SPO 
SPOONING, in tlie sea langnage, is said 
of a sliip, whicli, being under sail in a storm 
at sea, is unable to bear it, and consequent- 
ly forced to put right before the wind. 
SPORTING. Although we have not 
omitted to notice what generally appertains 
to the winged, finny, or quadruped parts 
of nafuye, it appeared to us better to collect 
the whole of the matter relating to sporting 
in general, under one head ; thereby to 
preclude the necessity for reverting to other 
volumes for such information as might be 
sought. The reader will, however, remark, 
that we have, under the article Anijung, 
furnished an ample detail of that diversion : 
therefore we shall i)roceed to the discus- 
sion of what relates to Fowling. The 
first item presenting itself to our considera- 
tion is the gun ; which ought always to be 
suited to the occasion. For ordinary field 
excursions, that is to say when questing 
for pheasants, or partridges, the piece ought 
to be conveniently light, and of rather a 
small bore ; the barrel from two feet four 
to two feet six, or perhaps eight, inches 
in length. Chambered guns undoubtedly 
strike hardest, and in most instances will 
be found to scatter least. Hence a good 
marksman will prefer such ; but taking 
care to allow full thirty yards distance to 
the bird, unless in cases of emergency, be- 
fgre the .trigger is drawn. When this pre- 
caution is neglected, the chance of missing 
is greater ; while, on the other hand, such 
birds as may be hit, are absolutely spoiled 
by the column of shot which brings them 
down. The gun requisite for cocking, that 
is for wood cock shooting, is of a very light 
construction, and very short ; because the 
birds generally rise well within shot, and 
that the branches of trees, &c. may be less 
in the way of the gun’s motion while taking 
aim. We have seen some guns made for 
this branch of shooting that have been little 
heavier than a large horse-pistol. With re- 
gard to such birds as are found on plains, 
or are aquatics, guns of a larger calibre, and 
more strongly fortified, so as to resist a 
large charge of powder without recoiling 
/severely, are indispensably necessary. The 
selection of a gun must after all, depend on 
various circumstances, for instance, a power- 
ful man, in the prime of life, and of a large 
stature, would be no ways incommoded by 
such a one, as would prove highly distress- 
ing to an elderly person, of a weak frame, 
and of a diminutive size. Again, we neces- 
sarily make a distinction according to the 
nature of the sport ; hence, when shooting 
SPO 
in a punt, or when laying wait for water- 
fowl, a heavy gun may be used. In truth, 
without a very strong charge, some of the 
more shy, or more full feathered birds are 
not easily brought down. Some experienc- 
ed persons find that with u stout barrel, 
weighing from ten to fourteen pounds, they 
can bear the recoil of even two drachms of 
powder j which in an ordihary piece would 
produce, atleast an highly unpleasant recoil, 
if not some damage to eitlier the piece or 
the .sportsman. Every barrel ought to be 
chambered; because the piece is thereby 
strengthened, and the force, or impetus, 
of the shot, considerably increased. With 
respect to the kind of chamber, a variety 
of opinions exist ; for the most part purely 
theoretical, and in support of some fa- 
vourite hypothesis, started by way of no- ' 
velty, by some maker anxious to obtain 
celebrity. Aftet mature consideration, we 
are rather disposed to accord with a num- 
ber of old sportmen in commending the 
plain cylindrical chamber, made in the butt 
screw, or by a very small screw stump 
added to the butt of the piece : the latte# 
being preferable in respect to security 
against lodging fire in the worm of the 
screw ; but rather more expensive. 
The lock of a gun is a most important 
object. It cannot well be too small and 
compact, provided space be allowed for 
the free movement of the several parts- 
We all know that thelock of a pistol will 
answer its purpose as well as that of a mus- 
ket. The great consideration is, that friction 
should be avoided by every possible means, 
which is best etfected by the most simple 
movements, and by keeping them clear 
from the plates. Every part subject to the 
action of another should be well steeled and 
hardened ; and where practicable friction- 
rollers should be employed. The pan, above 
all things, ought to shut very close, and 
to spring up in a smart manner, when struck 
by the flint. The trigger should not be 
subject to action at half-cock ; but at full- 
cock ought to draw with little resistance : 
at least, it should not require such force as 
might derange the aim, or delay the dis- 
charge. 
Such guns as have double barrels, are 
commonly provided with a trigger for each 
lock ; though some are made with but one 
trigger. In the former case, either barrel 
may be discharged at pleasure, which is not 
always the case in the latter mode of con- 
struction ; which, though apparently more 
simple, is by no means so convenient. The 
