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It was formerly the pradice to load with large quantities of 

 powder ; and the abufe extended fo far, that in ordnance of a 

 higher cahbre than twelve-pounders, the charge of powder 

 amounted to half the weight of the (hot ; the confequence of 

 this was, that about a fourth of the powder remained uninflamed, 

 which added to tlie weight of the ball gave a refiftance of 

 27 lbs. to be overcome by gibs, of powder, inftead of 24 by 12, 

 the fuppofed refiftatice and poiver. To demonftratc more accu- 

 rately the abfurdity of tliis pradicc (which had been already 

 reprobated by the beft artillery officers) I enclofed the vertical 

 eprouvette fo as to prevent the efcape of uninflamed powder, 

 and after fifty difcharges, in each of which 2 drachms were 

 comprefled by a weight of 22 lbs. I colledled above a thirtieth 

 part, or 3^ drachms of ftrong and highly inflammable powder. 

 The prefent charge is a third of the fliot's weight for heavy, 

 and a fourth for light artillery ; it would ftill admit of reduc- 

 tion. 



Salt of Tartar may be introduced as an auxiliary in the 

 compofition of gun-powder; it encreafcs the report aftonifliingly, 

 but is noxious to ftrength and durability : Government fliould, 

 however, give fome attention to this matter, as a powder might 

 be manufati^ured, a fmall portion of which would produce a 

 tremendous report, and prevent the unnecefl!ary expenditure of 

 that which is ferviceable, in the parade of war where noife only 

 is required. The ftrength of powder is by no means eftablifhed 

 by the proof of the vertical eprouvette, unlcfs corroborated by 

 the brafs mortar, which I am informed is conftantly ufed by the 



gentleman 



