FOREST AND STREAM 
267 
belli. Shakespeare mentions it in the Winter’s Tale (act 
iv., scene 3), where Autolycus says : “Here’s another ballad 
of a fish that appeared upon the coait on Wednesday, the 
fourscore of April, forty thousand fathoms above water. 
I sung this ballad against the hard hearts of maids. It 
was thought she was a woman and was turned into a cold 
fish, for she would not exchange flesh with one that loved 
her. The ballad is very pitiful, and as true.” 
And agaiu, in the Tempest, Trinculo says'in doubtful 
compliment to Caliban: “What have we here? a man or a 
fish? dead or alive? A fish; he smells like a fish; a very 
ancient and fish-like smell; a kind of not of the newest. 
Poor John, a strange fish. Were I in England now (as 
once I was), and had but this fish painted, not a holiday 
fool there but would give a piece of silver. Legged like a 
man, his fins like arms,” ete. 
In 1566 a printed notice appeared in England having as 
a title, “The description of a rare or rather most monstrous 
fishe, taken on the east coast of Holland the 17th of No- 
vember, anno 1566," with a modern cut of the creature, 
aud beneath the following lines:— 
‘‘Thu works of God, how great and strange they bo, 
A picture plolne, behold, heure you may eec." 
Among the Babylonians and Hebrews these same tales 
were believed, and at the excavations of Khorsabad M. 
Botta found a figure of Ordmus, a creature half man and 
half fish, and at Nimroud M. Layard brought to light an im- 
mense statue with a fish’s head as a cap and a body depend- 
ing over the shoulders. On the coins of Ascalon, iu has 
relief, is the figure of a goddess, while at her feet lies a 
creature that would evidently be more at home “down 
among the mermaids at the bottom of the sea." So among 
all nations we find these queer, quaint tales, so astound- 
ing to us in youth and not unpleasant in their halo of ro- 
mance iu later years. The pet subject of the ancient poets, 
and the wouder of antique naturalists, they will always 
live in the imagination and uphold the romance of the sea. 
DEER PARKS AND PADDOCKS. 
T HE "following description of the manner in which an 
old pioneer and frontiersman is spending the winter 
of his life, calls to mind the fact, that as a people we are 
undergoing great changes, aud in our tastes and modes of 
life approaching nearer to the races from which we sprung. 
There is a growing tendency on the part of men who have 
amassed or inherited fortunes, to withdraw from the bustle 
of business and devote themselves to such pursuits and 
recreations as afford not only pastime, but, in many in- 
stances, are calculated to improve and educate the people 
by whom they are surrounded. Judge Catou is not alone 
in the possession of a deer park, as there are a number of 
others, both public and private, scattered over the country, 
and many gentlemen of means are by the collection of ani- 
mals of various kinds, interesting themselves closely in the 
study of naturul history. The sparing of forest trees with 
a view to the future adornment of his home, is a subject 
which would scarcely have presented itself to the average 
American of fifty years ago. Now, however, there is for 
tunately a disposition to spare them, and in some States, 
to even increase the supply. Notwithstanding the fact that 
California is the least well supplied with timber of any of 
the States, what she has is most gloriously disposed and ar- 
ranged by nature for the adornment of the country. In 
places you may drive for miles through natural parks of 
evergreen oaks, many of them assuming the shape of the 
pollard, which is so highly esteemed in England. The ad- 
dition of an occasional herd of deer would enable them to 
rival anything across the water, where centuries of labor 
have been lavished upon Britain's pride, her noblo parks. 
Rockford, III., May 20th, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
While on a recent visit to Ottawa, a parly, of which I was fortunately 
a member, received a cordial invitation to visit the well known parks be- 
longing to Judge Cuton. I had heard often of the Judge, ho being one of 
the weullhiest aud most influential men in the State, but I did not kuow 
nntil my visit and acquaintance how different he was in many respects 
from many other wealthy men. 
Judge C. is a noble specimen of a pioneer. He is of unusual size, 
being over six feet In height, strong chest and limbs, and is, even In his 
old age, a powerful man. Ho has always delighted in field and forest 
sports. He says "he does a little shooting yet." Ho has nn inexhausti- 
ble fund of rich experience connected with the history of his part of the 
State. Judging from the pride ho bus taken in preserving the native 
forest trees in his parks, and the pleasure ho takes In showing apprecia- 
tive friends around among them, he is in sympathy with Miss Cory's 
beautiful poem: 
“ Of all the beautiful pictures 
That hang in memory’s hall, 
Is one of a dim old forest 
That eeemelh best of all." 
I could hardly do justice to any description of Judge Caton’s home 
aud the parks without giving a brief description of Ottawa and Its beau- 
tiful situation. The natural beauty of Ottawa's surroundings cannot be 
surpassed. It is here that Fox River, a stream of no inconsiderable Im- 
portance, empties into its more pretentious and better known neighbor— 
Illinois River. Both streams are bordered by high bluffs, which have 
been chosen as sites for many of the handsome dwelling places of the 
moro wealthy citizens. Ottawa is a city of about 10,000 inhabitants, and 
Is admirably situnted for manufacturing purposes. It has lately been 
attracling considerable attention as a place of resort, as springs have 
been found there whose waters possess rare medicinal virtue. But your 
readers will care more to know about Judge Caton's deer parks. About 
a mile from the business part of the city, and upon one of the most 
beautiful bluffs, commanding a fine view of the town, the two rivers, 
and all the surrounding country, is situated Judge Caton's splendid resi- 
dence, and just west of the house is park No. 1. At or near the en- 
trance Is a small lake, the banks of which have been protected with cob- 
ble stones, aud there is a little artificial stone island Iu the middlo of 
the lake. Hove can be seen some rare specimens — Jupauosc geese, Chi- 
nese geese, domesticated Canada geese, and mallard and other varieties 
of wild ducks— and what seemed stranger than ull to me, a pair of sand 
hill cranes and braut; for I had never before seen the lutter named fowls 
domesticated. There are also in this park a large flock of (tame) wild 
turaeys. aud twenty or more deer; all hut a few of which are the com. 
mon Virginia deer. There are two antelop# and one mule deor; the lat- 
ter the Judge values highly, it having beeu sent to him by a friend from 
Mexico. After viewing and admiring the variety of beast* and birds In 
park No. 1 wo were conducted to the elk park. This park U surrounded 
by a very high picket fence, and people are warned to "stay out'' or to 
enter at the peril of their lives, ns some of the elk are vicious, particu- 
larly one cross old follow, who "killed his man" lost Winter. This herd 
of elk, consisting of about twenty, have attracted much atteution, it 
being the largest herd owned by any private Individual In this part of 
the country. Their owner takes great pride Iu his herd, and has made 
himself acquainted with the habits and peculiarities of this species of 
deer. We were highly entertained and instructed by au account given 
us by the Judge of his recent trip to Norway, and some observations he 
had mndo regarding the resemblance the reindeer of Norway beurs to 
the elk and curibou of our own country, lie has evidently posted him. 
self thoroughly in these matters. We were taken from the elk park to 
see the Alderney and Durham cattle, among which we saw some flue 
animals, and thence to the conservatory, where we found, In cheering 
contrast to the bleak appearanco of the foliage outside, (owing to the 
tardy comiug of warm weather,) a grand profusion of rich aud fragrant 
flowers. Among other things shown us was a handsome rose iu full 
bloom, which the Judge hnd brought himself from Rome. Also a Japa- 
nese tree with the fruit hanging almost ripe. After seeing other things of 
Interest wo bado our host farewell, receiving a cordial invitation to come 
again, which wo hope to do some time. Should you or your readers ever 
visit Ottawa don't fail |o flud out some friend who can take you to 
Judge Caton's. You will flud him a genial old man, and ho can enter- 
tain you hour after hoar by relating his early pioneer stories, many of 
them from his own personal experience, and his parks and valuable col- 
lections will richly repay you for a visit. Occasional. 
*•* 
POWDER TESTS. 
W E published editorially last week an article which 
was intended to have appeared only as a commu- 
nication, with tests of various descriptions of powder. 
Since then, and upon more careful examination of the dif- 
ferent brands tested by the gentleman who furnished us 
with the tobies, we have concluded that such tests are of 
little value as showing the relations between either Ameri- 
can and English, or the different makers of the native ar- 
ticle, unless precisely similar grades, with corresponding 
rank, are used. 
Iu this country each manufacturer makes at least five 
grades of powder, ranking from the highest to the lowest 
qualities; each for speciul uses aud adapted to those uses. 
Each of these grades has its corresponding rank with every 
manufacturer, aud in composition of materials, in finish of 
appearance, and in other particulars, are designed to be 
identical. A comparison of different powders should be a 
comparison of powders of the same grade of the respective- 
makers. Any other comparison is simply unfair, and tends 
to mislead the public. 
The Duponts make five grades, of which the first three 
are— 1st, “Diamond Grain;’’ 2d, "Eagle Duck;’’ 3d, “Rifle." 
The corresponding grade of Hazard’s make are— 1st, “Elec- 
tric;" 2d, “Duck Shooting," or “American Sporting;’’ 3d, 
"Kentucky Rifle." While the corresponding grades of 
Laflin and Rand’s make are— 1st, “Orange Lightning;" 2d, 
“Orange Ducking;” 3d, “Orange Rifle.” The “Creed- 
moor” brand of this last company belongs by composition 
of materials and finish to their second grade. The Curtis 
and Harvey No. 0 English powder belongs to the first grade 
of that manufacturer. 
The tables published show, then, the comparison between 
the first and second grades of Laflin & Rand Company, 
the third grade of Hazard’s, and the first grade of Curtis 
& Harvey’s English make, thus making the tables, as show- 
ing tests between powders of totally different grades and 
quality, entirely valueless. 
But after all, this sort of test, though curious aud sug- 
gestive, gives little satisfaction to the practical marksman, 
who judges of the suitability of his ammunition by the 
result it produces. One only of the four powders tested 
has secured a preference with the experts and sharpshoot- 
ers at Creedmoor range, and that is the Hazard rifle pow- 
der, which apparently shows the lowest velocity of the 
four. Practically a powder not too quick proves to be much 
the steadiest in its impulse to the ball, and is found more 
reliable than powder of higher velocity, which increases 
the chance of upsetting the ball and is more or less capri- 
cious in its action. Major Fulton, who stands at the head 
of these experts, states that in using the Curtis & Harvey 
No. 6 (which by the Burton test showed a velocity of 1,507 
feet) he was compelled to make his elevation at the 1,000 
yards range five points higher than when using the Hazard 
(whose velocity by the same test was determined at 1,404 
feet), so that the slowest velocity proved itself capable of 
securing the lowest trajectory, a matter of no small im- 
portance, as every long range shooter knows. On the other 
hand, there are uses to which powders of great quickness 
are specially adapted, and these are supplied by the other 
brands included in Burton’s tests and the corresponding 
grades made by the other manufacturers, all of which 
doubtless have tbelc friends and advocates. 
Death of Hon. K. C. Barker. — The Detroit Free Press 
gives the following particulars of the drowning of the Hon. 
K. C. Barker, once Mayor of Detroit Commodore of the 
North Western Yacht Club, a leading member of the Trot- 
ting Association and member of the Board of Appeals of 
the National Trotting Association: — “Between 9 and 10 
o’clock on Thursday morning, 20th ult., the yacht Mattie 
set sail for Gibraltar light house, at the mouth of Detroit 
River. The passengers consisted of Kirkland C. Barker, 
Frederick Dudgeon. Marely Webb and Peter Miller. When 
almost opposite Dallas Norvell’s dock at Texas Landing, 
three hundred feet from the Canadian shore, and in a direct 
line with their homes at Grosse Isle, but little over a mile 
distant, the Mattie unexpectedly stink. A white capped 
sea raged, aud with great difficulty the ho ly of Mr. Barker, 
a corpulant mau, was recovered. The rest were all lost. 
Mr. Barker was the owner of the celebrated trotting sire 
Ericsson, and largely engaged in breediug young trotting 
stock ," 
§he £iifle. 
THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. 
| Spring meeting commenced most auspiciously on 
,, Friday last, the day being perfect and the lawns of 
Creedmoor looking like velvet under the warm sun. The 
new Wimbledon targets, circular in form, were used and 
the new system of scoring, the bullseye counting live in- 
stead of four as formerly, centre four, inner three and 
outer two. For the Directors’ Match there were thirteen 
entries. At 3:30 P. M. a Gatling gun gave the signal to 
commence firing, and the competitors at the 200 yard range 
took their positions. Major Fulton and Mr. E. II. San- 
ford tying, each fired another shot, and Major Fulton mak- 
ing a bullseye to his opponent’s centre is entitled to wear 
the badge until the next meeting. The following are Hu. 
scores : — 
Name. 
Major Henry Fulton, 
E. it. Sanford 
Gen. W. G. Ward 
Col. II. A. Gildereieeve. 
Cant. J. G, Story 
Col. G. W. Wingate 
Gen. T. S. Dukm 
Gen. M. T. McMahon 
Col. John Wurd a 
Gen. Alexander Shuler ' (i o 
Col. Richard Vose o o 
Gen. J. B. Woodward a a 
Gen. ICUbourn Knox 0 0 0 0 6 
Following the above came the short range match, open 
to all members of the National Rifle Association, any rifle 
position standing. Twelve prizes were offered, the first the 
gold medal presented by the Spirit of the Timex, the next a 
life membership in the Nutional Rifle Association and $25 
in cash; also niue cash prizes, varying in value from $3 to 
$50. Fifty-nine riflemen appeared as contestants, with llio 
scores as given below. Again Major Fulton was success- 
ful, scoring 33 out of a possible 35, said to be the highest 
score ever achieved on a circular target :— 
Score* , 
8-1533 
3 
3 
•I 
2 
10 2 :) a 
.0 3 2 3 3 
5 2 2 
2 
-1 
2 
2 
.8 5 
3 0 
I 2 
3 0 
0 2 
.5 2 
3 3 
3 4 
2 2 
4 3 
2 0 
0 4 
0 0 
Totals, 
17 
IT 
13 
14 
12 
12 
11 
II 
11 
8 
It 
0 
Name. 
Major Henry Fulton 5 
A. F. Lindfey . 4 
Scores. 
r. 
4 
4 
5 
5 
5 
....4 
4 
3 
4 
4 
5 
4 
4 
4 
4 
4 
...5 
4 
5 
5 
3 
2 
3 
4 
5 
3 
0 
5 
.4 
5 
2 
2 
4 
8 
. . .5 
4 
3 
4 
0 
3 
1 
4 
3 
8 
3 
2 
3 
2 
U 
4 
4 
3 
3 
3 
3 
" 
....4 
4 
4 
4 
2 
0 
....3 
2 
3 
3 
8 
...8 
3 
3 
3 
3 
4 
3 
2 
4 
3 
3 
. ...3 
4 
4 
3 
0 
4 
....5 
3 
2 
U 
8 
l 
. 8 
3 
0 
3 
4 
3 
3 
0 
4 
5 
2 
3 
3 
2 
4 
5 
5 
0 
4 
5 
5 
3 
... 1 
3 
1 
■’ 
1 
4 
2 
2 
8 
5 
... 2 
4 
3 
4 
8 
n 
.2 
2 
5 
2 
.0 
3 
3 
4 
4 
1 
4 
4 
2 
2 
ll 
0 
8 
3 
5 
8 
. . . .4 
3 
2 
2 
3 
4 
2 
4 
3 
2 
. .3 
4 
3 
3 
u 
2 
.2 
0 
0 
3 
4 
0 
. .2 
5 
‘ 
t) 
2 
4 
. .3 
2 
3 
4 
0 
5 
2 
4 
2 
3 
2 
....2 
3 
tl 
3 
3 
3 
2 
2 
8 
i) 
1 
. .. 0 
2 
3 
2 
3 
2 
....0 
2 
4 
3 
0 
2 
....2 
0 
3 
2 
0 
4 
....4 
0 
3 
0 
i 
3 
0 
0 
3 
0 
5 
2 
... 2 
2 
II 
2 
4 
4 
... 3 
2 
0 
0 
4 
0 
0 
2 
2 
0 
3 
4 
0 
It 
3 
5 
0 
3 
. .3 
3 
0 
2 
2 
3 
....0 
2 
3 
0 
a 
8 
....a 
0 
0 
3 
0 
....a 
3 
2 
2 
0 
. . .0 
0 
0 
2 
2 
...0 
0 
2 
2 
0 
3 
.0 
2 
0 
(1 
0 
8 
. . .0 
0 
0 
0 
u 
2 
.3 
0 
II 
(1 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
3 
II 
0 
‘J 
0 
3 
u 
ll 
...0 
1 ) 
l> 
0 
0 
5 
J. T.B. Collins;...., 
l’hlll|) Klein 
J . L. Price 
Oi to Schneelock 
Alexander Pyle 
Edward Barker 
E. II. Madison 
Gen. T. S. Dakin . . . 
Gen. F. F. Milieu. . 
W. B. Fatwell 
L. Tiffany 
W.W. Skidd v 
A. M. Mitchell. 
Lleat, F. W. Uofele. 
G. E. Man „ 
William Bevau 11 4 
E. U. Sanford 1 
John Meagher 
Lieut. Cofi John Rucgc 
T. M. Henderson 
J. 8. Conlfn 
F. Carpenter 
J. A. Gee 
Col. H. A, Gildereieeve. . 
F P. Pike 
Col. G. W. Wingate ;) 
J II. Cowperthwalte . 
F. Whittaker 
J. R, G rohmun, . 
R. Hath bone 3 
W. C. Clark 2 
William Robertson.. 
Col. G. D. Scott 
M. Morris 
J. J. O'Kelly 2 
J. B. Holland 
G. W. Smith . ... 
C A. Collin 
Joseph Ross 
E. If. Rnymoud 
F II. Holton 
J . II. Stearnes w 
( apt U. B. Smith ,0 2 
11 Fisher 3 0 
A Anderson 2 3 
■j seph Holland 0 0 
I H. Malloy 0 0 
1. S Jewell 
I' •'ip Bossert 
t . (. J. G. Story 
1'i.slck Casey 
Ro VtSpitzer 
U. w. Gourlay 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 „ 
On Sa urday, under equully fine conditions of weather, 
the riflemen competed for the cup left by Mnjor Leech, (he 
captain of the Irish team in the international match. For 
the first time at Creedmoor the new circular targets were 
used at the longer rauges, but notwithstanding the change 
the scores are capital. Several mishups occurred, throwing 
out some of the best men. Mr. Canfield was compelled to 
change bis gun, bis first becoming disabled through the 
bursting of a cartridge case, aud Mr. Sanford’s was so 
ruined as to compel his retirement. Col. Bodino was the 
winner, by seven points, pushed very closely by Col. Gil- 
dersleeve. It will be observed that the members of the 
team head the list. Mr. Hepburn, whose name appears 
fifth on the list, however, caDnot joiu them. Although 
the match is to be shot at the old targets, the Irishmen are 
using the new ones exclusively in their practice, and it will 
be interesting to compare their scores with those made at 
Creedmoor in the competition for this cup. The condi- 
tions were fifteen rounds at 800, 900, and 1,000 yards, any 
rifle or position, no artificial rest; prize, Leech cup, to he 
held during the year, and a gold badge of the value of $50. 
The following are the scores: — 
65 
.69 
.71 -205 
Tolala, 
33 
211 
27 
27 
25 
24 
24 
24 
22 
22 
21 
21 
21 
21 
21 
21 
21 
91 
21 
2! 
20 
10 
IP 
10 
18 
18 
18 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
1(1 
10 
16 
15 
15 
15 
10 
It 
14 
14 
13 
13 
18 
11 
11 
II 
II) 
in 
800 
COL. JOHN BODIN' K 
5 4 5 4 5 5 5 4 4 1 4 4 6 5 2.. 
000 ... 
5 5 54354 4545555 5.. 
low 
5 5 445555455545 5. 
800 
COL. 11, A. oaDERSLBBVE. 
5451455544554 5 6 .. 
POO 
445355564455455., 
1000 
5 8553654335555 5. 
800 
MAJOR HKNUr FULTON. 
4 5445555554545 5.. 
IW) 
1000 
.53 
60-108 
.70 
..70 
