IGNITION JN GUN-BARREL. 



or those parts that have been driven downwards, but 

 they will play an important function in the applica- 

 tion of my surmises and facts when discussing further 

 this subject. 



After what I have said in reference to the explosion 

 of shells, does it not look more than possible nay, 

 probable, that gunpowder, ignited in its course up the 

 barrel, throws all its force back and forwards, as it is 

 impossible for any of it to go up or down ? If so, 

 does not a portion of the lately ignited powder 

 militate in some degree to retard the velocity and 

 powers of what was first fired, with the negative advan- 

 tage of adding a trifling assistance to the propelling 

 power that the projectiles have already received ? 

 If such be the case, there is of necessity an exact 

 quantity of powder, beyond which you cannot go 

 without injuring the shooting of your gun. 



I hope that I have expressed myself in this matter 

 in such terms as can be understood by all, for I have 

 been compelled to repeat over and over again the 

 same words, a proceeding I have a very great dislike 

 to. 



