fisheries of the united states. [62] 



Daeting-Bombs. 



Pierce's darting-bomb. 



A kind of explosive lance known as the '' darting-bomb," used in 

 connection with the darting-gun for killing whales. Patented 

 and manufactured by Capt. Eben Pierce. Length, 15^ inches. 

 New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1876. 25252. U. S. Fish Com- 

 mission. Substantially the same as the other kind of the 

 Pierce lance, with the exception that, as it is projected when 

 the muzzle of the gun is in contact with the whale, the wings 

 are considered superfluous, and are not used on this pattern. 



Brand's darting-bomb. 



A kind of explosive lance used in connection with Pierce's darting- 

 gun. Length, 14 inches. Norwich, Connecticut, 1883. 56377. 

 Patented, manufactured, and presented by Mr. Junius A. Brand. 

 Substantially the same as the other kinds of Brand's lances, 

 with the exception that, as it is driven into the whale when the 

 gun is darted by hand, wings are not used. 



EOCKETS. 

 EOCKET AND BOMB-SHELL. 



Used in connection with the rocket-gun. This projectile consists of 

 a cast-iron shell with three cutting edges, a brass rocket-shell, 

 and an iron loop-extension screwed to rear of the rocket. The 

 bomb and rocket are intended to be connected with a breech- 

 piece. The shell has been detached to show the toggle, which 

 is fastened by two links to the projecting end, or shoulder, of 

 the rocket, and, when used, is entirely inclosed in the body of 

 the shell. When the bomb explodes the toggle and chain are 

 released, and become fastened in the blubber or flesh, prevent- 

 ing the apparatus from being withdrawn. An iron link or loop, 

 with two arms, is adjusted to the loop-extension, or double 

 shank. The end of the iron-strap is made fast to this link. 

 Length of shank and rocket, 66 inches ; length of toggle, 9f 

 inches; length of bomb, 15^ inches ; shank, rocket, and toggle, 

 56373; bomb, 56374; iron-strap, 56375. The bomb may be 

 loaded with an explosive compound which is ignited by the 

 rocket-shell. The fire is communicated to the combustible ma- 

 terial in the rocket-chamber by means of a pistol attached to 

 the gun. The issue of gas from the rear of the rocket propels 

 the apparatus. 



