236 
FOREST AND STREAM 
0 , 7 /i/f §ttn. 
MAY IS A CLO SE MON TH FOR GAME. 
—The meeting of the State Sportsmen’s Association has 
been definitely fixed for Monday May 31st. 
—The Paine-Bogardus match has been postponed to 
May 29th. 
—In our report of the Annual Re union of the Philadel- 
phia Sportsmen’s Club in our last issue, we were in error 
in stating that the second prize at trap shooting fell to Mr. 
Harrison. Mr. A. Biddle was the skillful competitor to 
whose lot it fell. 
—At the annual meeting of the Central New York Club, 
held at the Butterfield House, Utica, a week ago, the fol- 
lowing officers were elected:— President, Thomas R. Pioc- 
tor; Vice Presidents, Win. M. Storrs, Jas. O. French; Sec- 
retary aud Treasurer, Charles R. Weed; Executive Com- 
mittee, John D. Kernan, J. Fred Maynard; Delegates to 
State Sportsmen’s Convention at Watertown, Chas. W. 
Hutchinson, E B. Graham, L C. McIntosh, E. Z. Wright, 
Col. F. G. Skinner. 
There will be a large delegation from the Central New 
York Club at the meeting of the State sportsmen at Water- 
town. 
—The sportsmen of Bridgeport organized a club in 
that city on the 15th instant with a goodly membership. 
-*•*- 
FIELD GUN TRIAL OF 1873. 
W E append herewith the results of this important 
trial as far as received. It will be borne in mind 
that the “ Class 2” to which the table applies was composed 
of guns of any kind not exceeding 12 guage, the charges 
to be li oz. number 6 shot, and no restriction as regards 
powder. “Class 1,” comprising guns of 8 guage and over, 
hnd not been shot at the time the last issue of the Field was 
in press. The guus were fired first at 40 yards, with a Pet- 
titt pad in the centro of a 30 inch circle, six shots from 
each barrel. The greatest number of pellets within the 
circle being added to six times the number of sheets pene- 
trated by three pellets in order to give the figure of merit. 
The six highest guns in this round were selected for a 
second round, and shot at a target 4 feet square, having a 
Pettitt pad in the centre for penetration, and a selected 
group included in a 30 inch circle drawn from a centre se- 
lected by the competitor, for pattern: six shots being fired 
first at 40 yards, and the same number at 00 yards, the 
figure of merit being computed in the same manner as in 
the first round; the gun making the highest score from 
both distances to be adjudged the winner of the cup. Our 
space will not permit of our giving more than the names of 
the competitors and the figures of merit in the first round; 
in the second we give the total scores. It will be remem. 
bered that a maker was not confined to one gun. Messrs 
Thompson & Son, Messrs J. Rigby & Son and Mr. W. W. 
Greener, used the Pigou powder, and the rest the Curtis & 
Harvey; 3 dr. was the average charge:— 
FIELD GUN TRIAL -TABLE OF RESULTS. 
9j att 2 for 1* gauge atui under, or any boring, weight not exceeding 7* 
pound*, charge of shot. If ounce t. 
Round 1— (10 yards, with central group of 30-inch circle.) 
Nome. 
Average 
pattern. 
Jackson. H-, Loudon. 
Pape, W. R., Newca«tlo-on-Tyno 144.0 
Richard*. W., Liverpool 140-7 
Righy. J. A Co., London aud Dnbltn. . 12SI 7 
Wilson, E-. Hornenstlo VSf . 5 
Turner, T.. Birmingham 148 a 
Patstono, J.. Southampton 140.5 
Hlehara, C. & H., Liverpool 114 I 
Powell, P. Tonbridge 145.1 
Gates, F., Derby 149 
Sumners, W , Liverpool 114 8 
Thomson A Son, Edinburgh 186.1 
Jeffries, L,, Birmingham 158.5 
Wiiles, D., Grout Yarmouth 171.6 
Joues, W., Birmingham IIS 9 
Malebam, C. H„ Sheffield 108.2 
Baker, F. T., London 175.5 
Green, E. C. Cheltenham U8» 2 
Reilly, Messrs. London 123 1 
Crane, J. 11 , London 145 2 
Tanion, W , Touterden 15: 2 
Tisdall. li. \V., Birmingham 158.5 
Murcott, T-. London 1411.9 
Crutchloe, J.. Oswestry 93 
Tolley, J. A W,, Binniugliam 158.5 
Adams A Co. , London 121 
Dongall, J. D , London 145.7 
Holland, J., London 168.2 
Do.ison, P., Morpeth 166.1 
Pape, W. K , New custle-ou Tyne. . 152 
Richunls, W., Liverpool 122.6 
Rigby A Co,. London aud Dublin 140.2 
Wilson. E., Horncastle 150 9 
Turner, T„ Birmingham 136.4 
Higbnm, C. nnd It , Liverpool 119.3 
Powell, P.. TouBridge 130 l 
Gates, F-, Derby 143 2 
Sumners, W , Liverpool 141 
Thomson A Son, Edinburgh 171.2 
Jeffries. L., Birmingham 12S.6 
Jones, W.. Birmingham . ...163.4 
Greener, W. W„ Birmingham 199 
Malebam, C. II., Sheffield 158.3 
Baker, F. T., London.. 176 5 
Green, E. C., Cheltenham 170.5 
Reilly, Messrs,, London .124 
Crane, J. H . London 168.2 
Tisdall, H. W., Birmingham 166.1 
Murcott, T., London 157.6 
Tolley, J. and W-, Birmingham 144.5 
Adam* A Co., London 126. 2 
Dou.-all, J, D., London and Glasgow — 110.5 
Holland, J., London 181 8 
Davison, R., Morpeth 179.5 
Pape, W. R , Newcastle-on-Tyne 182.2 
Richards, W., Liverpool 140 
Rigbg, J. A Co .182.4 
Turner, T., Birmingham 139.2 
Gates, F„ Derby 174.4 
Jeffries, L.. Birmingham 145.6 
Greener, W. W., Birmingham 101.2 
Maleham, C. W., Sheffield 173.5 
Green, F.. C,, Cheltenham I7l 8 
Reilly, Messrs., London 132.8 
Crane, J, H., London '2S.3 
Murcott, T., Loudon... 141 6 
Dongall. J. D., London mi 6 
Davison, R., Morp«h 143 
Average 
penetration 
multiplied 
by 6. 
148 
174.5 
169 
165.3 
163.5 
150 6 
160.4 
165.8 
174 
178.5 
151.7 
173 
192 
173.5 
151.5 
183.5 
196 
178 
169.5 
165 
164.5 
185 
176.5 
190.5 
172.5 
147 5 
146 
161 
188 
100 5 
182 
161.5 
186.5 
196.5 
165.5 
178 
158 
179 
173 
168 
191.5 
206 5 
18V 5 
188 
187.6 
181 
168.3 
183.1 
167.5 
167 5 
151 
Jt7 
104 
197 
2U0.5 
178.5 
170.1 
169 
190 
194 
186.5 
189 
159.6 
166 
161.6 
158 
185.5 
If 
25T.6 
319.1 
309.7 
294.9 
293 
299.1 
800.9 
279.9 
319.1 
327 5 
266.5 
839.1 
345 0 
345.1 
302.4 
810.7 
371.5 
347.2 
262.6 
310 2 
3 15 7 
348.5 
317 4 
283 5 
331 
271.5 
291.7 
329.2 
352.1 
312.5 
304 6 
301.7 
337.4 
802.9 
284 8 
303.1 
301.2 
820 
344.2 
296.6 
314 9 
405.5 
348.8 
364 5 
358 
305 
336.5 
349 2 
825 1 
312 
277.2 
297.5 
313 8 
376.5 
382 7 
813.5 
252.5 
303.2 
351.4 
335.6 
356.2 
360 
360.8 
322.3 
294 3 
303.1 
298 6 
838 5 
Round 8— (At 40 yards aud 60 yards, with soleclod group of 30-lnch cir 
cla at noth distances.) 
Penetration 
multiplied. 
FI 
Name. 
Pattern. 
Final 
Fig of 
Merit. Merit. 
* 
Averages 
Davison, 1L, 40 yard* 
Averages 
Ditto, 60 yards 
Averages 
Pape, tV. K., 40 yards 
Averages 
Ditto, 80 yards — 
Averages 
Baker, F. T., 40 yards 
Averages 
Ditto, 60 yards 
Averages 
Baker, F, T., 40 yards. 
Avcrsges 
Ditto, 60 yards. 
1..B. 
R.B. 
l n. 
11 B. 
..‘256 
206 
160 
168 
.'14 
173 
174 
ISO 
214 
233 
186 
1811 
237 
221 
192 
192 
191 
203 
192 
193 
210 
231 
910 
198 
. 21 4'. 5 
183 
81 
84 
06 
68 
01 
81 
96 
81 
76 
96 
96 
105 
97 
00 
96 
97 
112 
114 
126 
1U0 
100 
108 
120 
— — s 
•— w 
91 9 
100.3 
189 
204 
180 
186 
187 
'.33 
180 
168 
186 
195 
216 
174 
103 
134 
218 
168 
170 
2-13 
2*2 
•216 
190 
137 
204 
150 
. 176 
7 
ltll 
. 94 
74 
108 
102 
120 
no 
78 
S-t 
; ir. 
89 
96 
H4 
109 
143 
102 
126 
too 
113 
96 
90 
13; 
93 
10* 
lOS 
402.3 
192.1, 
297,4 
305.5 
286.6 
3d. 
...85.8 
87 6 
Averages 
Davison, E , 40 yards. 
Averages . 
214 
174 
193 
222 
174 
159 
ISO 
198 
>99 
166 
198 
180 
170 
115 
174 
1S6 
194 
210 
192 
I HI 
164 
18J 
168 
204 
...177 
.2 
190 
90 
85 
114 
84 
71 
64 
98 
M 
94 
51 
108 
54 
62 
83 
66 
102 
101 
64 
90 
1*0 
27 
104 
0 
102 
. 78.5 
85 
.133 
160 
180 
210 
260 
200 
>86 
192 
195 
100 
174 
156 
*24 
172 
138 
ISO 
186 
207 
210 
156 
196 
103 
1(12 
114 
— — 
. 174 1 
171 
5 
15 
90 
72 
86 
97 
108 
90 
66 
33 
102 
12 
K» 
126 
72 
90 
90 
98 
90 
1*0 
85 
91 
102 
120 
184.4 
301.6 
:72 8 
867.2 
161 5 
846.8 
275.7 
• 267.3 
269.1 
Averages. 84.5 89 178.5 J 
Class 3, comprising 12-gaugo grins of English boring, re- 
sulted as follows:— 
Final figure of merit. 
Mr. Turner (1st and cup) 227.2 
Mr. Davlaon (2d) -225 8 
Mr. Davison (3d gun 216,1 
Mr. L Jeffries 211.5 
Mr. Greener .210,2 
Mr. Maleham 205.7 
The Field comments upon the result of the trial as fol- 
lows: — 
“Our readers may remember that we have previously 
expressed our opinion that the new system is an immense 
improvement on the old, if only the 'wild shots hitherto 
met with in the recorded trials at Birmingham and Wim- 
bledon can be eliminated, and it is found that the guns so 
bored will stand the test of work. On the first or these 
poiuts the present trial will satisfy everyone that by longer 
experience the cause of this want of uniformity has been 
discovered, or at all events that the effect has ceased; for 
by an examination of tho returns it will be seen that the 
shooting has been unusually regular— far more so than that 
recorded by us in 1880. Mr. Greener's lowest pattern with 
bis best gun, out of 24 shots, was 157; Mr. Pape’s 89 once, 
the next being 145 twice; Mr. Baker, out of 48 shots with 
his two guns, had 78, 105, and 115; while Mr. Davison only 
dropped to 100, 108, and 125. 
With regard to “wear and tear," our present trial only 
extended to 06 shots with the six winning guns, which each 
shot 22 cartridges in the first round; then 22 pit shots (after 
cleaning out); and finally two rounds of 12 each— first at 
40 yards, and afterwards at 60 — the last 46 without beiug 
louched with the rod, and leaving no perceptible trace of 
leading. Two of the four competitors left in for the final 
round (Mr. Greener and Mr. Baker) have, however, agreed 
to carry on the trial under our supervision for the next 
three months, firing with the same gun three or four hundred 
rounds a week, ana taking after each hundred half a dozen 
target shots, which we will record from time to time, 60 
that our readers may judge for themselves the effect of 
“wear and tear” upon these guns. 
The increase of penetration is, as we have before remark- 
ed, even more marvelous than the increase of pattern; for 
it must be remembered that in this trial the number of 
sheets counted wa9 limited by those broken by three shots, 
and not by a single pellet as before. This makes a differ- 
ence of about five or six sheets, for there were a good many 
guns which thoroughly broke the last sheet of 45 with a 
single pellet ; but none, except one of Mr. Rigby’s pierced 
45 sheets with 3 pellets. Of tho six left in Mr. Pape 
scored 44x6=”240; Mr. Baker getting 39x6—234; Mr. 
Greener and Mr. Davison each 38x6=228. Several pellets 
at 40 yards broke the sheet iron facing of the target, l-18th 
inch thick, and the deal frame of the iron plate for defluing 
the 30-inch circle was completely reduced to tinder in the 
two days’ shooting, rendering a new one necessury. Clearly, 
if tho “wear and tear" test conics out successfully, every 
sportsman must order a new gun or bo hors de combat , both 
in the open and in battue sliootiug, as compared with those 
who are furnished with guns on the new system. At our 
trial of 1866 the winning pattern was 127-1, and the pene- 
tration of one pellet 25-4, and this pattern has not been 
quite reached in -the first round of “Class 3" at this trial, 
though the penetration ha9 been greater. Our impression 
is that the laminated steel used by Mr. Greener and Mr. 
Papo is a great aid to the new boring, but this is only an 
impression. Such as it is, however, we put it forth for the 
benefit of our readers. The constriction or “choking" of 
the muzzle seems to us to require a harder kind of metal 
than Damascus to stand the severe strain put upon it, and 
we have reason to believe that several gunmakers, who 
have tried the new system with Damascus barrels, have 
condemned it as not standiug even for a fortnight; while 
those who adopt laminated steel are ready to warrant their 
guns to 6tand at least one season without loss of shooting 
power, and then to be easily brought back to their old 
form at a very trifling expense. 
With these cursory remarks— and merely adding to them 
the fact that all the guus left in were used with chilled 
shot, as were also more than three-fourths of the whole 
class, we must close our first report of this most interest- 
ing trial." 
WOOD POWDER TESTS. 
Norwalk, Conn., May 10th, 1875. 
Eorron Fobest and Stream: — 
I got a can of wood powdor at Squires’ the other day— at least I sup- 
pose it was Dlttmar’s wood powder; that It what I inquired for. It 
came In a square tin can like boxed mustard wo set at the grocery stores, 
with a cover the whole size of tho top of the box. It had no label or 
wrapper stating whether It was Dlttmor’s, Schultz's, or mustard; whether 
it was for rifles, shot guDs, or pistols; how much to use, or how little. 
It looked like granulated mustard, and I thought may be it was; bull 
bad asked for Ditlmar’s wood powdor, and I knew Mr. S. practiced giv- 
ing what waa callod for, so I allayed my suspicions and Invested and 
took a can homo. (Would’t it be wo 1 to label for benefit of buyers?) 
It was quite a curiosity among (be boys. Doc declared It was a fraud, 
aud I was just "gulling" my friends a little, and continued to look at It 
in that light and was quite officious to help me show up nnd explain, 
and so help "take them in." But I Induced him to load up his gun next 
morning, although ho continued to protest I was fooling him, and If truo, 
I had better put some ground between us. I stood at my post and he 
held the barrels straight, and to ray satisfaction and his asloulshment 
(as he afterwards said) "it went off" with li’ tie smoke, slight report, no 
recoil, and a well peppered target spoke for Its efficiency as a powder. 
But the next one that experimented was not satisfied. We substitu- 
ted for his benefit an ounco of sifted seeds which a person not famil- 
iar with them would easily confound with the powder. He loaded a few 
shells that evening, and after getting targots ready, ground measured 
off, Ac., he proceeded— well, tried to shoot. No result reported; but I 
know It was damaging to Dittmar and to us. But It cost the "shootist" 
roast oysters for six next day— "only don't say anything about it, boys." 
Now that I have given you two trials that made fun for us, I will give 
yon the results of some experiments that will show how it actually 
worked with me. For black powdor I used Lightning No. 7; distance, 
40 yards; target, 24x30 Inches; No. 7 shot, Leroy A Co. Forpenotra- 
tlon pads I used some old Rush's almanac, 26 leaves and two thick cov- 
ers. The gun was a Parker breech loader, 12 gange, SO inch, 81 pounds. 
The cartridges were carefully loaded, nnd were as nearly uniform ns 
possible; a Baldwin and pink-edged wad over powder; one pink-edge 
oyer shot. In the penetration I counted as many leaves as I found per- 
forated if only two or three shot were followed. In tho four drachm, 
No. 4 shot trial, some of the pellets were driven through the thick 
Russia stove pipe iron used for targot with the wood powder, and all 
the shot that struck the pads were sent uniformly through. With four 
drachms of black powder the recoil was unpleasant; with wood powder 
the recoil very light. I noticed no particular cleaning of the barrels by 
using wood after black; but I did notice that repeated discharges of 
Dlttmar’s did uot soil the gun as much as one of black. With wood the 
report was no more than half, ami tho smoke was certainly much less, 
In fact the small quantity was remarked by those present. I have re- 
peated the trials several times and do not find results to vary much 
from the table sent. I expect to try black against wood in a fine Ballaid 
rifle with a friend, and also the same with breech loaders against muzzle 
loaders as soon as weather permits, and if what I have said don't satisfy 
you I will report again. It may turn out different with different guns 
and another kind of black powder. Uli . 
Three drachm* Powder, one os. Shot, No. 7. 
Pattern 
114 
146 
147 
159 
WOOD. 1 
Patter*. Penetration. 
139 72 
151 78 
166 68 
150 104 
Average Pattern- 151. 
“ Penetration— 80. 
Four drachm* Powder, lone os 
wood. | 
Pattern. Ponctrallon. 
74 130 
73 166 
Average Pattern— 73. 
" Penetratlou— 143, 
BLACK. 
Penetration. 
62 
78 
69 
90 
Average Pattern— 141. 
“ Penetration— T2. 
Shot, No. 4. 
BLACK, 
Pattern. Penetration. 
57 93 
70 130 
Average Pattern— 63. 
" Peuetrutlon — 112. 
Marysville, Cal., April 87, 1S75. 
Editor Forest and Stream : — 
1 inclose score of Yuba Shooting Club at a match held on the 16th 
Inst., twelve birds, a silvor medal for the best string, and a leather ono 
for the poorest: 
Name. 
Score. 
Totnl. 
Stone 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
0 
1 
1- 
(« 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
0 
1 
1 
0 
1 
0- 
Roth 
1 
0 
1 
0 
1 
0 
1 
1 
1 
1 
0 
1— 
8 
Bomctter 
0 
1 
1 
1 
0 
1 
1 
1 
1 
0 
1 
0- 
8 
Prickelt 
0 
0 
1 
1 
0 
1 
0 
0 
1 
1 
1 
1— 
Abbott. 
1 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
1 
0 
1 
0 
1 
1— 
6 
Green 
0 
1 
1 
0 
i 
0 
0 
1 
1 
1 
0 
0- 
6 
George 
0 
1 
0 
0 
l 
0 
0 
1 
1 
0 
1- 
6 
Bingham 
1 
0 
1 
0 
0 
1 
0 
0 
1 
0 
0 
1— 
5 
0 
0 
ft 
0 
1 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
1- 
3 
Williams 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 
1 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 - 
3 
Wearmau 
1 
0 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 — 
3 
Barthe 
0 
0 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
1— 
2 
It wLll be seen by the above that O. F. Stone won the first prize, and 
Eugene Barthe carried off the leather. Hoping that our fall shoot will 
show an improvement, 1 remain, respectfully yours, 
A. C. Bingham, President Tuba Shootlug Club, 
—The pigeon shooting tournament of the Meadville, Pn., 
Sportsmen’s Club was called for the 19th May, and wepri- 
sume took place yesterday. The prizes amounted to $200, 
and 1,200 wild birds were to be sVv*>t at. We hope to re- 
ceive a report of the proceedings, 
