PRESERVING GUNPOWDER. 



' My grand magazine is a sort of basket, secured with a 

 lid and padlock, and covered with a sheep-skin, which, like 

 the coffin of Mahomet, hangs suspended between sky and 

 earth, from the couples of the kitchen. This disposition 

 secures it alike against damp and accident. My arms give me 

 an infinity of trouble, but by a weekly inspection, I manage to 

 keep all in order. 



" It is marvellous how quickly, even with moderate care, 

 powder spoils. With my attention I experience little incon- 

 venience, as I always warm my flask by plunging it in 

 boiling water before I take the field. This renders the 

 powder sufficiently dry, without deteriorating from its 

 strength, which exposure to a stronger heat will inevitably 

 occasion. 



" By the way, I have had more actual experience in this 

 necessary article than was exactly agreeable. Come, we will 

 bear away for the Lodge, and as the Colonel is immersed in 

 * The Packet/ and deep in the debate, I will give you the 

 particulars. In powder I am not ' ignarus mail,' for I blew 

 myself up, or made an excellent attempt, and burned a cabin 

 to the very ground. 



" Both tales are briefly told. We were on a Christmas visit, 

 when, a slight fall of snow having taken place overnight, the 

 host proposed that I, and Captain H - of the 7th dragoons, 

 should go out and shoot snipes among the numerous drains by 

 which his lawn was irrigated. Guns were procured but 

 only one powder-flask was attainable, and it was to be a part- 



of ten or twelve yards. In this trial we should be careful to employ the 

 same sized shot in each experiment the quantity both of the shot and 

 the powder being regulated by exact weight ; otherwise we cannot, even 

 in this experiment, arrive to any certainty in comparing the strength of 

 different powders, or of the samt powder at different times. 



To protect guns from rust in the humid climate I have been latterly 

 accustomed to, I found nothing answer well but strong mercurial oint- 

 ment. On the western coast, oil, no matter how good in quality, i> 

 useless, but for cleaning. Those who are acquainted with the localities of 

 that, country know that turf is of trifling value. No limit is consequently 

 placed upon its consumption ; it is calculated only by the stack or the 

 boatful, and hence more fuel was wasted iu my lodge than would supply 

 three moderate houses. Yet so penetrating is the damp from the ocean 

 breeze, that the house-arms rusted above the fire-places, and the pistols 

 I kept upon my table would spot if not frequently examined, and dry- 

 rubbed with a flannel cloth. 



I* 



