1 86 Experiments with Cannon, &c. 



out the smallest injury, the most severe proof that ever 

 had been given to brass guns of the same weights, lengths, 

 and calibres. They were then fired, quick, at the short- 

 est possible intervals, with half the weight of their 

 bullets in powder, and three fit bullets, one upon the 

 other, but not one of them burst in these severe trials ; nor 

 were any of their carriages injured. One of the 6 pound- 

 ers, 1 6 calibres in length, and weighing 720 Ibs., was then 

 taken from its carriage, and being laid on the ground, 

 was twice fired, once with 6 Ibs. of powder and two bull- 

 ets ; and once with the same charge of powder and three 

 bullets ; but these attempts to burst it were fruitless. 



The result of these experiments having removed all 

 the doubts that were entertained respecting the strength 

 of these guns, their accuracy in shooting was now tried. 

 They were repeatedly fired both with round, and with 

 cannister-shot against a mark, placed at different dis- 

 tances ; and they were unanimously declared by all pres- 

 ent at these trials, to be quite equal, for accuracy, to 

 the best brass ordnance. 



Several of them were afterwards used in actual ser- 

 vice, and were found to be as complete and as useful 

 guns as any in the service. 



The i pounders which were on a peculiar con- 

 struction were much used in the defence of Man- 

 helm ; and they became at last such favourites with the 

 corps of artillery, that the men on duty actually made 

 interest with their officers to be stationed at them. 

 These small guns were about 4 feet long in the bore ; 

 and although their calibre was that of an one pound iron 

 bullet, they weighed as much as one of the 3 pounders, 

 and were commonly fired, in service, with three bullets 

 at a time, which they carried with surprising accuracy. 



