y 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
381 
SS ee OE 
. —The Hempstead (Long Island) Inquirer says the number 
of quail killed by gunners in that vicinity during the past 
" season exceeds by far that of any one season in some years, 
and we are afraid will cause a scarcity of that kind of 
game for some time to come. Of course the birds have 
been plentier than usual, but the gunners from the city be- 
ing so largely in excess of former years, there is 
hardly a square acre of land inthe town but what has been 
‘scoured by men and dogs in search of these valuable birds. 
—Mr. Campion, a noted sportsman of Philadelphia, pro- 
poses organizing a shooting party for Currituck next fall, 
to go down ina steam tug oftheirown. One extraordinary 
bag this gentleman made the season just past counted 
out 400 ducks, several geese, and one swan, in four days’ 
shooting. 
—As to rail shooting, a Washington correspondent begs 
respectfully to deny that Philadelphians enjoy a monopoly 
_ of the sport. He says:— 
“Sportsmen go from Washington to the marshes on the 
_ Patuxent River, a few miles below Moriboro’, Md., and find 
the rail there in great numbers. One party of ten spent a 
week there, in camp, and killed over twenty-five hundred 
rails, besides countless numbers of reed birds and ducks. 
Skiffs and pushers are readily obtained, and the sport is al- 
‘ways good. Our season commences on September ist. If 
_ your correspondent would like to try the sport there he 
_ can put himself in communication with most any sports- 
man here, who will give him proper directions.” 
We noticed in our columns last fall some splendid bags 
of rail made by our correspondent, ‘‘Piseco,” and others in 
the vicinity of Washington. 
.  —A letter from Russell, Kansas, dated January 9th, 
says :— 
“Game is not very plenty in this county at this season. 
Antelope were plenty in the fall, but I have not seen any 
lately. When seen they are very wild. Elk are scarce. I 
saw two last week, but as I had only a shot gun with me I 
could only look at them run. What Peaps they did make 
in the snow! Buffalo keep further west, although they 
sometimes wander through here. Deer scarce, ‘‘Jack rab- 
bits” plenty, coyotes and gray: wolves plenty, quail are 
- yather scarce, prairie chickens-scarce, and generally crossed 
with the sharp-tailed grouse. Now and then a dusky 
grouse.” S. 
—Scattered about the prairies in Kansas are little ponds 
and puddles caused by the collecting of the surface water 
‘after rains, the occasional overflow of streams, and some- 
times by springs at the bottom. These ponds average per- 
haps thirty yards in length by eight in width and three feet 
deep in the middle. To them all kinds of animals and 
wild fowl resort to quench their thirst and eat the varieties 
of food which always collect or grow in damp and marshy 
places. It is quite customary for sportsmen and travelers 
with depleted larders to build screens near by and lie in 
“wait for the approach of game. These screens are con- 
structed of prairie grass and sticks, which latter the gunner 
must bring with him, as the treeless prairie affords none 
whatever, except at long intervals of distance. Our cor- 
respondent, W. L. P., tells us how he and a friend made a 
bag last September. He says: 
| “B— had an ancient muzzle loader which looked as if 
it could hardly survive#another day’s shooting, but as for 
myself mine was a fine double barrel 10-bore muzzle loader 
which did some remarkably fine shooting on that day and 
many others. We had been‘sitting behind our screen for 
about fifteen minutes when a loud splash caused us to look 
; up, and there before us was a flock of blue winged teal 
quietly beginning to feed without the least apprehension 
_ of danger. Hastily cocking our guns, B— and myself fired 
together, giving them the first barrel as they sat in the water, 
and the second as they rose. Five ducks fell, and after re- 
covering our birds we sat down behind our screen to wait 
for more. Presently another large flock appeared. B— 
flred just as they were settling, and brought down one with 
each barrel, while J managed to get one with my right 
hand barrel. While waiting for another flock of ducks we 
were agreeably surprised by seeing a large wisp of yellow- 
/ leg snipe settle quietly near us. B— fired both barrels at 
once, and as they were rising I gave them both of my 
barrels, one after another. We killed eight, and after re- 
covering the birds we sat down to wait for another shot. 
We had not been quiet very long before a couple of mal- 
lard settled in the water with very little noise.- I imme- 
_ diately fired and killed one. But why go on? Suffice it 
to say, that morning’s bag included two mallard, fourteen 
teal, twelve snipe, and four upland plover.” 
- We are indebted to this correspondent for photographs of 
» distinguished Kiowa chiefs, taken at Forts Hays and Sill, 
> and also of a two-year-old buffalo cow, which happened to 
stray within range of the camera, unsuspicious of the risk 
run by its proximity to the garrison post. 
t —Here isa letter from an old veteran of the Mexican 
wat, and an experienced hunter and trapper. We deem the 
hints valuable: 


= 
Weston, VT., Jan. 6, 1874. 
Eprror Forrest anp SrrEam:— 
_ Tt isa mooted question among sportsmen what is the 
- pest method of caring for a gun when not inuse? I 
~~ have solved it to my own satisfaction, and it is mainly in 
accord with the style of loading, using muzzle loaders. 
I prefer wads cut from harness or other soft leather, a 
thick one above the powder, a thin one pierced with a 
| small hole in the centre (for dispatch in loading) above the 
- \gshot. Before the latter is charged I pour in upon the shot 
~ four or five drops of lubricating oil, which softens the resi- 
~ due of burnt powder, and is swept out by the wads. 
; 
~ 
“he 
ul 
4 
or 
© / . 
ve Phy . 2 . 
wa 4) CS a 4 
a 
- ah? ‘ i. 
gy Se Ae ee I ee a - 
Thus loaded a gun may stand for months at a time without 
injury. I have a muzzle /loader that has been thus treated 
for eight years, has been shot many hundred times and 
never once otherwise cleaned, and is to-day as smooth as 
the day it left the hands of the gunmaker. Of course, I 
I keep it when not in use where steam or other moisture 
does not have access. Another advantage obtained is, the 
shot penetrate much deeper and spread more evenly. 
If the foregoing should be new to any of your readers, I 
desire them to give the method a trial and report result. 
CPW 
—In reply to inquiries we may state that the statute for 
the protection of game in Ontario, Canada, 35 Vict, cap. 
38, section 2 and 4, reads as follows: 2. ‘‘None of the said 
animals or birds shall be hunted, taken, or killed, within 
the periods hereinafter limited; deer, elk, moose, reindeer, 
or caribou, between the first day of December and the first 
day of September inthe following year; wild turkeys, 
grouse, pheasants, or partridges, between the first day of 
January’and the first day of September; quail, between the 
first day of January and the first day of October; wood- 
cock, between the first day of January and the first day of 
July; snipe, between the first day of May and the fifteenth 
day of August; waterfowl, which are known as mallard, 
grey duck, black duck, wood or summer duck, and all the 
kinds of duck known as teal, between the first day of Jan- 
uary and the fifteenth day of August; hares or rabbits, be 
tween the first day of March and the first day of Septem- 
ber. 4. No person shall have in his possession any of the 
said animals or birds, or any part or portion of any such 
animals or birds, during the periods in which they are so 
protected; provided that they may be exposed for sale for 
one month and no longer, after such periods, and may be 
had in possession for the private use of the owner and his 
family at any time; but in all cases the period of the time 
of killing or taking shall be upon the party so in pos- 
session. 
—A Toronto correspondent who has been in the field in 
the neighborhood of St. Clair Flats, almost constantly since 
the 1st of October, sends us a brief reswme of this season’s 
sport. He says:— 
“There is such a variety of shooting there that sportsmen 
can’t help but enjoy it. Ducks of nearly all varieties are 
plenty till the ice drives them out. Woodcock very plenty 
till first week in November; quail in abundance, with a 
fair average of partridge, (ruffed grouse); and later, turkeys 
and deer are plenty—enough to satisfy any hard-working 
sportsman. As you know, to be successful as a sportsman, 
one has to work; but oh, man! can’t you enjoy your game 
dinner and bacon in the mornings and not grumble at your 
straw or brush bed. 
Detroit patronizes the Flats ‘numerously’ for the fishing— 
one of the best black bass districts in America. They have 
two club houses, besides a number of private yachts, and 
being so easy of access—four hours by steamer—it is, of 
course, a great convenience to sportsmen in that neighbor? 
hood. Co OWS Sel 
Contin’s RiFLE ToURNAMENT.—This novel and interést- 
ing rifle practice continues to attract the attention of ex- 
perts and those familiar with the use of the rifle. The 
rooms are crowded with marksmen from all parts, and the 
success of the Tournament is another addition to the im- 
portant fact that rifle practice among our gentlemen 
sportsmen is gradually gaining great headway, and asa 
skillful amusement for all classes. We announced in last 
week’s issue that the competitors for the handsome prizes 
have to stand rifle in hand at 75 feet distant from the 
bullet, which bullet is 2 inch in diameter, and 
is suspended by a string from the ceiling, and to hit 
this bullet the greatest number of times in succession is the 
ambition of dexterous marksmen. Since Mr. Conlin has 
opened his gallery there has been but one gentleman ex- 
pert who has succeeded in hitting the bullet fifteen 
consecutive times. Weappend a short list of the most 
successful scores up to January 19: 
FIRST PRIZE. 
Peter Gilsey e000). 5 consecutive bullets. 
Wiilliambitaysiinss acsa 6 consecutive bullets. 
SECOND PRIZE, 
H/T; Jenkingiss..!....0 2. 3 consecutive bullets. 
Leon Backer. .....:......- 3 consecutive bullets. 
Bis Blezardis vic seaamvaaaleracets 3 consecutive bullets. 
THIRD PRIZE. 
Wilson Macdonald........ 3 consecutive bullets. 
det. BD. COMMA ccc cc. 
Supt. Hartvelt 
4 consecutive bullets. 
St Any . 3 consecutive bullets. 
FOURTH PRIZE. 
William Hayes =o. te scs-. se sngac Hit 9 times out of 15 shots. 
Wilson Macdonald .. Hit 8 times out of 15 shots. 
Leon Backer.... . ..Hit 7 times out of 15 shots. 
W. 4H. Richards... . His 7 times out of 15 shots. 
GEOL ZO OLOUC ce ole eneapicle clos os Hit 8 times out of 15 shots. 
The elegant prizes will be distributed on Washington’s 
birthday—February 22d. The Tournament still continues. 
—We make the following extracts from a letter written 
by amember of the famed Irish team to agentleman in this 
city: ‘The back-bone of the long range rifle shooting is 
the volunteer organization. Every corps in England and 
Scotland has its range, and almost all the members learn 
rifle shootinginthisway. In Ireland there are no volun- 
teer ranges, and the Government ranges are not available 
for private practice, consequently it is up-hill work to get 
up or keep up a rifle association in Ireland. I hope Creed- 
moor may even surpass Wimbledon in time, and may 
reach that magnitude which so many American institutions 
has arrived at. Our team is selected annually by the open 
competition (two days), and it is a severe ordeal. Fifty 
shots each day, 15 at 800, 15 at 900, and 20 at 1,000 yards. 
No trial shots. I have been fortunate enough to get in 
every year since the first competition. This year we have 


three new men, one of whom has neyer fired a shot at 
long range uutila few months ago.” 
PIGEON SHOOTING. 
—At Dexter’s, Long Island, a pigeon shoot took place 
last week for a Scott Breech-loader; entrance, $10. There 
were 14 entries. The birds were excellent, but the shoot- 
ing was very poor. Ten birds each, usuai conditions. 
Only one gentleman suceeede d in killing nine birds. 
—The Canadians have Sweepstake matches for snow- 
birds. The Toronto Sporting Times gives the following 
score made at a handicap match at Don Flats on January 
8th, each man ten birds, English rules: 



16 yards Gonldye,) or... 0e 9/16 yards Smith... 8 
16: 4f5 MINORS. A aivie a nkat c gjla ‘* Thompso va 
Te ike TAEBUCT tae citar Pua a2 9/157" Forman... 7 
1G DP Warde sat) s0nes 9|16 Humphries.......... Vi 
1B. Se SAAN. cle, a ocpnae diters 0116.0:% SW Axnene .. «00a eeatsieva 6 
16% * Armstrong...:....... O16 OLE. 2 hearse mae 5 
PL t8 he Wand. 55s. 77 be 818 Bennedyic..h. sae4e0 5 
108 Mairbroup soo. fjcs<s 8116. £ Murcell. oie cssse ean 4 

The sweep was divided amongst the five who made the 
highest score, viz.: Messrs. Gouldey, Miller, Luster, D. 
Ward, and Small ; 
—James Ward of Toronto has issued the following chal- 
lenge: 
I will shoot a home-and-home match against I. A. Paine 
or Miles Johnson, or both of them, one match té be shot 
at New York and the other at Toronto In thematch at 
New York each to shoot at thirty single pigeons and fifteen 
double rises, for $250 a side, the one killing the most in 66 
to win, under Canadian rules, Johnson and Paine to fur- 
nish the birds and traps free at New York, and I will do 
likewise at Toronto. In the match at Toronto each to 
shoot at sixty single snow birds, same rules, for $250 a 
side, I will not shoot double birds by the Rhode Island 
rules, because when shooting at double birds from ground 
traps it is very seldom both birds will rise atthe same time, 
and when they do not there is a great deal of luck about it. 
But when a match at double birds is shot by the Canada 
rules, both birds have to be onthe wing when the first is 
shot at. And not only that, plunge traps for double bird 
shooting are the only traps that are issued by the shooting 
clubs of Canada and the United States, except in New 
York. - 1 will not make a match to find or trap and handle 
against either Paine or Johnson, because I think they can 
beat me at that. I don’t want to bet money on finding 
birds, but shoot from H and T traps; then both parties 
get equal birds, and the one that wins will win by shooting 
and not by trapping and handling. 
Ward also states that he is willing to s hoot against Capt. 
Bogardus at any time, by receiving four weeks’ notice, for 
$500 a side, Canada rules, each to shoot at 100 single snow 
birds, either at Buffalo or Toronto. If shot at Buffalo, Bo- 
gardus to find the birds; if at Toronto, he (Ward) will find 
them. 
A. H. Bogardus replied to Ira Paine’s letter as follows: 
“T will shoot the match if he will find all the pigeons and 
trap and handle out of the same lot of birds; he to trap for 
me and I will trap forhim. If he will let me name the 
place I will find pigeons and give him $100 for expenses; 
or he may name the place and I will take the same.” 
—At Analostan Island, Washington, D. C., the tie be- 
tween Locroft and Mayhew, at the pigeon match on Janu- 
ary 8th, was agreed to be shot off on Monday the 12th, at 
fifteen birds each, same conditions as original match. At 
the eleventh bird Mayhew had killed 9 and Locroft 4; the 
latter gave up the match. SNE De elie 
—We are pleased to notice the thorough endorsement 
given by Adjutant-General Rathbone, of Wingate’s Rifle 
Manual, a review of which appeared in our columns. We 
condense somewhat from the instructions given by the 
Adjutant-General to the National Guard :— 
“That regimental and company commanders of infantry, 
and of cavalry armed with carbines, at once familiarize 
themselves with instructions prescribed in ‘Wingate’s 
Manual,’ and from and after the first day of January next, 
make sighting, position, and aiming drilla part of the 
weekly drill of their companies. Regimental commanders 
will assemble their field and company officers at least twice 
in each of the months of January and February next for 
the study and practice of Articles 1-6 of the Manual referred 
to. Requisitions for shells charged with acap of fulminate 
only, for candle practice, may be made during the month 
of February. 
On the first of April next a detailed report, in duplicate, 
will be made by each company commander, one copy for- 
warded to these headquarters, and the other retained at 
regimental headquarters, showing, First, The number of 
target practice drills held during the previous three months, 
in compliance with this order. Second, A roster of the 
company, showing the members present and absent at such 
drill. Third, The score in detail made by the company in 
the use of the twenty rounds during the month of March. 
In regimental and brigade districts where rifle ranges 
have been established, as well as to those organizations 
within a reasonable distance from Creedmoor Range, a sup- 
ply of ball cartridges for target practice will be furnished 
where the reports show sufficient proficiency in sighting, 
position, and aiming drill, and candle practice to warrant 
the issue. 
Division and brigade commanders should familiarize 
themselves with the principles and formula of rifle practice, 
and, so far as lies in their power, contribute towards the 
attainment of a high order of marksmanship among the 
National Guard of the State. Regimental and company 
officers will supervise the instruction of companies and 
squads within their respective commands, and by their ex- 
ample encourage their subordinates to'become proficient in 
the use of the rifle. 
The practice prevailing to a great extent in the National 
Guard of expending annually a large amount of ammuni- 
tion on what are commonly known as ‘target excursions,’ 
should be discouraged by all who have the interest of the 
National Guard at heart, as being perfectly valueless as a 
means of imparting instruction in the use of the rifle, and 
subversive of good order and military discipline. The use 
of cartridges issued by the State on any such occasion is 
therefore strictly prohibited. 
By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
Jonn F. RaruBonn, Adjutant-General. 
OFFICIAL: 
J. B. StonEHousE, Assistant Adjutant-General.” 
