What a book! He recommends pouring mercury down the tube to clear the lead. Ever hear the term, "Mad as a hatter"? That was from inhaling the "quicksilver" fumes. I believe he is talking about pitting.
In the event of barrels getting leaded—which is often the case if spurious shot is constantly used, or if the barrels get very hot—first remove as much lead as possible with the wire scratch-brush, and then pour three or four ounces of liquid quicksilver down each tube, stop up the muzzle and breech, and shake well up and down for some moments. The mercury uniting with the remaining lead forms an amalgam, which must then be poured out. The silver may be preserved and used again, if strained through several folds of very fine muslin, the lead being thus separated.
This recipe, although a very old one, may be new to some of our readers. A little honeycomb in 'the barrels is of no consequence, provided it does not increase. It is a mistake to think that Damascus tubes are more subject to honeycomb than steel, for both metals are affected by continual wear.
We strongly counsel sportsmen always to clean their own weapons, unless they possess thoroughly experienced keepers who understand the work. More guns than would be supposed are completely ruined by being left in charge of careless servants.
Pete
