FOREST AND STREAM. 



183 



A Fox-Hunting Club,— According to the New. York 

 Times, a number of gentlemen of this City fond of field 

 sports have taken decisive steps toward the organization of 

 a fox-hunting club. The sum needed for a commencement 

 is $10,000, and that is for the erection of a suitable kennel 

 and the purchase of a pack of hounds and some horses for 

 the huntsman and whipper in, and from present indications 

 it is believed that the total amount will be raised in a short 

 time, and that the club will be in active existence this Win- 

 ter. The price of membership is placed at $100, and thus 

 far" forty young men have signed the roll, so that nearly 

 one half the sum needed is already secured. A pack of 

 fifteen couples of thoroughly trained fox hounds of Irish 

 pedigree have been secured in Virginia at a cost of only 

 $800, although they are of the very purest breed. They 

 are deemed better for fox-hunting in. this country than the 

 English dogs, as they are not so fleet as the latter, and have 

 a clear, ringing, melodious tongue. Their lack of great 

 fleetntss is much in their favor for hunting in this section 

 of the continent, as the country is so densely wooded that 

 horsemen could not follow them, hence all the pleasures of 

 the run would be lost; but in being slow and sure and loud 

 in^the mouth they can be followed by a good pedestrian. 

 The men will be well mounted at the expense of the club, 

 and their duties will require them to keep pace with the 

 pack, and see that all do their duty, and that there is no 

 shirking They are to be paid from $1,200 to $1,500 per 

 annum for this service, and are to receive house rent free. 

 The kennel is to be established at some convenient point 

 on Long Island, as that section of the State fairly swarms 

 with the red and gray fox, so that little troubLe will be 

 encountered in finding game at any time. Its insular posi- 

 tion will prevent the possibility of losing any of the dogs, 

 and ladies can ride to the hounds in many places. The 

 first hunt will be held immediately after the close of the 

 Baltimore races, for as soon as Mr. Douchue, Mr. Bennett, 

 and other gentlemen now attending these return home a 

 meeting will be called, and the feasibility of establishing' 

 hunting clubs both in New Jersey and Long Island will be 

 tested. If the run proves successful, and no contrary.opin- 

 ion is entertained, the work of organization will be com- 

 menced at once. 



Dogs as Sheep Protectors.— I used to breed cattle, 

 but having a natural fondness fur sheep, and an opportu- 

 nity to purchase a couple of Scotch Colley shepherd dogs, 

 removing my fears on the score of destruction by mongrel 

 curs, which deters so many from keeping sheep, I con- 

 cluded to try the experiment which has resulted so satis- 

 factorily. 



In my stock of 100 ewes, I have half a dozen bells, and 

 in case of danger, the sheep all run to the dogs for protec- 

 tion. This familiarity between the dogs and sheep, and 

 the watchful care exercised, is one of the prettiest sights in 

 the world. These faithful guardians of the flock are ever 

 on the alert, day and night. The rapid tinkling of the 

 bells at once arouses the dogs; and about three weeks ago, 

 in the middle of the night, I heard an unusual disturb- 

 ance among the sheep, but was so confident that the dogs 

 would be equal to the emergency that I did not come down 

 stairs. In the morning I had the satisfaction of seeing one 

 of the worthless curs which go prowling about at night, 

 lying stone dead along the fence, with marks on him of a 

 desperate fight. I should say, however, that I made one 

 cross, by putting my shepherd dog to a Newfoundland 

 slut, and kept the choicest of the litter. He lias proved a 

 fine, large dog, about twice the weighty of either of the 

 shepherds, and though never interfering in what he seems 

 to consider their especial duty, is always ready for service. 



It is curious to observe how, when strange dogs cross 

 the place, the two shepherd dogs will take a survey, and if 

 they see much business (they are, themselves, great fighters), 

 by a kind of silent understanding and arrangement, the 

 three dogs go together; and although we in this country 

 are overrun with all kinds of dogs, there seems to be a 

 general fear of my three dogs, and we are seldom disturbed. 

 1 recommend the purchase of one or two good shepherd 

 dogs as the first step towards keeping sheep. — Missouri Cor. 

 Practical Farmer. 



A Novel Way to Catch Woodchucks.— The Chester 

 county Village Record is responsible for the following plan 

 to kill the woodchuck or ground hog: — "Procure a small 

 dog; get a water turtle small enough to enter the hole, bore 

 a hole in his shell just above his tail, procure a piece of 

 wire about six inches long, fasten to one end of this wire 

 cotton wick saturated with kerosene oil, fasten the other 

 end of the wire to the turtle, place him in the hole, ana 

 then light the cotton wick, and in a moment the turtle will 

 enter the hole in double quick time until he reaches the 

 end of that hole, and then retraces his steps and appears in 

 front again ready for another march for another camp. 

 You can imagine the surprise of the woodchuck on the en- 

 trance of such a blazing enemy. He leaves his fort only 

 to meet death at his own door by the dog sentinel. I would 

 remark that this effective plan is the invention of a Vir- 

 ginia negro. I have seen it put in practice often, and never 

 knew it to fail. It matters not what is in the hole — wood- 

 chuck, skunk, or any other animal — he must leive on the 

 approach of this formidable torch-bearer." 



A New "Wat op Hunting.— Franklin Adelbert Ham 

 Winkle, of the Honesdale Herald,, is the most remarkable 

 hunter in Pennsylvania. Partridges are his favorite game, 

 and he formerly used a gun. On one of his excursions, 

 however, having discovered a partridge in a hemlock tree 

 and fired thirteen times at it without hitting it, he picked 

 up a stone and at the first throw brought down his game. 

 He at once gave his gun to a poor blind bc^, and ever since 

 hunts with stones. When he goes into the woods he fills 

 his pockets with well selected ammunition. When he puts 

 up a bird he barks like a fox. The bird at once trees, and 

 its fate is sealed.— Sun. 



—A Yale Senior received bad "game" the other clay. 

 He boxed up a couple of coots, tile gift of a sporting 

 friend, under the impression that they were the finest mal- 

 lard duck, and with the intention of sendiDg the same to 

 his paternal ancestor. His rage and disgust we're increased 

 when the true nature of the birds was revealed to him by 

 the fact that he had spent all Sunday in exhibiting his 



ducks" to about half the class. He has ^given up all 

 hopes of eliciting cash from the stern parent by any propi- 

 tiatory offering, and his destitution yet remains unallevia- 

 ted.— Record, 



MAGAZINES. 



The Live Stock Journal, as we have frequently had occa- 

 sion to mention, is a live journal in the best sense of the word . It caters 

 to the interest of the farm, the turf, the dairy, the poultry yard, the 

 apiary, and the family; and, besides all this.it has a fish department 

 presided over by our friend Fred Mather—a sufficient guarantee of the 

 thoroughness with which that portion is conducted. The articles coming 

 within the above mentioned scope in the current number are 

 all ably written, and carry much valuable information. The Journal is 

 published in this city and Buffalo. The American News Company are 

 the New York agents; price $1.50 per annnm. 



Th3 American Naturalist is published monthly by the 

 Peabody Academy of Science at Salem: Mass., and contributed to by 

 many of our leading savants. The current number is devoted largely to 

 the production of the address or J. W. Dawson, Vice President, of the 

 American Association for the A dvancement of Science, delivered at the 

 recent meeting of the Association at Detroit, in which he discusses 

 the historical or paleontological aspect in which life presents itself, as 

 seen in fossil remains entombed in the sediments of the earth's crust. 

 There is also the continuation of an illustrated paper contributed by A. 

 S. Packard, Jr., and entitled "Biographies of some Worms," and copious 

 ''Notes" on Natural History. 



Aquatic Monthly and Nautical Review. The October num- 

 ber of this magazine is before us, and we find it contains, in addition to 

 an interesting summary of recent aquatic events, a number of letters on 

 yachting topics. A great want of the present day is more discussion on 

 yachting affairs. Many are deterred from expressing opinions or mak- 

 ing suggestions by the fear of adverse criticisms; and of the very few 

 writers on the subject the majority have assumed a blustering, arrogant 

 style, with an assumption of knowledge which awe,3 the modest writer 

 into silence. The pages of the Aq uatlc are open to all coiners. Let 

 yachtsmen ventilate their.idias as our sportsmen do then'a in our col- 

 umas Mr. C. A. Peverelly is the editor, and August Brentano, No. 39 

 Union Square, the publisher of the Aqualio Monthly, 



The current number of the Overland Montldy opens 

 with an appropriate paper on the "Antiquities of the Pacific Slates, 1 ' 

 amply illustrated with sketches of working implements and bas-reliefs 

 taken from Isthmian antiquities at Chinquee, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and 

 elsewhere. Mr. Joaquin Miller's story, "In a California Eden," is con- 

 cluded, as is also Miss Kinnen's "Fantasy of Roses." Mr. J. Ross 

 Browne, whilom Minisier to China, contributes a sketch entitled, "A 

 Quarter of a Century," which is a retrospective view of men and events 

 in the State of California since the discovery of gold, to the present 

 day. Names now high in naval, military and civic authority are men- 

 tioned as having then been subalterns, or as having mixed with the eager 

 crowd in the chase for wealth. In the "Etc." the quarter centennial of 

 the State is commented upon, and figures given showing the value of the 

 industries, and the wonderful increase in the value of the products, min- 

 eral, cereal and manufactured, during the period. We understand that 

 the editorial management of the Overland has been changed. 



The American Swine and Poultry Jowmal, published at 

 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a creditable exponent of the important depart- 

 ments of agricultural industry to which it is devoted. It contains much 

 valuable information on the breeding and management of swine, poultry, 

 pigeons and pet stock. Ward & Darrah, Publishers. Terms, $1. a 

 year. 



* 



Jgp-No Notice Taken of Anonymous Communications. 



Auctioneer, Ballston Spa.— Are you obliged to follow suit, or trump, 

 in auction pitch? Aus. You must either rollow suit, or trump. 



M. V., Baltimore.— Will you be kind enough to give me the date of 

 the Forest and Strea.m in which an account of Mr. Jacob Seitsinger's 

 kennel was given? Ans. June 17th, 1875. 



Colonel, New Bedford.— Will you please state which you consider the 

 bestAvork on taxidermy yet published, and what the work costs? Ans. 

 "Field Ornithology," Dodd & Mead, 751 Broadway; price $3. 50. 



S. S., Cazenovia.— A correspondent who signs himself "Tame Indian" 

 would be pleased if S. S. would name the maker of gun recently de- 

 scribed in this paper; also the bore of each set of barrels, whether they 

 are both breech loading, and cost. 



W.. St. Louis.— Can you oblige me with a recipe for making the best 

 varnish for use on lashings of rods; something that will best resist the 

 action of water? Ans. Shellac dissolved in alcohol makes an excellent 



varnish. 



F. K. K., Syracuse.— I have one of Remington's single-barrel shot 

 guns, No. 16 gauge. Which would you advise me to shoot, paper or 

 brass shells, and of whose manufacture? Ans. Hart's brass for wild 

 fowl, and Ely's paper for field shooting. 



J. F. H.', New York.- -Will you be kind enough to infoini me where 

 I can, within two hours 1 ride of the citv, get some good squirrel and 

 rabbit shooting? Ans. Near Pascack, New Jersey, fourteen miles' from 

 the city. Take New Jersey and New York Railroad at foot of Cham- 

 bers street. 



Sam, New York.— Is Robert Hughes, Birmingham, Eng., considered a 

 goodgunmaker? 2d. Where is there a good place to go around New 

 York to shoot duck, snipe, etc. ? Ans. 1st. There is such a gunmaker, 

 but we know nothing of his standing. 2d. Barnegat Bay, or Oak Island, 

 in Great South Bay, opposite Babylon. 



Perdrix, Boston.— Please inform me where, within two or three 

 hours' ride of Boston, I can get good partridge or black cluck shooting; 

 if they can both be had at one place I should like it. Ans. Fair shoot- 

 ing is to be had in the neighborhood of Salem, Beverly and Cohassett; 

 also near Swampscott and New Bedford. 



F. J., New York.— W T ill you be kind enough to inform me if surveying 

 is a g ood business, aud the books needed by a beginner; also if Florida 

 is a good field for a beginner? Ans. Surveying is a good business 

 where there is enough of it. We should recommend Davies' "New Sur- 

 veyor" for a beginner. Florida might answer, but we should prefer one 

 of the Western States, or California. 



Reader, Albany.— Please let us know dimensions of target used at 

 Creedmoor for the 200 yards ranee, and is bullseye round or square, also 

 where can we procure such targets? Ans. Target-4x6; bullseye, circu- 

 lar, 8 inches in diameter; centre, circular, 26 inches in diameter; inner, 

 circular, 48 inches in diameter; outer, square, 4x6. You will have to 

 have your targets made. 



Czar, Shelbyville, Tenn.— One day last week I broke the needle in my 

 machine for recapping my cartridge shells. I tried to get a new needle 

 in Nashville, but could not, there being no extra needles in the city, I 

 wish to know if I can get some of the_ needles in New York? Ans. If 

 you will -write toH. C. Sqnires, No. 1 Courtiandt street, this city, giving 

 Bize, etc., he will send you spare needles. 



Reader, Boston. — Please inform me where some of the best shooting 

 grounds are in Virginia, or North and South Carolina, the way to reach 

 them, and the kind of game there? Ans. Ducks and wild fowl along 

 all the tributaries of the Chesapeake; quail and grouse in the Shenan- 

 doah Valley; deer in Dlnwiddie and all through the Dismal Swamp; tur- 

 keys and bears in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany ranges. For routeB, see 

 railroad maps and guides. 



A. K. J,, Philadelphia.— Can you infoam me what the cost would be 

 for a Scott or Greener double barrel breech loader, which will outshoot 

 a $75 American? Would the latter and a $40 central fire rifle answer 

 for everything likely to be met with in Nebraska? Ans. A good Scott 

 or Greener gun can be purchased at from §85 upward, the shooting of 



which will depend upon how it is bored. If choke bored, it will shoot 

 very close. A double breech loading shot gun, and a $40 

 central fire rifle will, wo think, answer your purpose. 



B., Erie, Pa.— I have a setter dog eleven months old that, until recently, 

 never failed to take the scent of a bird, dead or alive, under favorable* 

 circumstances; now, the taking of a scent is the exception and not the 

 rule. Did you ever hear of a similar case, and do you know of any as- 

 signable cause for this apparent loss of scent? If so, is there a remedy? 

 Ans. We have never known an instance of a dog losing bis powers of 

 scent, except from severe illness, and we know of no remedy when it oc- 

 curs . It may return. 



Constant Reader, New York.— Being desirous of purchasing a good 

 breech loader, I have taken the liberty of asking your advice. I have 

 seen a gun at II. C. Squires', in Courtiandt street, marked "The Western 

 Gun," with "W. & C. Scott & Son" on the locks and barrels. This is 

 just what I want, if it be a genuine Scott, ^an you inform me if they 

 make such guns? Ana. The gun is unquestionably a Scott, and from all 

 we hear of the "Western Gun,'" although it is perfectly plain in finish, 

 it is an admirable weapon for general shooting. 



J. A. L., Rockingham, N. C— I expect to put up a ten-pin alley and 

 a shooting gallery in this place, ana would like for you to, give me the 

 following information, to wit: The length and breadth of a ten pm alley, 

 and where can the pins and balls for the alley be bought; also a dart gun? 

 Ans. Ten-pin alleys vary In length from thirty to fifty feet; usual 

 width, four feet. Messrs. Peck & Snyder, No. 126 Nassau street, of 

 this city, will furnish you with balls and pins; also with every descrip- 

 tion of dart gun . 



J. E. S., Sussex Corner, N. B. -What is the size for a revolver 

 target, both of the target and disks 2d. Soma days ago I wrote you. 

 inquiring length of hammer handle for throwing. You answered, three 

 feet six inches. Is it not an error? Snould it not be two feet six inch- 

 es? 3d. Where could a person purchase a good Newfoundland pup, 

 and what would be the probable cost? Ans. A four-inch bullseye and 

 eight-inch outer for any distance from ten to thirty pares. 2d. The 

 length of handle for hammer throwing was stated correctly. 3d. From 

 Henry Gardner, 111 South Fifth avenue, this city; price from $15 to $25. 



W. H. S., Philadelphia.— 1st. What is the best thing you know of to 

 remove rust from the interior of a rifle barrel, 2d. What is the length 

 of Coulin's short range rifle gallery, what kind of sights do they use, 

 and what is the size of the bullseye? 3d. Which rifle do you consider 

 the best, a Wesson, or a Ballard? Ans. Benzine; afterwards use Bel- 

 montyle oil. 2d. 110 feet; peep and globe sights, and usually a bullseye 

 one inch in diameter. 3d. Both good; some prefer one and some the 

 other. The Wesson is now coming into very general use for short range 

 shooting. 



George, Cornwall, Ont.— Will yon have the kindness to tell me if I 

 could have a pair of choke bore barrels made for my gun, or if I could 

 purchase a pair to fit? Mine is an English niide pin- Are, 12 gauge 

 breech loader; a very nice gun, but scatters too much for my shooting. 

 I have tried every practicable quantity and quality of powder and shot, 

 but, cannot remedy the shooting. Ans. By sending your gun to our of- 

 fice we can have a pair of choke bored barrels of the best material fitted 

 to the stock; or, if the present barrels are thick enough, they can be 

 choke bored. 



Amateur, New York.— Have bought a breech loading shot gun in the 

 London market, marked on barrels, "Tatham, Charing Gross," cost £5 

 (secondhand). Can you inform me whether Tatham has any standing 

 as a gunmaker, and whether you consider a gun sold at said price can be 

 safe? My gun is 12 bore; I use paper shells, 3 drachms powder and 1£ 

 oz. shot. Ans. We know nothing of Tatham as a gunmaker, and can- 

 not give you any idea as to the safety of your gun, but would net have 

 any confidence in such a low-priced breech loader. You are using too 

 much shot with three drachms of powder; lfr oz. is quite enough. 



J B. T., Atlanta, Logan county, 111.— I am in want of a small boat, 

 of probably the yawl style, say 25x7 beam, that could be easily decked, 

 to descend the Mississippi, and make a tour in Florida. A second hand 

 one would do me. Please send me a priced circular from some parties 

 making them, or having second-hand ones for sale? 2d. Are the sport- 

 ing rifles made by the Whitney Arms Company good and reliable? Ans. 

 lst. The expense of getting a boat to you would be as much as you could 

 get one built at home for. A second-hand yawd could be bought for 

 about $60. Why not buy one in Chicago? 2d. They are. 



Doctor, Bostou.— 1st. Are any of the Wimbledon targets circular 

 bullseyes? 2d. Have any of the long range rifle matches, either in this 

 country or England, in the last two years, been shot at targets with circu- 

 lar bullseye? 3d, What is your opinion of the breecn loading, double 

 barreled shot gun, and do you think the difference between the decar- 

 bonized steel barrels at $ , and the twist at $ , is worth the difference 

 in price? Ans. 1st. All the Wimbledon targets have circular bulls- 

 eyes. 2d. The International match at Dollymouut was shot with square 

 bu lseyes. At the Autumn meeting this year at Creedmoor, circulat 

 bullseyes were used for long rang.;, and for all ranges; square bulleyes 

 are things of the past. 2d. An excellent, reliable gun in every way. 

 think for difference in price would prefer the cheaper gun. • 



Lotus, Philadelphia.— In sporting affairs, if in doubt, I generally ap- 

 ply to you for information, aud have always found you correct. Not 

 knowing the proper way to proceed, I will trouble you to give ns the in« 

 formation we ask. Having contracted for a twenty ton yacht, now 

 building, we wish to know can we join the Brooklyn or New York 

 Club? What Is the entrance fee to same ana dues, and where is the 

 yacht list for 1876 printed? Ans. You can become members of either 

 club on being proposed and seconded by members and your names 

 passed upon by the Committees on Membership. The fees in the New 

 York Yacht Club are $50 as entrance fee, and $25 per year dues, and the 

 initiation fee of the Brooklyn Yacht Club is $25, and the 

 annual dues $13. The Yacht List for 1875 can be had by addressing. 

 Thomas Manning, No. 318 Broadway. 



Aub, Boston.— I am about purchasing a double breech loading shot 

 gun, and am limited to $75. What shall I do? 1 have examined and 

 like the appearance of one maker's at that pric8. I want a gun of say 

 28 inches barrel, 10 bore, and weighing 8 to 10 pounds. Would that be a 

 good arm for my purpose, viz., mainly brush shooting, but ona that 

 could be used on duck, coot, or trap shooting. It mast be capable of 

 shooting 5 drachms of powder and li oz. shot without unpleasant recoil 

 and make a fair target with that charge. Do the makers I mention per 

 mit a trial of their guns before purchase? Do they guarantee any 

 standard pattern or penetration? Do you know of any other guns at 

 that price that would be likely to suit me better? Ans. The gun you 

 allude to we do not think capable of shooting 5 drachms of powder 

 without great recoil. The makers will not allow a trial, nor will they 

 guarantee pattern and penetration. For $85 you can get a good BDglish, 

 gun— one .that will shoot the quantity of powder you name with safety. 

 Call on Messrs. Wm. Read & Sons, of your city. 



J. S., New York.— I have purchased a setter dog, audi wish to keep 

 him in good health and condition. Different persons have different 

 opinions. Some tell me to give the dog all the meat he will eat; others, 

 say that it is the worst thing to give the dog, so I would like to have you. 

 settle this for me, if you please, and let me know what the best food is. 

 I feed him morning and evening. I have been feeding mostly meats and 

 Indian meal. How much Indian meal is sufficient for a dog, if he is fed 

 twice a day? Do you think that one pint a meal ^s sufficient, or not! 

 Ans. Feeding a dog upon meat altogether often causes mange, canker, 

 or skin diseases generally. The refuse of the table, comprising scraps, 

 meat bones, vegetables, gravy and bread, is good foed. Mush of In- 

 dian meal, well boiled, with some scraps of meat added, is also good; 

 feed enough to keep him in good condition, neither too fat, nor too thin. 

 3ome dogs, like horses, require much more food than others; and dogs 

 in the shooting season,when hard worked, require twice as much food 

 as when they are idle. In order to keep a dog in good condition, if he 'is 

 kept chained generally, he should have his liberty a few minutes' twico a 

 day. 



