68 DETONATING SYSTEM. 



only one department of gunmaking, are probably but 

 superficially acquainted with even the theory of the 

 other. 



THE BARREL 



Should be fourteen gauge, to let the powder burn easy ; 

 and (as before observed) at least two feet eight inches ; 

 arid if two feet ten inches, or even three feet, so much 

 the better ; in order not only to keep the shot together 

 at long distances, but to prevent the gas from driving 

 out the powder before it is thoroughly ignited. It has 

 been argued to me (by the way) that many people 

 have cut long barrels shorter, and found that they after- 

 wards killed even better! Very likely: and for why? 

 . because the barrels were improperly bored for a long 

 caliber, and therefore, the length, from this circum- 

 stance, became mere lumber, if not an obstruction, in- 

 stead of being the greatest possible assistance. 



THE BREECHING 



Is cupped similar to that for a flint, though of course 

 with a shorter chamber; and by all means should be 

 forged in one solid piece. Joe Manton's breeching has 

 hitherto proved by far the best for detonating guns ; 

 and I will therefore give the modern sections of it. But 

 I will leave them till we treat of the caps and primers, 

 in order to point out> in a good place, the different 

 modes of ignition. 



