FOREST AND STREAM 
THE WOOD POWDER QUESTION. 
P ENDING the results of the trials with Dittmar’s wood 
powder, kindly made at our request by several gen- 
tlemen, we gladly give space to the letter below, describing 
various tests of the Schultze powder against the black grain. 
The result shows decidedly in favor of the latter; but we 
apprehend, from various reports which reach us, that Mr. 
Dittmur’s will be fouud to be a superior article to that 
which is now attracting some attention on the other side *»f 
the water. If “Algona" would like to continue his ex- 
periments, substituting the Dittmar powder, we will gladly 
furnish him with a supply from our office: — 
Cincinnati, March 8th, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
Huvlug noticed rainy iuqalries in your paper lately concerning the mer- 
its of wood powder, I thought I would give yon “my experience" with 
this new explosive compound. All the experiments below quoted were 
made with Schultze's wood powder. As yon will see by the dates, Carl 
Dlttmar’s powder was then unkuowu to the market. Sometime, if the 
weather ever does moderute, I hope to give Dittmar’s powder n chuuce. 
The first experiment took place on April 30th, 1874. Gun No. 1 was a 
Dougall, pin fire, 12 gauge, barrels, 30 inches; weight, 6J pounds. Gnu 
No. J was u gun of the sumo excellent mako, and of like dimensions, but 
was a central fire, and weighed 7 pounds. The charge of both guns was 
3 drachms wood powder and It ounce No. 7 Tatham'e shot, equal, on an 
average, to about 327 pellets to the load. 
Gun No. 1. 
Gnu No 2. 
Averages . 
Right. 
Left. 
Right. 
Left. 
118 
128 
145 
158 
116 
116 
147 
185 
No. 1-110 
109 
131 
156 
171 
No. 2—100 
343 
375 
448 
514 
The next date is May 6th, 1874. Then we used gun No. 2 only. Here 
I made a trial of black powder (Laflin and Rand's Orange No. 7 Light 
ning) and Schultze's powder side by side, with this result:— 
Blaek Powder. 
Wood Powder. 
Right. 
Left. 
Right. 
Left. 
Average . 
101 
184 
155 
173 
201 
io: 
159 
179 
Black— ISO 
178 
202 
189 
176 
Wood- 165 
570 
517 
463 
527 
I have forgotten to mention that these targets were made at a distauco 
of 40 yards, 80 inch circle. 
On examining our results, we find that the average of the black pow. 
der exceeds that of the wood powder by only 21, which shows that the 
wood powder is not so very Inferior after all. Let us look farther on. 
On May 23d I tested the sonic brand of Laflin and Rand's with Du- 
pont’s Ducking No. 2. I will not give the targets. I fonnd that Dupont’s 
grain, being the finer, better suited a No. 12 gun. Both brands seem to 
have the same penetration. With the Laflin and Rand, at 100 yards, 3} 
drachms, 1* ounce No. 5 shot. I put 20 pellets in a 30 Inch circle. While 
with the same charge and distance, with Dupont's I only got a target of 
13 pellets. 
On .July 30th, with a charge of Laflin and Rand’s, 3 drachms and 1$ 
ounce No. 7 shot. I made a target of 211 in a 30 inch circle. 
On August 4th I made another trial between wood and black powder; 
same conditions ns before:— 
Wood Powder. 
Block Powder. 
Average . 
Right. 
Left. 
Right. 
Left. 
143 
69 
256 
256 
190 
135 
162 
274 
Wood— 141 
146 
162 
222 
1S9 
Black— 226 
479 
360 
6*0 
719 
This gives another victory for the black powder by a majority of 85, 
The shot of both the right and left barrels was 256. This I consider re- 
markable, not only on account of the coincidence, but because of the 
great number of pellets each contains. But not to take upvnluuble space 
with figures, allow mo to give my conclusions. 
I believe that wood powder has not the strength of good black powder. 
In a gun capable of shooting os strong as the one I used, wood powder 
should be used on quail and snipe exclusively. I think the wood powder 
with which I experimented was the strongest of any in creation. If it 
was not, I have been misled as to the merits of this compound. I await 
with anxiety the report of your committee examining Dittmar's powder, 
for If they make Dittmar’s powder a stronger explosive than Schultze’s 
all my experiments go for naught. Schultze’s powder, I am satisfied, is 
too weak for ducks at long ranges, although I have seen some wonderful 
long range shots mndo with it. For pigeon matches this brand can bo 
safely used up to forty yards. I have killed birds instantly at twenty- 
one yards with this powder, and have merely ruffed feathers with it at 
eighty yards. An acquaintance of mine made with his own hands a tub 
full of wood powder from Schultze’s recipe. Ho used this on ducks, and 
for a time effectually eclipsed all the black powder of his companions. 
Gradually a change took place, and within a month or so the black pow- 
der was again in the supremacy. From this I am led to believe that wood 
powder, when fresh, is wonderfully strong, but as its age Increases its 
power decreases. I do not think this decrease of power is due to the damp, 
ness of the atmosphere, but rather to some change which takes place in 
the constituents of the powder, from the manner In which they are com- 
pounded. This, however, I will not affirm until I have proven by experi- 
ments which I am now conducting. As I have now had my say, I wil 1 
stop before I pat on paper some of my theories, to which I see I am 
drifting. Alcona. 
— The bill introduced in the legislature of New Jersey 
for the preservation of fish in the Passaic River and its 
tributaries is one of much importance in its bearings upon 
the future fish supply of a large portion of the State. The 
facts arc these:— The rivers mentioned in the act are in- 
habited mostly by small fish, the larger ones having been 
taken in the nets with which they are dragged; these nets 
are owned by a few persons only, and a large proportion 
of these, besides taking very small fish for use, throw away 
those which are too diminutive on the banks or on the ice 
to die, instead of replacing them in the streams for propa- 
gation, so that angling in them is almost a thing of the 
past. 
The head waters of these rivers have recently been 
stocked by the State commissioners of fisheries with choice 
fish, but without special legislation to prevent the catching 
of them in nets it will be of little avail; hence it is of the 
greatest importance that the bill should pass. It is em- 
phatically a measure for the people— its only intent being 
to prevent fishing in these streams with anything but hook 
and line. 
The law proposed is a mon stringent one, and the details 
are so carefully guarded that if passes it will not remain a 
“dead letter" on the statute book, but will be rigidly en- 
forced. 
SOUTH WEST F LORI bA. 
UEINO NOTES OF A TOUR OK EXPLORATION— UY OUR OWN 
COMMISSIONER. 
spills is the 25tli of February, and I find myself tho 
1 guest of that prince of hotel keepers, J. 11. Tognl, 
of the Metropolitan Hotel, Jacksonville, Florida. I am 
convinced that you expected a few paragraphs descriptive 
of the Southwest coast of Florida ftom "A1 Fresco," at an 
earlier day, and I deem it advisable to offer an explanation 
for my apparent neglect. I am somewhat of an old fogj , 
and compelled to wear glasses, and as these were lost over- 
board in Charlotte Harbor, I could not direct my pen, und 
in consequence your readers have not suffered from my pen 
and ink inflictions. 
On the 5th of last December, I left New York ou tho 
steamer Gulf Stream for Charleston, In company with 
Frank and Harry, to whom I sliall.refer in tho future. My 
boat, (the Spray,") with necessaries for the trip was shipped 
at Philadelphia for Savannah. 
On the night of the 7th, Ilatleras favored us with quan- 
tum sutf. of wind, and a cross sea without any foot. Al- 
though an old sea dog, I was forced to succumb to tho re 1 
medial measures of old Ncp. After mauy voyages we 
fancy that we arc competent to express an opinion regard- 
ing the sea going qualities of steam ships and sailing^ ves- 
sels, and have no hesitation in stating that tho Gulf 
Stream is remarkable for many good qualities in a heavy 
sea. We reached Charleston on the Sth at 0 P. M., and at 
11 P. M. fouud ourselves in one of the comfortable state- 
rooms of tho good steamer, Dictator, en route for Savan- 
nah. The latter placo we reached on tho 9th at 0 A. M., 
and at 12 M. left for Fernandina, and arrived at the latter 
place at 1 A. M. on the 10th, where wo landed the 
"Spray" and her crew. 
We have visited Florida on mauy occasions, nnd have 
tested the sea going qualities of tho Dictator and City 
Point, plying between Charleston, Savannah, Fcrnaudiua, 
Jacksonville, and Palatka, and cun unhesitatingly recom- 
meud them to the traveling public. The traveler who 
patronizes one of these boats will find large and pleasantly 
furnished forward and after cabius, large staterooms, good 
beds, cleau linen, an excellent table, and last, though not 
least, efficient, courteous and attentive officers and servants. 
To those who are anxious to escape the buffetiugs of old 
mother ocean, we would say, take n sleeping car on the A. 
& G. R. R. from Savennah, and Jacksonville can be reached 
in a pleasant manner. Upon reaching Savannah tho trav- 
eler will find the Lizzie Baker advertised to take the Inside 
route to Florida. The statement is only true to a certain 
extent, as the Lizzie B. is compelled to tako tho outside 
route from Fernandina Harbor to the river St. John, which 
is the most dangerous portion of the route, and as the Liz- 
zie B. is not ns well adapted to cross tho St. John’s bnr or 
to contend with heavy seas as the Dictator or City Point, 
wc unhesitatingly advise the tourist to take passage on one 
of the latter. 
Having shipped our future home, tho Spray, on a flut 
car, we left Fernandina on the morning of Friduy.thc 11th, 
and at 5 P. M. found ourselves at Cedur Keys. Wo traveled 
over this road in February 1873, nnd compliment tho man- 
agement upon the improved condition of the road bed and 
motive power. One great drawback to Cedar Keys is tho 
absence of a good hotel, and wc arc satisfied that a well 
conducted house, with a good table and properly cooked 
food, would iuduce many tourists to visit this locality. 
Fishing, hunting, and shooting in the neighborhood is 
good; the bathing excellent, und the climate superior to 
that of Jacksonville. It seems to us that parlies interested 
in the railroad would materially benefit themselves by erect- 
ing a first-class hotel at Cedar Keys. 
We expected to leave Cedar Keys for Manatee on the 
12th, by the steamer Emille, but owing to the detention of 
the steamer Clyde, plying between New Orleans, Cedar 
Keys and Havana, our departure was delayed until the 
15th. To while away the dull hours, wo proposed engag- 
ing in piscatorial pursuits, but were informed that "it wus 
too warm for sea trout to bite." Pluciug no dependence 
in the statement of the local authorities, I was resolved to 
test the matter, and secured several hundred minnows nnd 
proceeded to the railroad dock. With live hail wc caught 
sea trout (weak fish) rauging from two to six pounds, as 
fast as we could bait and land them. On many occasions 
we landed a brace weighing from four to five pounds each. 
The first day we filled a flour barrel, and the second wo 
abandoned the sport when we had captured 120 pounds. 
Around the dock sea bass aud porgies can be caught with 
cut bait, and sheephead with fiddlers. On the points and 
about the reefs a few miles from town, superior red and 
grouper fishing can be obtained at Cedar Keys. The sports- 
man will find unbounded hospitality, and courteous atten- 
tion on the part of the inhabitants. Invitations to join 
hunting and flshiDg expeditions were showered upon us, 
but we were forced to decline. From this point the tourist 
may take a steamship to New Orleans, Tampa, Punta 
Rassa, Key West, or Havana. For the purpose of cruising 
along the coast, or general sporting purposes, suitable boats 
with experienced sailing masters can be engaged at from 
four to six dollars per day. Persons desiring infoimation, 
wishing to secure boats or the services of sailing masters, 
may address Messrs. Willard and Raoux, or the post mas- 
ter, J. F. Jackson. These gentlemen would only be too 
happy to furnish any information required, os well a* 
assist sportsmen in every way upon their arrival. If these 
gentlemen are called upon by the disciples of the rod nnd 
gun, we will guarantee them a hearty welcome, and any J 
89 
assistance required. At this point wo were Introduced to a 
gentleman named Alfred E. Jones, residing nt Homos ossa, 
who Invited us to spend a fortnight at his residence. In a 
future communication wo shall refer to his hospitality and 
tho attractions of his locality. 
At Cedar Keys wo instituted numerous enquiries regard- 
mg Bronson, tho county seat of Levy county, distant 
thirty nubs from Cedar Keys, on the line of K It. t.. For- 
nandina. Fare from Now York to Bronson by Hcnnon 
Uclpho s line (m Fernandina) *25. In tho nolgbh orliood 
or Bronson door are plenty, also turkeys, brunt, duck, and 
quail can he found in abundance. Chunky Pond is distant 
from tho village about two miles; it is about two miles 
long and ono wide, connecting with a number of smaller 
ponds which extend for a distance of about nine miles. 
These ponds contuiu bream and trout (bass) in endless num- 
bers— the latter ranging from ono to Ilf loon pounds. Per- 
sons, visiting, or desirous of visiting Bronson, would do well 
lo call upon or communicato with Mr. G. Lovell, tho 
county clerk. Fho hotel nt Bronson cun accommodate Ilf 
teen Visitors; hoard $7 per week. Dr. Johnson would ac- 
commodate two or three, nnd Mr. Lovett, tho same num- 
bei ; hoard *5 per week. As a guide to the best fishing 
points, tho visitor can secure the services of James Priulon, 
and for door and turkey hunting, J. L. Tuulou or W. 11. 
Kinsey. 
Wc spent several days very pleasantly at Cedar Keys 
and inudu numerous acquaintances, and In concluding I 
cannot refrain from referring to a local institution. Ono 
evening ut 9 P. M. Messrs. Willard A Raoux invited us 
to visit tin- rear of tliclr storo, where wo found a portion of 
tho shell of a boiler, supported by brick piers, under the 
boiler was a largo lire, and on tho top thereof two barrels 
of Cedar Keys' oysters. As tho heat opened the oysters 
the crow of tho Spray went for them, and I must positively 
decline mentioning what proportion of the aforesaid oysters 
the Spray lies deposited beneath their hells. 
At, Fresco. 
■ 
(By our own Oorroipondout.] 
NOTES FROM MICHIGAN. 
I" 1 * II 10 weather has moderated almost down to a tlmw, 
A with a deep snow still extant. "Merry hells, laugh- 
ing girls, and prancing steeds inviting," so I gladly accepted 
a proffered ride to the fishing banks of Saginaw Bay in 
company with that old veteran hunter, Judge Campbell, 
and the no less enthusiastic C. C. Fil/.hugli and his brother 
1). II., of grayling celebrity. Notwithstanding his dis- 
claimer to the honor of first introducing this "coming fish' 1 
to the public, ho cannot wholly divest himself, through his 
innate modesty, of a large share of tho credit which a gen- 
erous public Is ready to ascribe to deserved though modest 
merit. 
We took the ico four miles to the mouth of tho river, 
where visious of numorous cabins opened upon us to the 
limit of sight, and multiplied by aid of a field glu.su. After 
riding to seaward five miles farther, wo drew up to the 
“Grand Central," a hotel and grocery combined, where wo 
disembarked from our sleigh and took a survey of the Ice 
and fishing huts, extending on all sides to the horizon. 
One would hardly believe the number of these sovon-hy. 
nine shanties, which till up t lie spneo or area of vision. 
Eleven hundred would not ho an exaggeration. I attempt- 
ed to count them with a glass, und gave up in despair. 
They are cosily fitted up, with a stove in one corner nnd 
a hunk or two to accommodate its occupants; and as they 
have stood the test of this severe Winter, they were made 
very comfortable. Each house is located about a rillo shot 
apart, so us to give the fish a wide berth. A hole is mndo 
through the ico in these structures thirty Inches in diame- 
ter on the lop, flanging to sixty nt tho bottom, tho thick- 
ness being thirty inches. The doors are close to obwcuro 
the light, und over these holes tho fishermen hold their rev- 
elry through the still watches of the day, with poised speur 
in baud watching the wary fish, lured by tho wooden fish 
bait to within reach of the unerring uim of tho foe, who 
arc often rewarded by u twenty pounder, and occasionally 
some Touching fifty pounds, though the average is not 
above twelve. These salmon trout, or Mnekinaw trout, us 
they are called here, are only enught eight or ten miles out 
in tho hay, while within that distauco tho pickerel, or wall- 
eyed pike, is the sole reward of their labor; the first bring- 
ing, at the catch on the ico, seven und a half cents, and tlio 
latter four and a half. Wholesale dealers lire, as every- 
where, on the alert, and readily buy up all us fust as caught, 
to he immediately shipped to market in a frozen state. 
This trade will soon be over us the Bpring approaches and 
the breaking up of the ico commences, when these little 
habitations will be seen moving hustily ushoro on sleds, to 
remain for another season. Thousands of lumbermen have 
been thrown out of employment, and have taken to this 
moans of livelihood. Like the victims of the grasshoppers 
in the West, they have turned to the chose, and the market 
is thereby glutted with game. 
Speckled trout arc reported to be plenty in tho streams 
running northward, the bead waters of which are reached 
by the Jackson, Lansing aud Saginaw Railroad, say 115 
miles from this city, to its present terminus beyond the Au 
Sable. Short carries may be necessary, but no more* than 
could be expected on any fishing expedition. Tho great 
desire is to sec our “editor in chief’ out in this section dur- 
ing the season, and many indulge the hope that he may 
make himself visible in these quarters, where he cun (they 
say) plant himself in a well equipped boat and fish the gruy- 
liog down the Au Sable 175 miles to Its mouth. I need 
