1886.] on New Applications of the Mechanical Projjerties of Cork. 449 



fuses si3ecially to fit tins minute ordnance, and I can fire the gun by 

 means of a small electro-magnetic battery. The gun has now recoiled, 

 and remains in its rear position. I load again, open the running-out 

 cock, the gun runs out, and I fire without closing the cock. You see 

 the gun has recoiled and run out instantly again. 



The arrangement I have adopted may he made by using air instead 

 of cork, but air is a troublesome substance to deal with ; it leaks out 

 very easily and without showing any signs of having done so, which 

 might readily lead to serious consequences. A special pump is 

 required to make up loss by leakage. 



The merit of cork is its extreme simplicity and trustworthiness. 

 By mixing a certain proportion of glycerine with the water it will 

 not freeze in any ordinary cold weather. 



[W. A.] 



2 G 2 



