BURSTING OF GUN-BARRELS. 839 



for a very short space, and firea off, it will burst the 

 barrel. 



4. The utmost attention is required in the examination 

 of a barrel before making a purchase of a piece ; for although 

 it may have been tested by the maker, it is quite possible, 

 that the piece may be frequently fired and no accident hap- 

 pen, even with an imperfect barrel. But a mistake, in 

 adding either an unusually large charge of powder or shot, 

 may cause it to burst. Defects in barrels depend upon the 

 circumstance of their being imperfectly welded, or any other 

 deep flaw in the twisting ; or from want of care in boring 

 and finishing, whereby the sides may be of unequal thick- 

 ness, which are more likely to be met with in pieces which 

 are low in price. 



