100 CENTRAL FIRE RIFLE. 



was established in 1860, and which up to this 

 time has never been beaten. 



The Plate on page 99 illustrates the system ; 

 and by comparing it with the Plate on page 96, 

 it will be seen that the action is in many respects 

 similar 'to Mr. Westley Richards' former rifle, 

 the chief difference being that the sliding plunger 

 (Plate, ad) is perforated, and contains a needle, 

 or rather striker, bb, that receives the blow of 

 the hammer, d, upon a projecting head, c, and 

 which, sliding forward, explodes the cap con- 

 tained in the felt wad (vide Plate, page 102), 

 attached to the cartridge. 



These felt wads are, after the insertion of the 

 caps, dipped in tallow, and, by a very simple 

 arrangement, a portion of this valuable lubri- 

 cating agent is driven back by the side of the 

 striker after each discharge, coming out through 

 a hole in the side of the plunger, in regular ro- 

 tation, and keeping every part in good working 

 order. 



