An essay on shooting. Containing the various methods of forging, boring, and dressing gun barrels, practised in France, Spain, and England, and the different Proofs of Barrels employed in those Countries Etc

xiii, 303pp. Contemprary calf, rebacked c19th century with a lighter coloured leather but very well done. Tape stains to endpapers (from well meant plastic covering since removed), prev owner name dated 1790 on half-title page. Very slight occasional foxing. Overall a very pleasing, wide-margined copy of this early treatis on guns, gunsmithing and shooting. The title continues (at length): with Remarks- An Investigation of the causes of recoil and of bursting, with proposals for preventing or remedying them- An inquiry into the effects of length, bore and charge, upon the range, &c of the piece - And remarks upon the articles of powder, shot, wadding &c &c. Also instructions for attaining the art of shooting- the methods of training pointers- and a short description of the game of this country, as connected with the amusement of shooting. The whole interspersed with summary observations on the various subjects of the sport. Size: 8vo.