1875 
75 
A Rare Bird- 
St. Louis, April 9. 
Editor Rod and Gun: 
The change In the name of your paper I think a good one, as the 
new one is decidedly more to the point, any one glancing ai it now 
would not confound it with the other class of “ sporting" papers 
which the old heading frequently led them to do. Success attend it 
with the new name. 
I see from the Kama» City Journal of Commerce, that Wilbur F. 
Parker, proprietor of The Rod and Gun, with T. C. Banks, are 
now in Kansas City and hope they will get around our way before 
they go Eist again; if so, I will endeavor to give them a trial at our 
snipe, of which sportsmen report an abundance. I intend trying 
them next to satisfy myself, and will bet, you knoNv how they are. 
A great white Egret {Ardea Ejretta,) or white heron was killed a few 
miles below St. Charles, last week, and brought to the First Iva- 
tlonal Back and sent from there to me, and is m'w in the ban. is of a 
regular taxidermist, not having time myself to do anything with it. 
The bird is very rare in this section of the country. Coues, in his 
Birds of the Northwest, U. S., Geological Report, only speaks of 
one being found in the Missouri region which was near Lawrence, 
Kas., in 1672, and the present one is the only one I hare ever seen 
or heard of being taken in this section. It is about three feet high, 
pure white with yellow bill, of a bright greenish tinge around the 
eye and base of bill, and black legs, and has a magnificent trail 
droopiug several inches beyond the tail, and is one of the most 
magnificent looking birds ever looked at— the white is so pure and 
free from the least tinge of color that snow would almost have a 
yellow tinge if put by the side of it. Let us hear from other sports- 
men when they meet with rare birds in their sections of con ntry. 
Dock. 
“Cave 1 q jilam.” 
PouoHKEEPsiE, April 24. 
Editor Rod and Gun: 
Mr. J. W. Long concludes his interesting work on "American 
Wild Fowl Shooting," with the caution *'cote rwri/m"— beware the 
crowl My recent experience induces me to add "cate 
beware the eagle. While duck shooting last week on Fox Island, 
in Lake Ontario, I killed at one shot, two black ducks, anas obscura, 
and winged a third, which last, getting out of reach of my gun, I 
started for in the boat. But as the wind was blowing strong, and 
the boat a heavy one, the bird succeeded in getting on to the ice be- 
fore I could reach It, so I shot it where it stood— some two rods 
from the edge. But as the ice was too weak to bear my w’eight, and 
too strong for me to force the boat through alone, I left it and went 
for breakfast, intending to return with an assistant and secure it. 
But when in sight ot it again, we discovered that the crows had 
found It and dragged it several rods further on the ice and were 
holding carnival over it, Seeing the situation, I pave np all t oughts 
^ attempting to reclaim it, bnt determined to have satisfaction out 
of the firs* crow that came in reach. While thus standing and re- 
. olving. anothir claimant ai peaied in the person ol a largr brown 
< agle, w’hich with a swoop seized the duck, and almost without 
slacking his speed bore it off some one hundred rods, where be 
alighted on the ice and deliberately commenced his morning meal. 
He was soon joined by his mate, and between them the duck was 
much sooner disposed of than if it bad come into my possession. A 
more disgusted lot of crows I never saw than gathered around the 
bloody spot from which the robber had lifted their just tasted 
breakfast. A council was heid at once amid much confusion, and 
after each had presented his "caws," they quickly dispersed to find 
elsewhere what had been to them ‘^onear, and yet so far." J. H. D. 
“Brandon” to “Snap Shot ” 
Gre ENwicH, April 15. 
Editor Rod and Gun: 
in your issue of April 10, "Snap Shot" deals a hard blow, as he 
evidently supposes, at the "Little Maynard" in which he ridicules 
the idea of its being effective at ary larger game than squirrels, 
white-tail deer and wild turkeys, and winds up by stating his objec- 
tions to it in three short charges which would iu my opinion be very 
poor reasons for condemning any guii not wanlingin other respects, 
and which would certainly, if valid objections, justify a complaint 
from tho eastern sportsman, as well as bis western brother ; although 
"Snap Shot" wishes us to understand that it is as a weapon for the 
large game of the western territories only that he considers it iuefti- 
cient, as witness the following: 
"Its merits I fully appreciate as a rifle to shoot squirrel with, or to 
kill white-tail deer with, or wild turkeys in the thick woods of the 
east, but it's not the rifle for the west," Now on these grounds, 
viz., that it is insufllcient to cope with the wild game of the fur 
west, he ought of course to base his objections, if at all. But does 
he? Let us see. "I do not find fault with the accuracy of the 
‘Maynard,' " he wisely says. Certainly not; it would be strange If 
ha did, for that subject has been pretty thoroughly overhauled, and 
the majority of our riflemen who use the rifle as a rifle, off-hand, in 
true sportsman style (and of which class I know "Snap Shot" is a 
worthy representative) acknowledge that the "Maynard" has no su- 
perior. What say Cleveland, Stabler, Barber. Russell, Meigs, Mur. 
rav, and a host of others in regard to the accuracy of the "May- 
nard?" Readandsee! "Snap Shot" hits the bull's eye when he 
states that the ".Maynard" is accurate. Possibly it is the sights 
then, to which he objects? But no! At least only to the same ex- 
tent that he condemns those of other make, for he levels the sights 
of all eastern made rifles at one blow, li^mgeand penetration, per- 
haps? Doubtless "Snap Shot" will acknowledge that the range of 
the "Maynard" is all that could be desired; and for penetration, I 
will merely ask him if it is not the equal of any breech-loading rifle 
using same weight powder and lead ? As regards effectiveness or 
the power to strike a hard, paralyzing blow, 1 admit the "Maynard" 
wlthit8 4-10 calibre, is not the equal of the Sharps or Springfield 
with their large 50-100 calibre and ounce ball, but "Snap Shot" must 
know that this objection is easily overcome by using explosive bul- 
lets (of the Mead-Meigs patent which can now be readily obtained,) 
one of the above size (4-10) flrod from a six-pound rifle being more 
certain of destroying life instantly, than a two-ounce solid bullet 
shot from a rifle of corresponding weight, a weight which not even 
the tough old mountain men our correspondent tolls aboutcan carry 
and shoot with ease or comfort. But from the above it must not be 
inferred that the 40 100 "Maynard" is the largest size, as the manu- 
Ibcturert make a rifle barrel of 50-100 calibre and 62 inches long if 
desired, though the former size Is not generally used. This (50 100) 
is as large a calibre as any sportsman would think of using, and cer- 
tainly large enough for any animal that roams the western plains 
During the last two seasons the fact has been repeatedly proven of 
dropping a 2 OO-nouud buffalo on the spot with the smaller size 
using the explosive bullets, and this is the gun which “Snap >hot'' 
sneeringly observes is useful for practice in the backyard or shoot- 
ing squirrels? But I forget that "Snap Shot" does not fault the gun 
on account of its range, accuracy, ease of manipulation, or effect- 
iveness, but confines his objections to three reasons which 1 w ill 
give in his own words: 1st. On account of its tipping-down barrel, 
"which I consider a very faulty way of makinga rifle." In what re- 
spect the lipping-down method is faulty he does not tell us. If he 
intends to convey the impression that a rifle made on that plan is 
liable to fly'open at a time when a mischievous consequence might 
ensue, his own experience must have taught him that any such fears 
are groundless as regards the "Maynard," it being, as J. S. M. very 
opportunely remarks in the same paper with “Snap Shot, "when 
locked, as solid as an unbroken piece of steel, and the voluntary tes- 
timony of their owners after years of use, confirms the fact that 
they are as firm in the bearings and as close at the breech as w hen 
first purchased. The ease with which the barrel can be examined 
too, and brushed from the rear end, and its freedom from leading 
are other advantages which several breech-loading arms do not pos- 
sess. Will "Snap Shot" tell us what his objections are to the tip-up 
plan as applied to the "Maynard?" 
2d. On account of its not throwing the shell clear of the gun, but 
simply pushing it out like a shot-gun — a fatal error in a rifle to be 
used on large game." Now if the "Maynard" used a copper car- 
tridge useless after one discharge, it would doubtless be some ad- 
vantage^to have it ejected entirely from the arm which would facili 
tate loading. But "Snap Shot'* must remember that the shell used 
in the "Majmard" has to be saved for re-loading, and if thiown en- 
tirely from the arm by the action of opening, it would in nine cases 
out of ten fail to be caught by the hand and would fall to the ground, 
where if not entirely losi, it would necessitate stooping to pick it 
up, which is \ longer job than removing by hand, and placing in the 
pocket as you draw the loaded one out. 
3d. "On account of its ungainly, misshapen stock, w’hich is about 
as much like a rifle-stock as a broom-stick." Now this objection 
as regards the shooting qualities of the arm, is pretty far stretched, 
and no argument at all, it is simply a matter of taste, though I quite 
agree with him that it is ungainly. This form of stock is used by 
the manufaclurers to enable them to pack it in as small a space as 
possible, but I had hoped before now to see it superseded by one, to 
use Clevelaud’s words, "in which the beauty of its form would be 
more in keeping with its intrinsic excellence." 
The above are the only reasons be urges for condemning it, and 
they are all as I have before remarked objections, which, even if 
well grounded would be no more cau e for its rejection iu the west 
than here at home, and yet it as a western aim that he consideis it 
worthless. And now, oh, "Snap bhotl" how could you in your 
open'ng lines relating to this arm, be so cruel, so utterly lost to all 
the finer feelings which ought to actuate us in afl ourdealings with 
brother sportsmen, as to lead us to infer that we were to receive au 
account of the tragic fate of that Rocky Mountain nomad, that 
"hunter friend" of yours, who was so hair-brained as to possess 
himself of the "Maynard" pop-gun? Visions of fierce mountain 
wolves, ravenous grizzlies, and gigantic bull-buffaloes rise up before 
us, and already we see the foolhardy old veten n, after expending a 
dozen bullets with no more effect than hailstones on their pachyderm- 
aious hides, standing at bay, knife in hand, a la "dime novel," only 
to be borne down by the combined rush of these fierce western 
monsters, clawed, "chawed," and trampled into infinitesmal par- 
ticles, and paying for his temerity with his life. But no, "by hev- 
ings!" Instead, I fancy I can see the smile playing over friend 
"Snap Shot’s" classic features as he only informs us how that sun- 
browned Nimrod knocked the socks— excuse us, the sights — off that 
rifle instaiiter. and immediately proceeded to slaughter black-tailed 
bucks right and left. No, no, "Snap Shot," it could not be ; you 
know the "Maynard" is only capable of slaughtering wi d turkeys in 
the thick woods of the east. (?) " It’s not the rifle forthe west," you 
know! Now will "Snap Shot," admitting that the "Maynard" is a 
first-rate arm for the sportsmen of the eastern states, which he cer- 
tainly does, kindly tell us in what respect it fails to come up to the 
requi.'cmcuts needed iu a hunter's weapon for usage on the western 
plains? Brandon. 
Texas Sport- 
San Antonio, Texas, Apri’ 6. 
Editor Rod and Gun: 
Enclosed please find a report of a shooting match held in this 
city on the 3d inst., under the aiiapicies of the San Antonio Shoot- 
ing and Fishing Club. We have organized a club here for the pro- 
tection and preservation of game, and hope soon to bo able to get a 
law passed by the legislature to protect game which is now plenty, 
but our country is st’ll new and muen of it unsettled and such laws 
are looked upon by many, as au abridgement of their rights. A 
finer game country never lay out of doors and I am surprised more 
sportsmen do not visit this section of country to pass the winters in. 
We are in the habit of shooting at blackbirds about once a week. 
Pigeons are plenty but as the blackbirds cost only 2 cents each, we 
prefer them, and then we have an idea that blackbirds require a 
little more skill in shooting than pigeons, for they fly much more 
irregular. The rules governing our shooting arethosegiven in Oapt. 
Hogardns’ book as the Prairie Club Rules of Chicago. Should any 
of your sportsmen reiders like to pass a few weeks pleasant shoot- 
ing in cither summer or winter, they would always find here plenty 
of good gentlemanly companions who would enjoy showmg them 
around ami he'pi-'gthem to k'W the enine. We have many very fa .* 
shois here, and have good gun " nod good dogs boln pointers and 
Belters. The g«i*ne 's very varied iu f 'C winler comnSsing al* of lue 
migi'Alory biido from \l»e Norih, and a^o, aH Ih it is indigenous to 
the country. The fishing is not of the best, but a skinful man may 
easily );,ii jVoin 20 lo 3 ) pounds of blark bass on any fair da.v. Our 
aceonnnoduiious as lo feaius. camping, equipage, etc., a**© good, and 
at tbe si*;vire of our b'other spodsmeo from the Norih, and tue 
hotel accommodations can not be beat tlrs side of New Orleans. 1 
am much in crested in many t->'ngs 1 see iu your paper and be’ieve 
it comes nearer being the paper for the shootist and fishist Ilian .nny 
1 have seen. When we get our club a little more under headway you 
may look for some good big matches, for we are not afraid to try our 
hand with any body where we think chances are any where near 
even. This is twice as long as I intended, so I close. By the way 
there is but one of your guns here, but it stands aocond to none 
Sau. M. Johnson, 
President S. A. Shooting and Fishing Club. 
The huge fawm-colored grayhound, familiarly called Brownie, 
died suddenly on 6tb inst , in bis twelfth year, of disease of the 
heart. He wa- probably one of the finest thoroughbred grayhounds 
ever brought to this country. After winning the Waterloo Cup in 
England, which is the highest prize a dog can take in a coarting 
match, his owner gave him to a citizen of Boston. He passed the 
remainder of his days at Beach Bluff, Swampscott, winning all 
heart! by bis beauty, grace and intelligence. One can judge of his 
fine muscular developement and power when told that bis chest 
girted full three feet, and that he took a hedge ten feet high. Sev- 
eral artists tried their skill upon him with more or less success. He 
was sitting to our talented young animal painter, John Johnson, 
when he so suddenly passed to other bunting grounds. Gerry is 
taking a cast ef his bead, and Maynard is taking one of the whole 
figure, to be used as an indistructnle body to mount his skin upon, 
after which it will be preserved in the Museum of Natural History." 
^Boston Transcript. 
UUEBSES & AJJSWEBS. 
Talbot.— How can I bronze or stain a copper powder flask? Aks . 
Burying it in the greund will give it a coloring . But real bronze la 
a mixture iu the crucible, and artificial bronzing is usually done on 
inferior metals. 
Ahbow. — I send a bird skin, which please examine. Everybody 
aronnd here calls them jacksnipe, while I contend that they are 
Wilson’s snipe. Which is right? Ans. It is the Wilson's snipe 
(GalUrago wUeonii), the jacksnipe is smg^ler. 
Hats.— Where can I have a powder flask covered with hog 
skin or leather and have the leather part of a shot poach made, and 
the best material to use? Ans. Any harness maker can do the 
work. 
A Reader.— I s it a habit of the ruffed grouse to drum at night? 
Between 9 and 10 last night, I heard one repeatedly dramming. A 
full moon was shining at the time. Abs. We do not think it can 
he called a habit of the bird, which nsnally drums at dawn and 
about sunset. 
L. R., Mkdora, III,— 1. Can a Parker metal shell be used In a 
Scott, or Greener gun when they are properly bored for using metal 
shells? 3. Are not the barrels used by American gun makers of 
fine breech loading shot guns of foreign manufacture? 3. Who was 
the inventor of the “top snap action” for breech loaders? Ans. 1, 
Yes. 2. Yes. 3. Too numerous to mention. 
A. L. W., Cleveland, O.— Can I shoot buckshot (thirteen to ths 
ounce) in my ten guage Parker gun without injury to the barrels? 
2. What was the cause of the accident with a Remington rifle, by 
which a person nearly lost his eyesight, last fall at Creedmoor? 
Ans, 1. Yes, if they chamber at the muzzle. 2. Don’t remember the 
Insident. 
Peters, Mo,— How are fish roes preserved In the form of caviar? 
Will the roe of fresh water flsh do ? Ans. Russian caviar is pre- 
served raw by steeping in oil and is kept In kegs. Probably the 
same process as in preserving sardines, steeping in oil and immer- 
sing in boiling water with air tight sans would be satisfactory. We 
have no practical knowledge of the process. 
Westfield. Is it necessary or advisable to remove a portion of 
the tail of setter pups, and at what age should it be done? Ans.— 
Popular opinion condemns the practice. In England dogs so muti- 
lated are thereby disqualified from winning at shows. It is still fre- 
quently done in this country, but the operation should be performed 
at as early an age as possible. 
Claremont. Under your Queries and Answers in issue of April 
17, 1 notice a question asked as regards a so^alled “new species of 
birds.” The description of the bird though not very specific still 
leads me to infer that it is the Pine Grosbeak. The Pine Grosbeak 
only appears wihtin the United States during the winter season. 
The winter just past having been very severe has caused many to 
wander further south than they nsnally do, yet hardly a winter 
passes but the Pine Grosbeak is seen throughout New Hampshire. 
Your correspondent can find a thorough description of his new spe- 
cies in onr standard works on ornithology. “Nimrod.” 
L. S., Pensacola. I have a young setter pnp that has some 
trouble in her ears or head. She shakes her head a great deal and 
scratches her ear. I notice at times a discharge from the ear. What 
can I do to cure this? Ans.— The disease is probably canker of the 
ear. Take liquor pinmhi and aqna, distil equal parts; pour a little 
into the ear, fold the ear flap over, and gently mould the ear till the 
wash is well worked into ail the cavities of the ear. Repeat twice 
daily till a cure is effected. If the dog continues to shake her head 
take a triangular piece of cloth and pass it over the top of the head, 
tying the ends under the throat so as to keep the ears down to the 
side of the head, and prevent flapping which may cause serious 
trouble by tile formation of abscesses on the edges of the ears. 
R, W. M., Toledo, O.— Will you have the kindness to decide the 
following question that came up in onr pigeon tournament last 
week: Mr. W. and Dr. W. are shooting off a tie, 26 yards, 5 birds, 
Mr. W. missed his 3d bird; Dr. W. stood at ths score, ready to 
shoot, Mr. W. stepped up to Dr. W. and proposed to divide the 
purse, ifSO, which he (Dr. W.) agreed to, but they were to go on 
and shoot it out. Dr. W. called ‘‘pull.” His gun eiiappsd and 
upon examination it was found that he had neglected to put a shell 
in his gun. Dr. W. claimed a balk, and said if Mr. W. had not 
spoken to him lie would have liad a shell in his gun. You 
will see at once that Mr. \V. had any intention of annoying 
Dr. W. Ill fact Dr. W. told the referee that he did not 
th nk tliat Mr. W. had any such intentions and he certainly did 
not. Was Dr. W. entitled to another bird? Ans. We do not think 
that Mr. W.’e speaking to Dr. W. was a balk within the rules. But 
the referee is the best jndge of how it was done and whether It 
really did prevent Dr. W, from leading hie gun. 
