MY SOMALI BOOK 281 



striking somewhat obliquely, only penetrated an inch or 

 two, and was then deflected upwards (apparently by 

 muscle alone) till it met the skin, under which it 

 travelled along the back, without any further pene- 

 tration, for a couple of feet. It is possible that the 

 bullet did not fit the barrel tightly enough, and so 

 lost velocity and power, but I had on two occasions 

 just before, using the same cartridges, put a bullet 

 clean through a panther ; a fact which makes this 

 explanation at least doubtful. In any case, the 

 incident proves that the shape of the spherical ball is 

 not of itself sufficient to prevent the possibility of 

 deflection. However, the main fact is unaltered, that 

 the lighter and more elongated a bullet, the more risk 

 there is of deviation from the straight line. This is 

 equally true of a buUet in the air which may, especiall^^ 

 in the jungle, be turned from its course by touching 

 a twig. 



The above somewhat lengthy analysis of causes 

 and effects ma}^ conveniently be summed up under 

 headings of the four main factors in a bullet's behaviour 

 on and after impact on a given body. 



(i.) Velocity. — Must be sufficient to give adequate 

 penetration. This granted, any further in- 

 crease in velocity will add to the momentum- 

 shock only if it does not cause excess of 

 penetration : it may also cause increased 

 liability to break up. On the other hand, 

 increased velocity is a very decided dis- 

 advantage where it is obtained at the expense 

 of striking-surface, expansiveness, or free- 

 dom from deflection ; while, within limits. 



