July 31 , 1875. 
267 
r 
while with the Tonks’ breech-loader before mentioned, 
86 pellets, Tatham’s Xo. 6 (nearly a size larger than 
Newcastle sixes) struck 1 foot square, same distance and 
charge. This, please bear in mind, too, is the only 
charge of No. 6 I have any record of, or that I can re- 
member of ever shooting at a paper target with the gun. 
Here, that my readers may, if they choose, compare the 
shooting of these choke-bores with others more easily, I 
add a few targets made with different sized shot. 
With charge of 1-5 loose buckshot, 14 struck paper, 
24 by 18 inches; distance, 50 yards. 
With IJ- oz.No.8, 182 pellqts struck paper 1 foot .square; 
distance, 40 yards (only record I now have of No. 8 shot). 
Both these targets made with last-mentioned Tonk’s 
breech-loader. 
With pigeon-gun, made by W. R. Shaeffer, charge Ij- 
oz. No. 3, 52 and 59 pellets, at separate discharges, 
struck usual target, 1 foot square, 40 yards. 
It may also be well to mention how the best target 
I have known made with a “relieved bore,” which is 
42 pellets No. 4, in foot square, 40 yards. 
But, notwithstanding the superiority of pattern which 
is obtained by choke-boring, I contend, and hope to 
convince some of my readers, that such shooting is not, 
as a general thing, to be desired at practice at game. 
In single bird shooting at long distances, as in duck 
shooting, in cornfields or over high timber, late prairie 
chicken shooting, or trap-pigeon shooting at long rises, 
it is certainly an advantage to experienced shots; for a 
larger sized shot may be used in guns so bored than in 
plain or relief bores, while the chances about the centre 
of the charge for striking a vital place are not propor- 
tionally lessened, but possibly are, instead, actually in- 
creased. But mind, I say, about the centre of the charge, 
for beyond a certain variable limit near the centre the 
chances for killing are much better with the older sys- 
tems. From this it follows greater care and accuracy 
are required in the successful use of the choke-bore, and 
to such an extent is this the case that, in the hands of 
any but close marksmen, more game is missed than 
with guns which scatter more. At shorter distances 
(all kinds of brush-shooting, for instance), when a re- 
lief or plain bore will deliver its charge with necessary 
force and a reasonable certainly, when rightly held, of 
striking the game with a sufficient number of pellets 
(proved in practice to be capable of so doing at a dis- 
tance of 40 yards, when properly constructed and 
bored), the advantage lies with those systems as requir- 
ing least precision. 
For flock-shooting, too, as in duck or plover-shooting 
over decoys, the relief or plain bore has the preference, 
for the spread of its pellets at a given distance being 
greater, more birds may be struck at a discharge. 
In regard to strength of shooting (a most important 
point), choke-boring is rather a detriment than a.- ad- 
vantage, Greener’s assertions to the contrary notwith- 
standing; for, although a gun so bored may and can 
deliver the centre of its charge fully as forcibly as guns 
bored otherwise, yet those outside pellets which have 
been worn or jammed out of shape in passing out of the 
muzzle of th« gun are so much retarded thereby that at 
any, except very short distances, they are comparatively 
worthless. This my readers may easily prove by ex- 
periment; but remember, those pellets which are out- 
ermost when the charge lies in the gun, are not neces- 
sarily the marginal ones on the target; but, on the con- 
trary, are scattered over all portions of it. If a relief 
bore be tried, the penetration of its pellets will be found 
more uniform. 
Further, choke bores do not retain their original shoot- 
ing powers as long as relief bores with equal use; get 
leaded very .much quicker; subject guns to greater 
strains, sufficient sometimes to burst them, as I have 
myself seen; and finally, are less to be depended upon 
for regularity and evenness of pattern. 
Since writing the above, I notice by the London press 
that a trial has been made by the editor of the Field 
with guns now being used in the “ wear-and-tear” trial 
of common soft shot, as well as the “ Newcastle chilled” 
article. The results were as follows: With “ Greener’s” 
gun, “ chilled” shot, the average pattern for 144 shots 
was: 185, penetration 151.5; with Walker AjParker’s soft 
shot pattern 117.6, penetration 115; with “Lane & Ne- 
sham’s” soft shot pattern, 135.8, penetration 125. How 
fully my remarks, expressed in your issue of the 19th 
ult, in regard to measuring the striking force of shot 
by means of paper pad targets, are verified by this trial! 
And what a poor showing is made for “ Greener’s” 
new (?) system, when compared with the targets I have 
- given above! 
The prize of ten guineas offered by Mr. Lane for the 
invention of choke-boring has been lately awarded to 
Mr. W. R. Pape, who states that he perfected the sys- 
tem in 1859. As before written, its principles were un- 
derstood and practiced in this country several years be- 
fore that time. 
As powder trials appear to be in order just now, I 
will give you a few results of such in my next. 
“ LEADING. ” 
BY ROYAL. 
In your number of July 17, Mr. .John J. Palmer, of 
Bellefontaine, has slightly misunderstood my letter on 
leading, nine weeks ago. I did not complain of the 
gun’s leading, I only gave an instance of the impossibil- 
ity of preventing leading in hot or dry weather. Both 
guns were perfectly free from grease; I had polished 
the barrels of each with dry kid and French chalk till 
they were clear as possible, in fact they were perfect. 
The deposit was lead and nothing but lead. In cleaning 
the guns I first removed the extractors, and with an or- 
dinary stiff-bristle brush rubbed out with hot water and 
soap. Then dried, then used wire brush which brought 
showers of lead out. Endeavored to remove balance of 
lead with emery powder on buckskin, both dry and with 
Rangoon oil; was not completely successful. Put 
the guns away for a week and then tried experiment of 
mercurial ointment,which worked to a charm. I mayadd, 
for Mr. Palmer’s information, that I have been using guns 
and pistols for past twenty years incesantly, and that 
having the bump of neatness largely developed, I hava 
tried almost every known method of keeping my battery 
in order, and my experience is that the easiest and surest 
way of keeping breach-loaders in order is the following: 
Remove barrels from stock, screw the brush (that is 
usually attached to a cord) on to a stiff rod, brush out the 
barrels sharply. Then run a piece of greasy leather 
(buckskin for choice) through, removing any fouling 
that may escape the brush; then wipe out with a second 
bit of leather with a few drops of oil (any kind that is 
free from water). This operation does not take three 
minutes altogether, and will keep your guns in beauti- 
ful order. Leading does not occur often, but in some 
conditions of the atmosphere it is unavoidable; I find 
it either in my old pattern guns or my new choke-bores. 
By the way, I much fear that the choke-bores will not be 
appreciated by inferior shots, as they shoot terribly close 
at 21 yards. One of my 10 bores puts its whole charge 
at 21 yards, inside the brim of my hat. Of course it is 
only used as a second gun with 5 drachms and sometimes 
6 drachms of powder. 
Lord Skelmersd.\le, an English nobleman, had been 
making strenuous efforts to raise a large number of 
pheasants, and had so far succeeded, when a few days 
ago the head keeper found over 700 of them dead, un- 
doubtedly by poison. At noon of that day the same 
keeper had fed them, when they were apparently in the 
best of health, and the food was from the same sack 
from which that with which they had been fed for two 
days previous had been taken. 
The New' Engi,.vnd Agricultural Society and the 
New Hampshire State Society will hold their fairs in 
conjunction at Manchester, N. H., on about September 
9th, when it is intended to make a bench show of dogs 
a leading feature of the exhibition. In the different 
classes the Society’s silver meaal will be the first and 
their bronze medal will be the second prize. The prizes 
for the champion classes have not yet been decided on, 
but will be provided. As essay on canine matters will 
be read before the meeting, but by whom has not yet 
been decided. 
Memphis Fall Tourn.vment. — The committee hav- 
ing in charge the preparation of the next programme 
of the Tenn. State Sportsman Association have made 
such progress as warrants the following synopsis: The 
field trial, bench show' and shooting tournament will 
take place at ^Memphis, commencing Oct. 2.5. For trap- 
shooting, three first da 3 's, $3,.500 cash is offered. Se- 
cond and third days, bench show, premiums amount- 
ing to :^500 for various strains of setters and pointers. 
Fourth day, field trial, for puppies under 18 months; 
purse ^;300, $15 entrance. Fifth day, purse $500, $25 
entrance, for braces. Sixth daj', purse $500, $25 en- 
trance, free for all. The Association turned loose a 
large number of (juail on alread 3 ' w'ell-stocked ground. 
There will be no scarcity of birds. Full programme 
w'ill appear in our advertising cohimns in due season. 
LIBI^ABY TABLE. 
Lippincott’s, for August, opens with a clever sketch 
of Spanish life, by Cecil Buckland, w'ho went to Spain 
as a war correspondent, and had for a brief while the 
repute of an untimely and barbarous taking off. Spain 
is rich in the picturesque if poor in the w'orld’s goods, 
and Mr. Buckland makes a pretty article out of his ex- 
periences. “ Quaint Craft ” is an illustrated description 
of certain outlandish shipping in various parts of the 
world, suggesting summer travel and foreign experi- 
ence.s. “ Why Mr. Morrison Got a Bad Servant,” is a 
suggestion for aggrieved housekeepers. “ Scenes in the 
Wood,” by Emma Lazarus, is said to be suggested b 3 ' 
Robert Schuman n, w'hich means, we presume, a poetic 
word-interpretation of one of the exquisite productions 
of that most S 3 'mpathetic composer. Grenville Murra 3 ' 
is nothing if not pungent; his “ Modern Constitutions 
of France ” is a rapid superficial sketch of French 
politics. In “ Frau Sommer’s Pleasure Trip ” we are 
introduced to one of those improbable events, which if 
they do not oecur in every one’s personal experience, 
are not the less real now and then. “ A Daimio’s Life ” 
tells the story of a Japanese nobleman’s daily doings; 
a condition of things w'hich intercourse w'ith western 
ideas and habits w'ill doubtle.ss greatly modify, although 
the habits of a nation will scarceh' be laid aside and 
made new' by the influence of a few foreigners. “The 
Vigilant’s Mistake;” a story of how' near a man came 
to being hung for a horse thief. The incidents are not 
new, and the “ talkee, talkee” is in excess; however, it 
will pass in these summer da 3 's. “ Maine de Biran” is 
a critical notice of a writer little know'n in this coun- 
tr 3 '. “ Bat 3 'TS and Silvan Bo 3 's,” b 3 ' Mary Dean, may 
help to a discriminating perception of bucolic peculiari- 
ties, and help to make farm-house summer board not 
altogether a vain experience. “ An Artist’s Love ” 
might be the foundation for a neat little societ 3 ' drama; 
how an arti.st loved a lad 3 " w'ho recalled an affection 
after having blighted it — all for pride. “ Ancient 
Italian Jewelr 3 ' ’’ with the usual miscellany makes up a 
ver 3 ' readable number. 
Bl.\ckwood’s, for July, contains “ The Dilemma,” 
continued. “Paulo-Post-Mortem.” “Under the Mask.” 
“ Sketch of Canada as it Now Is.” “ Abode of Snow': ” 
conclusion “ Speke’s Nile — Livingston’s Congo.” 
“ Paulo-Po.st-Mortem ” is the sad self-communing of 
a disembodied spirit who has returned to visit his former 
haunts. The “ Sketch of Canada as it Now' Is ” is a very 
comprehensive article on the geographical features, n - 
sources and government of Canada. The writer pre- 
dicts that “ Canada w'ill be the home of a nation whose 
3 'outh and energ 3 ' will add strength to the parent-stock, 
and whose moderation and sound sense will be a useful 
counterpoise to the almost extravagent talent and rest- 
lessness of the neighboring population of the American 
Union.” 
Northern Michigan and its Summer Resorts 
is a little pamphlet issued b 3 ' the Grand Rapids and In- 
diana R. R., giving much information as to the haunts 
of brook trout and gra 3 'ling in that picturesque district. 
We, Americans, are the greatest travelers in the world, 
if w'e count by the mileages or traffic returns; but we 
know' exceedingly little of the counlnt', except from a 
business point of view'. Our tourists and pleasure- 
seekers incur needless expense and inconvenience in 
going to Europe or pottering about at the fa.shionable 
watering-places, where the chief end of life is to see 
sights, to spend and be spent. All our railroad lines 
can furnish an endless list of pleasure resorts, where 
health can be found with a reasonable regard for 
econom 3 ', in place of the thousands spent in two or 
three w'eeks in Europe, just for the sake of saying, 
“When we were abroad, you know.” To the .sports- 
man this 3Iichigan region is full of gratifications. 
A cert.^in Captain Law'son has w'ritten a book of 
travels on the great tropical island of New Guinea, in 
W'hich he gives a m3'thical account of hair-breadth 
escapes, new animals, and Mount Hercules, a mountain 
exceeding in altitude an 3 ' know'n on this globe, which 
he managed to climb w'ith one attendant in one da 3 '. 
Baron IMunchausen is the highest modern type of the 
imaginative traveler, but the scientific canard is one of 
the permitted forms of journalistic literature. It is a 
thing to be regretted that mere lying should be toler- 
ated in journalism, but it is comforting to know' that it 
incurs reprehension w'hen in book shape. Mr. Macleay, 
a British savant, is about to undertake at his own ex- 
pense an expedition to New' Guinea. 
