' . S1|W. Meikle .19 ■ 
S.McConchioa bye. 
FOURTH TIB. 
S. WcConchie.211 James Stovons.13 1 
A. McGregor... .2l|J. Love.9 J 
TOIAI. TIB. 
A. McGregor.2118. McConehie.29 1 
Mr. McGregor, who hails from Newark, was presented I 
with the champion medal by President Hamilton, and I 
after one of the most harmonious and enjoyable con von-A 
lions in the record of the Grand National, the members ■ 
dispersed. _ ^ 
BASE BALL. 
—The first eastern 
June 17th, and the 
record of what each 
Chicago v 
Chicago v 
Chicago v 
. Boston.. 
, Athletic.. 
Mutual... 
Total.. 
8t. Louis vs. Mutual. 
St. Louis vb. Athletic_ 
St. Louis vs. Hartford... 
St. Louis ve. Boston— 
Total. 
Louisville vs. Athletic... 
Louisville vs. Mutual_ 
Louisville vs. Boston.... 
Louisville vs. Hartford.. 
tour of the western nines ended on 
result will be found in the appended! 
club did on won games— 
Wou.l Club. EA5T ' Won. I 
.2 Hartford vs. Chicago. 1 
. 3 Hertford ve Cincinnati. 2-1 
. 8 Hurtlord vs. St. Lnnis.. 39 
.2|Uartford vs. Louisville. 3 J 
.10 Total. 3 I 
. 3 Miunal ve. St. Louie. 1 
. a Mutual vs. Louisville . 8 
.o Mutual ve. Cincinnati. 3 ! 
. 2|Mulualvs. Chicago. 1 I 
. 7 Total. 71 
.2j Boston vs. Cincinnati. 3 1 
. 1 Boston vs. Chicago. 0 , 
. 3 Boston vs. Louisville. 0 1 
. (iiitoeton vs. St. Louis. I I 
Total. « 
Cincinnati vs. Boston. 0 
Cincinnati vs. Hartford. 1 
Cincinnati vb. Mutual. 0 
Cincinnati vs. Athletic. 0 
Total. 
Total... 
Athletic v 
Athletic v; 
Athletic v 
Athletic V 
Total. 
Grand total..21 Grand total. 
. Lomsvillc. 
. St. Louie..... 
Chicago.n 
. Cincinnati. 3 
Cinb. Won. 
Chicago.10 
St. Louis. . 7 
Louisville.6 
Oinclnneti.1 
Totals. 
..24 
Club. 
Hartford.. 
Mutual... 
Boston.... 
Athletic.. 
Totals.. 
—The model games since our last are as follows;— 
June 10—Keystone vs. Pacific, at Staten Island. 3 to 2 I 
June 11—Bed Stockings vs. Stocks, at St. Louis.— 8 to 0 
Jane 12—Bjaddockvs. Philadelphia, at Pittsburgh. 5 to 3 I 
June 12—IWfnca Te, Star, at Ithaca. S to 4 I 
June 12-Crtcket vs. Oswego, at Oswego. 8 to 1 I 
Juno 13—Chicago vs. Mutual, at Brooklyn—.. — 8 to 1 I 
June 13—Hartford vs. Louisville, at Hartford... 4 to 0 I 
June 13— Ithaca vs. Cricket, at Ithaca. 8 to 3 
Jane 13—Now Haven vs. Bridgeport, at Bridgeport. 9 to 6 I 
June II—Louisville vs. New Haven, at New Haven. 3 to 2 
June 15—Mutual vs. Chicago, at Brooklyn. 8 to 5 I 
June 15—Hartford vs. Louisville, at Uaitford. 11 to I I 
Jnnc 15—Confidence vs. Magic, at New Rochelle.3 to 2 I 
June 18—Fall River vs. Taunton, al Fall River (10 in)_3 to 1 I 
June 10-Alaaka vs. Olympic, at Patersou. 6 to 4 
June IB—Rhode Island vs. Live Oak, at Providence. 6 to 5 
June IS—Brooklyn vs. Mutual amateurs, at Brooklyn_ 0 to 3 I 
Juno 18-Boston va. Harvard, at Boston. 7 to 4 
June 17—Hartford vs. Louisville, at Hartford__ 1 to 0 
June 1, -Rhode Island vs. Suffolk, at Providence. 7 to 4 J 
The record of the League pennant contests up to Juno 
19th inclusive is as follows:— 
—A game of base ball was played at West Chester, Pa., 
on the 12th inst., between the Brandywine Club of that 
place, and the Kleinz Club of Philadelphia, both amateurs, 
which resulted in favor of the former club by a score of 
14 to 8. 
CRICKET, 
—The game between the Young Americas and German- 
towns was finished at Philadelphia on Wednesday last. 
The average made by the Yonng Americas was not kept 
up as well as might have been expected, the strong batters, 
Large and Chas. Newhall not doing half so well as ex¬ 
pected. The Young America haa still 23 runs to make 
when the last wicket fell. It was the best game played 
here for a long lime, but if the same attention was paid to 
the perfecting of the general fielding as there is to batting, 1 
howling, and perhaps wicket keeping, scores would not 
be run nearly so high. The average cricketer seems to 
think that if he puls on pads and stands bawling for an 
hour or so there is no need of his doing more unless he is 1 
likely to he a bowler. This is a mistake. Let our cricket- ’ 
era get well up in fielding, and then teams from “all over, 
everywhere” will have more than their hands full when 
they meet them. Sculls, j 
On Saturday the St. George’s Second Eleven play a 
match at Hoboken with the St. Paul’s school of Concord, £ 
N. H. On Monday the St. Georges go to Philadelphia, | 
and play a match with the Young America Club ol that 
city, and on Tuesday they play the Germantown club. 
