FEB. 10, 1906.] 
FOREST AND STREAM. 

Explanation for a Burst Barrel. 
Ir has been remarked on several previous occasions 
that an open verdict must be pronounced in the case of 
most of the burst guns which are sent to this office for 
post-mortem examination. Two very interesting ex- 
ceptions to the tule have lately come to our notice. 
One of them was duly dealt with on the page devoted 
to answers to correspondents, and the second will be 
considered here. The previous case presented the usual 
features of a flap of metal blown open some 6in. or so 
forward of the bestch-that is to say, at a point cor- 
responding very nearly with the front of the fore-end. 
The character of the burst was of the kind which we 
inveriably associate with the presence of a weighty ob- 
struction in the region of the burst. So overwhelming 
is the evidence usually adduced against the presence of 
an obstruction introduced by way of the muzzle that 
the sole remaining explanation is that the charge of 
shot from the previous cartridge remained stuck in the 
barrel. Singular as it may seem, the shooter is only 
too prone to ignore the serious consequences entailed 
by disregarding the warning signal conveyed by a slight 
click, unaccompanied by the usual sensations incidental 
to the proper firing of a cartridge. In the haste of 
shooting the sportsman seems inclined to assume a weak 
cartridge, and on finding the empty case extract in the 
usual manner he inserts a fresh cartridge. Everything 
behaves in the ordinary way until the second charge of 
shot comes into contact with the obstruction in the 
barrel. There is a sudden check in its forward motion, 
and ihe power of the gases, instead of being exerted for 
propulsion purposes, produces the local effect of a 
violent burst. otwithstanding the blocking of the pas- 
sageway by the second obstructing charge of shot, there 
is apparently sufficient available momentum to provide 
for the expulsion of the two charges from the muzzle 
of the gun. The difficulty in such cases is to find evi- 
dence clearly demonstrating the previous existence of 
a charge of shot in the barrel. The circumstances of 
the accident already referred to bore evidence of an ob- 
struction in the form of a neat imprint on the turn- 
over mouth of the second cartridge of a series of un- 
burnt powder grains, one of which actually adhered to 
the paper. This clearly showed that the powder charge 
had failed to ignite, thereby demonstrating the presence 
of a shot charge in the barrel. An examination of the 
batch of cartridges in use at the time of the accident 
showed that the condition of the powder charge had de- 
teriorated by reason of the deposit of a quantity of soda 
crystals among the grains. The origin of this foreign 
matter is not of present importance. Suffice it, there- 
fore, to say that the circumstances directly indicated 
an absence of proper ignition. 
Turning now to the case before us, the evidence is 
singularly complete concerning the presence of a shot 
charge obstruction in the barrel; but it is not possible 
to determine exactly why the charge failed to leave the 
barrel. The correspondent who has supplied the par- 
ticulars, together with permission to make full use of 
the same, has sent us a detailed report, showing the 
circumstances of the accident. It seems that his fiend 
was out covert shooting one day last autumn, and fired 
both barrels in quick succession. He noticed that the 
second cartridge did not properly explode, but made only 
a slight clicking noise. On the breech being opened 
both cartridge cases were found to be empty, and the 
shooter naturally concluded that both cartridges had 
been fired. He inserted two fresh cartridges, which on 
being discharged burst a hole in the right-hand barrel, 
starting at 7in. from the breech and extending 314in. be- 
yond that point. The fracture evidently commenced on 
the thinnest portion ,of the circumference, viz., where 
the two barrels adjoin one another. The gas accordingly 
escaped in the space between the ribs, and not only 
blew them bodily out of position, but separated the bar- 
rels from a point 6in. in front of the breech right up 
to the muzzle. 
There is nothing of a remarkable character in the 
circumstances so far related, but it seems that exactly 
a month later the same gentleman was again out covert 
shooting, having obtained the loan of his brother’s 
gun. A few cartridges were discharged without incident, 
but subsequently the old click was again heard in place 
of the usual discharge. The gun was opened, and the 
cartridge case was again found empty. This cartridge 
case lies before us, as also another from the same batch 
which had gone off properly. The satisfactory cartridge 
is comparatively clean inside, the turnover has been 
fully opened and pressed against the walls of the 
chamber, and the cartridge head bears the usual signs 
of having been subjected to a full pressure discharge. 
On turning to the cartridge which went off with a 
click, its interior is found to be deposited with a bluish- 
black material, having the color which is usually as- 
sociated with the firing of a cartridge cap. The turn- 
over has not been properly opened out, and it is stained 
on the outside with the same unusual black deposit. 
The cap, instead of being flattened out against the face 
of the action, has the appearance which usually follows 
from snapping an empty case. It is accordingly quite 
certain that the contents of this cartridge did not 
properly explode. Reverting to our correspondent’s ac- 
count of the accident, the user of the gun was suspicious, 
and he opened the gun for the purpose of looking 
through the barrels, when to his dismay he found one 
of them blocked. On further examination it was dis- 
covered that the contents of the cartridge were lodged 
about 8in. beyond the breech. This obstruction was not 
interfered with in any way, and the barrel containing 
it was forwarded to this office in order that a thorough 
investigation might be made. The question upon which 
our corespondent asks for information is as to the cause 
of the charge lodging in the barrel instead of going out 
in the usual manner. 
Our correspondent was fortunately able to send us a 
comparatively large number of the cartridges which were 
in use at the time of the accident. It seems that the 
batch originally consisted of 200 rounds. Of these two 
gave the defective results above described, which gives 
a proportion: of 1 in 74. The remainder, viz., fifty-two, 
were forwarded to this office, and four of them were 
fired in the proof barrel under the usual conditions of 
test, with the following result: ; 

Hotels for Sportsmen. 

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The Sportsman’s Paradise. 
Seay Turkey, Rabbits, Squirrels, Deer. 
ennel of Fine Pointers and Setters. 
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Splendid Golf course, Bowling, Riding, Driving. 
Write for Booklet and other descriptive literature. 
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HUNTER’S LODGE, 
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Health Resort. Game Preserve. 
Large Pine Grove. Abundance of Game. 
Climate similar to Aiken, S. Carolina. Probably the best 
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Best table and service south of the Potomac. 
ADDRESS: 
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Lumberton, North Carolina. 
Kennel of fine 

R.F.D. No. 6. 

The Finest Tarpon Fishing in 
the World is now in Season at 
TAMPICO, MEXICO. 
Season lasts until May Ist. 
Tarpon outfits for sale or rent. Boats and boatmen. 
Superior accommodation at Hotel Hidalgo for fishermen 
and their families. Over one thousand tarpon caught 
last winter. See photos at Abbey & Imbrie, 18 Vesey 
St., New York. 
Address HOTEL HIDALGO, Tampico, Mexico. 
Brookside Club House 
Buzzard’s Bay, Mass. 
WELL STOCKED TROUT; ideal Club House on 
BUZZARD’S BAY, Mass., to lease; ample game pre- 
serves; pond and sea fishing. For illustrated booklet of 
particulars, address BROOKSIDE CLUB, Monument 
Beach, Mass. 
NEWFOUNDLAND 
Excellent Salmon and Trout fishing. Tents, guides, boats 
provided: Write BUNGALOW, Grand Lake, Newfound- 
and. 
EDWARD SHEFFIELD, 
Guide and Outfitter, St. Anthony, Idaho. References. 




Wants and Exchanges. 
SALMON FISHING © 
Some first-class salmon fishing wanted for the coming 
season. Answer G. P., care Forest and Stream 

EIGHT-BORE SHOTGUN WANTED. SEND DE- 
SCRIPTION AND PRICE TO W., FOREST AND 
STREAM. 6 


“IN TIME OF PEACE PREPARE FOR WAR.” 
Have you ever been unable to get bait for trolling or 
casting just at the time you most wanted it? Why not 
be prepared. For 25 cents silver we will deliver enough 
of our “‘Preservo” Liquid to keep 100 shiners 10 years, if 
necessary. Guaranteed to keep shiners, smelts or frogs in 
perfect condition until needed. Reference: People’s 
National Bank. G. A. QUIMBY & CO., Druggists, 
Laconia, N. H. 

TRAINING vs. BREAKING. 
Practical Dog Training; or, Training vs. Breaking. By 
S. T. Hammond. To which is added a chapter on train- 
ing pet dogs, by an amateur. Cloth, 165 pages. Price, $1. 
FOREST AND STREAM PUBLISHING CO. 


bo 
Se 
On 
For Sale. 
BROOK TROUT FOR SALE. 
We have constantly on hand 
fine supply of Brook Trout, all 
sizes for stocking purposes. Al- 
so for table use at 75c. a pound 
Visitors privileged to catch own 
trout, 
PARADISE BROOK 
TROUT CO., Parkside, Pa., Henryville Railroad Station. 
LIVE QUAIL 
Western birds only. Positively no worthless Southern 
migratory birds offered. Also pheasants, etc. 
E. B. WOODWARD, 302 Greenwich St., New York. 
LIVE WILD WHITE CANADIAN Hares 
WALTER R. SOPER, Bucksport, Me. 
BROOK TROUT. 
Eggs, fry, yearlings and two-year-olds, for stocking 
brooks and lakes. Address NEW ENGLAND TROUT 
FARM, Plympton, Mass. 
BROOK TROUT 
of all ages for stocking lakes and streams. Brook trout 
eggs in their season. For the next 30 or 60 days I will 
make prices on yearlings very low. FURNACE BROOK 
HATCHERY (E. L. Maglathlin), Kingston, Mass. 
FOR SALE—BROOK TROUT.—FINE HEALTHY 
Fish of all sizes. Eyed eggs in season. Warranted de- 
livered anywhere, as represented. Correspondence 
solicited. BAY SIDE TROUT FARM (A. B. Savary), 
East Wareham, Mass. 
THE BROOKDALE TROUT CANNOT BE BEAT 
for stocking ponds and streams. For the next few 
weeks we will make a very low price on young fry and 
large fish. Also fly-fishing. 
BROOKDALE TROUT CO., Kingston, Mass. 
BROOK TROUT. 
It will pay you to correspond with me before buying 
eggs, fry or yearlings in any quantity. I guarantee a 




cheap. 
ti 





safe delivery anywhere. Crystal Spring Trout Farm 
L. B. HANDY, So. Wareham, Mass. 
BROOK TROU of all ages for stocking 
brooks and _ lakes. Brook 
trout eggs in any quantity, warranted delivered anywhere 
in fine condition. Correspondence solicited. 
THE PLYMOUTH ROCK TROUT CO. 
Plymouth, Mass, 
Quail, Deer, Ferrets, Foxes, Peacocks, wild Ducks, 
Pheasants, Swans, Angoras, Bear, etc., lowest prices. 
250 illustrations, colored plates, 25 cents. 
Jumbo Homers, 80 cents pair. 
UNITED STATES PHEASANTRY, Poughkeepsie,N.Y. 
Live Quail Colorado Top Knots 
A few thousand for February, March and April delivery. 
Please order quickly. 
E. B. WOODWARD, 302 Greenwich St., New York. 



Property for Sale. 
SALMON FISHING — 
Several good salmon rivers, on the North Shore of the 
St. Lawrence, offered for short or long lease. 
ticulars 
19, 40 Hospital St., Montreal, Canada, 
SALMON FISHING 
For Sale or Lease.—One of the finest salmon rivers and 
i on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence. 
Comfortable Camp, two canoes and 
other camping material. Over two hundred salmon have 
been caught in one season by two rods; average weight 
14 pounds. Apply 40 Hospital St., Room 19, Montreal, 
Canada. 
SALMON FISHING FOR RENT 
for the season of 1906. One of the best Salmon rivers in 
Canada. Good fishing guaranteed. For further particu- 
lars address ALFRED A. ADAMS, 96 FRANKLIN 
St.,. NEW YORK. 7 



WOODCRAFT. 
By Nessmuk. Cloth, 160 pages. Illustrated. Price, $1. 
A bock written for the instruction and guidance of 
Its author, 
FOREST AND STREAM PUBLISHING CO. 
