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 plea sure, which is not always the case in the latter mode of construction ; which, though apparently more simple, is by no means so convenient. The alleged reason of having but one is, that the in terior is simplified, while the sportsman is less bewildered in regard to the choice of triggers, and in the application of the finger thereto; but we conceive, that no cool or expert sportsman is ever at a loss in those particulars.
We now come to speak of the sizes of shot in ordinary use, as they are appro priated to various kinds and sizes of binds: observing, that many old sports men and game-keepers, consider it ad vantageous to mix No. 4, 5, 6, and 7, in nearly equal quantities. This, how ever, does not seem to be warranted. The application of particular sizes to corresponding purposes appears to us More proper; nor can we reject that which rests on the solid basis of reason, in favour of a system but partially sup ported, even in words, and without a sufficient course of experiment under the eye of impartiality. We have, in deed, the assertions of various gentle men, of the most candid dispositions, and versed in those experimental tests requisite to sanction a practice, whereby it should appear that no mixture should over take place ; but that where large, shy game is sought (such as wild geese, bustards, &c.) No. 1 should be used; or, in default of that, No. 2 : that where wild ducks, and other hard-feathered birds are in view, No. 3 or 4 should be used;
that for hares, pheasant; and partridges, No. 4 and 5 ought to be employed ; that for woodcocks, No. 6 and 7 suit well ; while for shipes and quails, No. 7 and 8 answer admirably. As for ortolan, larks, &c. No. 9 and 10 should be used, where the birds are not very shy ; otherwise No. 8.
From this it will be seen, that No. 4, 5, 6, and 7, certainly constitute the general expenditure of the regular sportsman : but we cannot, from that, deduce, that they ought to be mixed. However much we may differ, in the above point, from the Rev. W. B. Daniel, author of the celebrated " Rural Sports," such is the opinion we entertain of that work, that we shall present our readers with the following passage, extracted from his second volume. He gives the following table : Grains. "One ounce of common shot, No.
4, contains 166 Charge for double gun . . 317 One ounce of patent shot, No. 4, contains 202 Charge for double gun . . 375 The difference of charge, between the patent and the common shot, is therefore 58 grains in the ounce.
One ounce of No. 5, common shot, contains 230 Charge for ditto 437 One ounce of patent ditto . 271 Charge for ditto 512 Difference 75 grains.
One ounce of No. 6, common shot, contains. 300 Charge for ditto 554 One ounce of patent ditto . 327 Charge for ditto 630 Difference 76 grains, ening.
One ounce of No. 7, common shot, contains 363 Charge for ditto 708 One ounce of patent ditto . . 388 Charge of ditto 757 Difference 49 grains.