168 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[Feb, S3, 1896 
The Knoxville Gun Club's Certificate Contest. 
Enoxville, Tenn., Feb. 8.— The most elusive problem to be solved 
by both managers and shooters is the equitable (?) adjustment of the 
"shooting skill' 1 which one individual possesses with that of one who 
has no such talent. The complex organization of man is such that no 
two individuals can ever hope to be perfect, and can oniy approxi- 
mately approach that perfection by different gradations of either 
mental or physical development. -The experience of life distinctly 
Shows and absolutely sets apart the skill of one mechanic, one physi- 
cian, one merchant^ one lawyer, one shooter above the other— all due 
to the individual capacity for development by energy of purpose. 
How does one lawyer excel another? If the successful attorney was 
asked to elucidate this proposition he would answer to this effect: It 
is accomplished only by hard study, persistent application and deep 
thought, combined with a tireless energy of purpose to succeed The 
question arises, How can "the bar" handicap this man against the less 
informed and learned (?) brother on the other side of the question at 
trial? To raise him up to the same plane where success reaps its first 
reward? 
The manufacturer muses to himself, "Come, devise a plan to equal- 
ize the weaker brother, or at least some plan to encourage him to 
attend the tournaments as well as the home club contests." Of 
course, his idea is for the shooter's pleasure and not his profit. On 
the other hand, the shooters say: "Let us get a show with the expert 
and we will attend the home and foreign meetings." Now, the main 
idea is, that if the club cannot induce a member of good or indifferent 
shooting capacity to attend club contests and only pay 1 cent for tar- 
gets and no "contributions," how can you expect him to attend for- 
eign meetings to donate his mite (?) with the hope of getting even, or 
of a future return ? _ 
Let us first encourage* the home club contests; awaken an interest 
at home among the club members; stir up their dormant shooting in- 
stincts by an attractive club contest; offer cash inducements to get 
them out, and when out just "brag a leetle" on how they "knock the 
black out 'em," and my word for it the clubs of the country will b« 
thick and the manufacturers will "smole a smile of sweet content," 
as those not paid are burning powder (and money) 
Working on this line, that home rule governs to the best advantage 
for proper training, the Knoxville Gun Club has finally concluded, 
after two years of trial, that no plan yet devised for home club con- 
tests equals that as now modified and in use this year known as "the 
certificate handicap. " 
For the benefit of those whose inquiries are now to hand, also for 
the benefit of the cause at large, I will try and give briefly the details 
of this contest. It is very easy to understand and if properly carried 
out will prove of inestimable advantage to dormant clubs and of in- 
terest and excitement to the live organizations. 
Conditions: 20 targets, 18yds. rise, known traps, unknown angles, 
rapid fire. The contest to be at the first 40 targets shot at by any 
member in two different races of 20 each race. Premiums attach to 
Basis: The general average of the first 40 targets in all races shot at 
during the preceding year by the members of the club is taken and 
set apart as their per cent, basis. 
A, general average found, 60#=12 out of 20. 
B, general average found, 68#=14 out of 20. 
C, general average found, 72%=\5 out of 20. 
D, general average found, 80^=16 out of 20. 
E, general average found, 83sS=17 out of 20. 
A is placed in class that he must break 12 out of 20. 
B is placed in class that he must break 14 out of 20. 
C is placed in class that he must break 15 out of 20. 
Now if A equals his per cent., 12 out of 20, and B equals his, 14 out of 
20, the club pays or credits A and B with 10 cents or one-half his target 
money, charging at the club rate, 1 cent each target. If they exceed 
their per cent, basis, as an extra premium, the club offers a "certifi- 
cate of merit" of the value of 25 cents. Hence each individual shoots 
against his own per cent, for a premium and not against all the club 
members for a single or more premiums, ibis per cent, basis either 
remains for the year or else is subject to an advancement with the 
skill of the shooter by a special committee of three, known as the 
"club contest arbitrators," who decide all disputed points that may 
arise. The target money credit is paid to the members at the end of 
the year. The -'certificate of merit" is, however, open to a challenge 
by any other certificate owner, and right of challenge for the next 
meeting shall be commencing with the lowest score and up in order. 
To determine who wins a challenge certificate, the process is as fol- 
lows: A challenges D for ha certificate; before either can win they 
must equal or exceed their per cent, basis— A=12 and D=16. If both 
fail .they tie. If A makes his per cent., 12 out of 20, and D fails to 
make his 16 out of 20, then A wins. If they both exceed their per cent, 
they tie, that is, if A=13 and D=17, or A=14 and D=18 A wins if 
A==13 and D=1S, because A exceeds his per cent, and D equals his per 
cent., and so in other cases. This gives the better shot a harder con- 
test as his per cent, increases in proportion, but at the same time it 
does not handicap him out of the race and it likewise encourages the 
weaker shot. 
The challenger must deposit with secretary a 25-cent fee, this to 
form a separate fund, to be divided 40, 30, 20, 10, to the four men 
holding the greatest number of certificates at the end of the year. 
No one can give or accept more than three challenges for any one 
meeting, and the failure of either party to be on hand on the agreed 
date (next meeting) forfeits his certificate to the party present; also 
the failure to attend by any member forfeits his rights for that club 
meeting. 
These are the essential features that govern, and of course each 
club can improve any minor defects as they may arise to suit each 
club. To those who have never tried this plan I would say,' commence 
now at the first of the year, and you will find that more enthusiasm 
will arise over challenge contests among the members than you can 
imagine. No one likes to be beaten, and nothing will enthuse new life 
in a dormant member more than the generous, gentlemanly rivalry 
that arises in a club certificate challenge contest and the earnest desire 
to retrieve lost laurels from the vie or. R. Van Gilper, Sec'y. 
The Grand American Handicap. 
The programme issued by the Interstate Association for its Grand 
American Handicap meeting, to he held at Elkwood Park, March 24- 
26, is to hand. In drawing up the programme the Association has ex- 
ercised great care, and has, we think, fully explained every point that 
seemed to be in need of explanation. For that reason we give the pro- 
gramme and its contents as nearly as. possible in its own language. 
The 
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
deal with Elkwood Park, its location, and also with that important 
branch of the programme— the handicapping committee. It reads as 
follows: 
"In presenting this programme of the fourth annual Grand Ameri- 
can Handicap tournament to the general shooting public of America, 
we feel confident that the coming event will meet with the same hearty 
approval as have our previous tournaments. Elkwood Park, the 
place selected for holding the tournament, should meet with the gen- 
eral indorsement of all intending shooters. It is easy of access from 
New York by two different lines of steam railway. The time neces- 
sary to reach the grounds, one hour and a half without a change, with 
trains stopped at entrance to park, is nothing compared to the con- 
venience when one gets there. Contestants who may not desire to 
return to New York at close of each day's shooting can secure ample 
and excellent accommodations at the Norwood Hotel, Branchport, 
about a half mile from the park, or at Long Branch, about one mile 
away, with plenty of conveyances at hand to carry them to and from 
the shooting grounds. 
"It will be noted by the reader that the Interstate Association has 
made a radical departure as to the method of dividing the money in 
the main event. The plan as decided upon, and as explained at length 
elsewhere in this programme, will permit of the participation of a 
greater number of shooters in the division of the purse This new 
Bystem has been given the careful and thoughtful consideration of the 
Association, and we feel confident it will meet with the hearty appro- 
bation of competing sportsmen. 
"The Handicap committee— Messrs. John S. Hoey; Jacob Pentz, of 
Shooting and Pishing; Edward Banks, of Forest and Stream; J M. 
Taylor, of the American Field, and W. K. Park, of the Sporting Life— 
selected by the Association to handicap all contestants, are thoroughly 
posted as to the respective merits and in touch with the shooters of 
America. It is entirely unnecessary to add a word in commendation 
of the ability and fitness of the gentlemen named, they being well and 
favorably known wherever the sport of live-bird shooting is indulged 
in. 
"The handicap of 1896 will be conducted on the same equitable lines 
as hav* characterized our previous tournaments. Each shooter taking 
part will be the recipient of every attention and just consideration 
consistent with the fairness that has always been a feature of the 
Interstate Association's events. May the best men win." 
The next and probably one of the most interesting portions of the 
programme are the 
conditions governing the handicap. 
The conditions are: 
•■Twenty-five live birds, handicaps ranging from 25 to 33yds.. 50yds. 
boundary, with a dead line at the 38yds. mark, $1,000 divided, 50, 30 
and 20 per cent., to the three highest guns. All money in the purse 
in excess of $1,000 will be divided among high guns other than the 
three first. The number of parts into which the surplus money will 
be divided will be determined by the number of entries received. 
Entrance money S?5, $1,000 guaranteed by the Interstate Association, 
and all surplus added. In addition to first money the winner of same 
will be presented with a beautiful silver cup donated by Messrs, Phil 
Daly, Sr , and Phil Daly, Jr. 
"Regular entrips must be made on or before March 21, and miist be 
accompanied by .f 10 forfeit. The remaining 815 may be paid up to the 
last shot of the second round. Penalty entries may be made after 
March 21 up to the last shot of the second round by paying §35. En- 
tries will be received at the New York office by J. A. H. Dressel, Sec- 
retary-TreaBurer, 313 Broadway. New York, N. Y." 
first day's programme^ 
The programme for the first day consists of four scheduled events 
which will be shot off on two sets of traps; a third set of traps will 
be kept busy all day with $2 miss-and-outs. The four events above 
mentioned, together with the conditions governing the same, are as 
follows: 
Elkwood Park Introductory, 10 birds, $10 entrance, class shooting, 
30yds. rise, 4 moneys, 40, 30, 20 and 10 percent.: price of birds de- 
ducted from the purse. 
Branchport Sweepstakes, 7 birds, $5 entrance, birds extra, not class 
shooting. 80yds. rise, 3 moneys, 60, 30 and 20 per cent. 
Nitro Powder Handicap, 15 birds, $15 entrance, class shooting, 
handicaps 26 to 38yds., 4 moneys, 40, 30, 20 and 10 percent; price of 
birds deducted from the purse. 
Sportsmen's Handicap, 7 birds, $5 entrance, birds extra, not class 
shooting, handicaps 25 to 33yds , 3 moneys, 50, 30 and 20 per cent. 
GRAND AMERICAN HANDICAP DAY. 
The second day, March 25, is the day on which the big event, the 
Grand American Handicap, heads the programme. This event com- 
mences at 10 A. M. sharp, and will be continued on the third day if 
necessary. John Hoey and Jacob Pentz will alternate as referee in 
this event. The Grand American Handicap is high guns: the con- 
ditions have been given above. . 
Two other events are also down on the programme for this day. 
These are: 
Long Branch Sweepstakes, 10 birds, $10 entrance, class shooting, 
30yds. rise, 4 moneys, 40, 30, 20 and 10 per cent. ; price of birds de- 
ducted from the purse. 
Highland Sweepstakes, 7 birds, $5 entrance, birds extra, not class 
shooting, 30> ds. rise, 3 moneys, 50, 30 and 20 per cent. 
THIRD DAY'S PROGRAMME. 
As stated above, provision is made in this day's programme in case 
the Grand American Handicap has to be carried over— a contingency 
that is almost certain to arise, as there can be no doubt that this 
year's entries will exceed those of '95. In addition to the above there 
are 4 other events scheduled for this day: 
Norwood Scramble, 10 birds, $10 entrance, class shooting, 30yds. 
rise, 4 moneys, 40, 30, 20 and 10 per cent ; price of birds deducted from 
the purse. 
Champion Sweepstakes, 7 birds, $5 entrance, birds extra, not class 
shooting, 30yds. rise, 3 moneys, 50, 30 and 20 per cent. 
Consolation Handicap, 10 birds, $10 entrance, class shooting, handi- 
caps 25 to 33yds , 4 moneys, 40, 30, 20 and 10 per cent. ; price of birds 
deducted from the purse. 
Auld Lang Syne Handicap, 7 birds, $5 entrance, birds extra, not 
class shooting, handicaps 25 to 33yds., 3 moneys, 50, 30 and 20 per cent. 
Extra events will be arranged to suit the shooters if the above pro- 
gramme is shot out in time to permit of such events being decided. 
The division of moneys in the Grand American Handicap was fully 
explained in our issue of Feb. 1. As a supplementary explanation we 
may Btate that the three high guns will under any conditions regarding 
number of entries receive respectively $500, $300 and $200. If there 
are over 40 entries, but not more than 50, the next three highest guns 
divide the surplus, 50, 30 and 20. If the entries range from 51 to 60 
there are practically 8 moneys; 61 to 70, 10 moneys; 71 to 100, 14 
moneys. It must be borne in mind that this is not ciass shooting, but 
high guns, the three highest guns being paid as above. 
Dropping for place in any event will result in forfeiture of all interest 
in the purse, and will debar the "dropper" from taking part in any 
tournament given under the auspices of the Interstate Association. 
ShootiDg commences at 10. A. M. sharp each day. The Interstate 
Association Rules (Hurlingham Rules revised) will govern all points 
not otherwise provided for in the programme. No guns larger than 
12-gauge allowed, the weight of all guns being limited to 81bs. No 
handicaps will be announced until the evening of March 23. 
A few brief pointers are given in regard to the shooting of the 
Grand American Handicap. The event will be shot off on one set of 
traps, and if it is impossible to finish the event in good light on March 
25, the referees shall stop the shooting whenever they may deem it 
necessary ; the event will then be re-commenced at 11 A. M. sharp on 
March 26. No entry will be taken and no shooting up allowed after 
the end of the second round. Three misses will force a shooter out; 
of course, he has the privilege of shooting up if he has a chance for 
any money. The Association reserves the right to refuse any entry. 
The absolute winner— the high gun in the handicap— will receive a 
handsome silver cup from Messrs. Daly, of Elkwood Par k. Birds will 
be supplied by Worden Bros.., of Harrisburg, Pa., and will be trapped 
throughout the shoot at 30 cent 4 ! each. 
Admission to the park will be 50 cents per day and will be charged 
to all alike. Shooters will have the same refunded upon entering in 
any sweepstake event, while contestants in the Grand American Han- 
dle ip will receive a pass entitling tbem to enter f ,-ee during the week. 
The accommodations for both shooters and spectators will be first 
class, while meals and refreshments can be obtained right on the 
grounds. 
The neadquarters for sportsmen who desire to stop in New York 
will be the Astor House. Those who prefer to stay near the grounds 
will find ample accommodation at the Norwood Hotel, E. C. Richard- 
son, proprietor, Branchport, N. J. Rates to shooters will be $2 per 
day. 
TO REACH ELKWOOD PARK. 
The following extract from the programme tells how to get to Flk- 
wood Park: "Take the Central Railroad of New Jersey from foot of 
Liberty street. New York city, to Branchport, N. J, ; or take the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad from foot of Cortlandt and Dcssbrosses streets, New 
York city, to Long Branch, N. J. Arrangements have been made where- 
by the 8:15 A.M. train from New York via the Central Kailroad of New 
Jersey, and the 9:10 A M. train via the Pennsylvania Railroad will 
stop, each of the three days af the tournament, right at Elkwood Park 
gates. Passengers from New York on the 8:15 A. M. train will reach 
the shooting grounds at 9:45 A. M. Passengers on the 9:10 A. M. train 
will reach the shooting grounds at 10:95 A. M. Returning, trains will 
Stop at Elkwood Park at 4:20 P. M. and 5:50 P. M., reaching New York 
in one hour and a half. Passengers should purchase round-trip 
tickets, as they are good on either railway." 
The De Lancy School on Top. 
Wissincming, Pa., Feb. 12.— After a most exciting race the De Lancy 
School Gun Club's team of six defeated the Red Dragon Gun Club's 
six-men team by two breaks, the score standing 86 to 84 in De Lancy's 
favor. The match was shot at Wissinoming to-day. This is the first 
team match the De Lancy Club has ever taken part in, and this in 
some measure accounts for the falling off in some of the totals. 
Peters, of the Red Dragon, made a clean score of 25 breaks, very 
nearly winning the race for his side. The scores were: 
De Lancy Team. 
Vaux 1101111101111000110010111—17 
Huber 1101111100011010010011011—15 
Van Schaick .1101110101111001100110010—15 
Haines 1101111001000101011010011—14 
Seymour 1000111001110101101101100- 14 
Qrugan 0001001001101110100010011—11-86 
Red Dragon Team. 
Peters 1111111111111111111111111-25 
Hemingway 1001100101100110100110110-13 
Gross 1111010111001010000010010—12 
Hamilton 0110101111100000101001100—12 
Murray 1011101101001100101010000-12 
Hayward. OOlOlOOlOllOlOOlOOOOlllOO— 10-84 
At Watson's Park. 
Chicago, 111, Feb. 5.— Dr. Shaw and Mr. Thompson shot at a few 
live birds tq-day at Watson's Park for practice. Dr. Shaw shot at 40 
and scored 32, while Thompson scored 14 out of 18. Below are the 
scores: 
Dr Shaw ; . , 1201112211111220011111010-20 
121011112011110 —12—32 
Thompson . tii 12102112102022011 —14 
The above shooters also had a little practice at targets, each man 
shooting at 50; Shaw broke 46 to Thompson's 43. 
Feb. 7.—0. H. Hampton shot at 50 live birds to-day for the sake of 
having a little practice; out of his 50 he scored 37, as follows: 
Hampton 1111111002111111121221102— 22 
2111010010221022020210010—15—37 
Feb. 8.—C. E. Felton and Oswald von Lengerke shot a match to-day 
with W. R. Morgan and E. Abel. The conditions were 25 live birds per 
man, losing team to pay for all the birds and a wine supper. As a re- 
sult of the match Felton and Von Lengerke enjoyed Borne shooting 
and will take supper at the expense of Messrs. Morgan and Abel. The 
scores were: 
Felton 1111001211122212212021111-22 
Von Lengerke 2202202122122110121222202—21—43 
Morgan 1011120221011112020100210—17 
Abel 1100220101220002110202000—13-30 
After the above match had been decided the following four sweeps 
at 5 live birds, $2 entrance, were shot: 
No. 1. 
S Palmer 
Dr Shaw 11121-5 
Morgan 22222—5 
Teffc 
Mayhew 
Lindbarg , 
Goodrich 20211—4 
RKuss 12122— fi 
Hampton , 
Hicks 
DeWolf 29011—4 
Abel 12122—5 
Felton 21012—4 
Thompson 
No. 2. 
No. 3. 
No. 4. 
200O0— 1 
10120-3 
12011—4 
11112—5 
10022—3 
01111—4 
11211—5 
22222—5 
l*22i2— 5 
12022—4 
11122—5 
12110—4 
22111—5 
12120—4 
22i02— 4 
11210—4 
20112—4 
iil20 — 4, 
11102—4 
11011—4 
iiiii— 5 
22i21-5 
21111—5 
11220- 4 22010—8 
Several target scores were also shot, to-day as follows: 
Shot at. Broke. 
Dr Shaw 100 
R Kuss 100 
Morgan 10 
Mayhew 20 
Goodrich 95 
Denning tS5 
Tefft 30 
Shot at. Broke. 
100 
89 
S Palmer 
100 
81 
Hampton. . 
10 
6 
20 
16 
Thompson 
95 
75 
Goodman. 
«5 
72 
30 
26 
20 
50 
13 
3& 
21i 
14i 
27r 
B 
Ravelbiqg. 
10 
No notice taken of anonymous communications 
C. O. D., Utica, N. Y. — Lizzie of Marsfleld is registered in Vol. XIX., 
E., No. 31,208. 
H. J. W., New York,— Ans. The color of the Gordon setter is black 
and tan. A pure tan unmixed with black or smudgy is the ideal color. 
The tan is on lips, cheeks, throat, spot over eyes, feet, legB, vent audi 
a short distance on flag. A touch of white on chest is not objected to* 
though as little white as possible is desired. 
J. B. F., Elizabeth City, N. C— 1. At what age does a well»bred! 
pointer or setter become unable to hunt all day? 2. At what age »re> 
they at their best? What age do you consider the turning point? My/ 
experience is that between the years of 2 and 6 is the oniy time a dog; 
ia worth having as a hunter. 3. Why is it that our native Virginia or? 
North Carolina dogs are the best hunters? I have bought in the last, 
few yeurB several dogs finely bred, and I have not yet had one worthi 
having. Aub. 1. The individual capabilities of dogs vary so much and 
decrepitude or indifference to hunting set in at such variable ages that 
to set a definite age would be to dispose of the matter arbitrarily. 
Some dogs never|lose their enthusiasm and work till physical infirmities 
cripple them; others cease to work as soon as the novelty is gone. 
Many dogs are never able to work all day. 2. Generally from two to 
fi»e or six years, though some dogs retain their usefulness much 
longer. The turning point in a dog's usefulness cannot be definitely 
set, for the reasons mentioned in our first answer. 3. You may find 
many owners who will join issue on your estimates. It is possible 
that your experience may have been with individual specimens, too 
few for general conclusions. The capabilities of a few are not the 
standard by which to classify the whole. This is a matter which is of 
general interest, and we invite correspondence in the matter. It the 
local dogs are the better and more enduring workers, it is not gener- 
ally known. 
PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. 
North Greece Gun Club. 
North Greece, N. Y., Feb. 8.— The North Greece Gun Club held its 
badge shoot this afternoon, A. J. McEntire winning the badge. This 
shoot is at unknown angles with a handicap allowance of extra tar- 
gets to shot at. Following are the scores: 
A J McEntire (32) 11111111111100111111101111111111 —29 
A Rickman (32) 10111111101101111111111101101111 —27 
CLane (33).., 101111110011111111110110111111111 —27 
W Brown (36) 100111011111011111101100101011111111 —27 
J Hadlock (35) .11001111111110011101111110110111010 —26 
H Lowden (37). , 110011001011110100111101010111111111110 —26 
J Lowden (33)... lOlllOllllllOilOllllOOllllllOllOl —25 
W Smith (36) llOOllllllOOllllHOlOlOOmOOl 110111 —25 
T Greenwell (36) 110010110110111111111101101101011001 —85 
Theo Lane (40) OllllOlOlOOllOOOllOOlllinilOlOOOlOllCOl —23 
J Northrup (45) 000010100001011011000000011100111100(KXK)OOiX)0— 14 
BRiokman (22) 1111111111111101111110 —20 
A. E, Riokman, Sec'y, 
Old Point Comfort (Fortress Monroe),. Va» 
PERSONALLY CONDUCTED TOTJR VIA PENNSYLVANIA SgULROADx. 
Old Point Comfort is the fashionable coast resort of the Old Doosdit- 
ion, cjlebrated not only for its natural advantages of climate- and 
location, but for the social lire which attracts so many eminent repre- 
sentatives of all classes. Admirably located on Chesapeake Bay and 
Hampton Roads, within sight and influence of the broad Atlantic, and 
in a latitude insuring evenness of temperature, it enjoys the advan- 
tage of being a winter resort of undisputed merit. 
The next of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co.'s series of personally 
conducted tours to this delightful resort will leave New York and 
Philadelphia Feb. 20. 
The tour includes Richmond and Washington, and covers a period 
of six days. Excursion tickets, including railroad fare, hotel accom- 
modations and all necessary expenses, will be sold at $32 from New 
York. Brooklyn and Newark; $31 from Trenton, and $30 from Phila- 
delphia. 
In addition to the above excursion tickets to Old Point Comfort and • 
return direct, covering luncheon going and one and three-quarter 
days' board at Old Point Comfort, valid for return by regular trains, 
until following Tuesday, will be sold at $15 from New York, Brooklyn 
and Newark; $13.50 from Trenton, and $12.50 from Philadelphia, 
Proportionate rates will be made from other points via either route. 
Detailed itineraries will be sent on application to Tourist Agenu, 
1196 Broadway, New York, or Room 411 broad Street Station, Phila" 
delphia. 
Where to Find Game, 
Where to find game ia oftentimes a perplexing question. The 
sportsman who strikes a good spot generally keeps the information 
as close as possible, in order to enjoy the exclusive privileges. 
Along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Virginia and 
West Virginia, Buch places are numerous, and it is remarkable how 
little* they are known. The mountain streams abound in gamy fish. 
The South Branch of the Potomac is considered the best black bass 
fishing stream in America; the Cheat, Youghioghpny, Potomac and 
Monongahela rivers are all excellent fishing streams. The hills end 
valleys adjacent are fairly alive with game— partridge, wild turkey, 
grouse, pheasant, wild pigeon, quail, rabbit and squirrel are plentiful, 
and in the back country thirty or forty mile3 from the railroad, deer 
and bear can be found. 
Good hotels are convenient, and horses and guides can be secured 
at reasonable rates. 
For circular showing fishing and gunning resorts reached by the B. 
& O. R. R. address Chas. O. Scull, Gen'l Pass. Agent, B. & O. R. R., 
Baltimore, Md. 
Practical Wildfowling, 
By Henry Sharp. L. Upscott Gill, Strand, London, publisher. Price 
$3.50. This is a well written and generously illustrated book of 300 
pages. The author is a practical wildfowler of twenty years' experi- 
ence, who knows his subject thoroughly, and who has been able to I 
put his knowledge to practical account in a very readable way. To 
facilitate ready reference the matter ia presented in two parts. Part 
I. is devoted to outfit and accessories— guns, ammunition, punts, 
boats, decoys, dress, etc.— and Part II. to a description of the various ( 
species of ducks, geese and shore birds found in the British Isles, to- ] 
gether with practical hints and instructions for their pursuit. 
The book is written for English shooters, but there is much in it 
that will prove of interest to sportsmen in this country, and not a 
little that will prove instructive also. 
