FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. [16] 



fuse ignited by a central-fire cartridge rigidly fixed to the lance and 

 forming a part of it. 



The above patents differ in their internal construction and arrange- 

 ment; and, -with the exception of the Brand 'So. 4, which is especially 

 designed for Greener's swivel-gun, they may be used in connection with 

 the shoulder-guns. 



The Allen lance prevented the egress of water by the issue of flame 

 in its rear caused by the burning of the fuse; the present lances are 

 rendered impervious to water, either by tight screw-joints or by being 

 hermetically sealed. 



Pierce's and Cunningham's lances weigh, each, one and a quarter 

 pounds, and the Brand No. 2 (new model, for example) two pounds. 

 These weights do not include the amount of powder required for the 

 charges. 



The Bocket-Bomh. — The bomb which was designed especially for 

 the Eoys' gun, is propelled by a rocket afiixed to its rear, and is the 

 sole representative of its kind, so far as the American fishery is con- 

 cerned. Further reference will be subsequently made to this projectile. 



The Darting-Bomh. — The darting-bombs are short, wingless lances, 

 made for the darting-guns, i^atented and manufactured by Captain Eben 

 Pierce, Patrick Cunningham, and Mr. Junius A. Brand, respectively^ 

 and known as the "Pierce darting-bomb," "Brand darting-bomb," and 

 the " Cunningham darting-bomb." 



Bomb-Lance Harpoon. — Projectiles discharged from guns consisting 

 of a bomb and harpoon combined have met with little success. Such 

 instruments are. intended to fasten to a whale and at the same time 

 kill or disable it. Owing to the weight of a combination of this 

 nature, which is unavoidable in its peculiar construction, it cannot be 

 used in connection with shoulder-guns, as it would be impossible for 

 man to withstand the shock of the recoil. In addition to this, the 

 weight or "drag" of the whale-line, which must of necessity be at- 

 tached, deflects the projectile from its true course, and it consequently 

 fails to strike the whale. A harpoon of this nature, however, has re- 

 cently been introduced which bids fair to overcome the obstacles just 

 mentioned. This instrument is intended to be fired from an improved 

 swivel-gun, and was designed by H. W. Mason and Patrick Cunning- 

 ham, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and is mentioned in the specifi- 

 cation forming part of letters-patent (269080, United States Patent 

 Office) dated December 12, 1882. An example of this projectile (United 

 States National Museum, No. 5636G) is included in this exhibit, and the 

 success of the contrivance will, undoubtedly, in a short time be made 

 known through its introduction into the fishery of the Arctic regions. 



4.— IMPLEMENTS USED EXCLUSIVELY ON THE VESSEL. 



The various implements emi)loyed in cutiing-in the whale, and in minc- 

 ing and boiling the blubber, are grouped upon and about a pyramidal 



