THE BARREL. 



215 



Skelp;" and 4th, "Sham damn Skelp." The method of 

 making Damascus iron I have already alluded to, and have 

 also given an engraving of the appearance which it presents 

 in the bar. The following is an accurate representation of 

 a portion of a pair of barrels made of this iron being those 

 which performed the best in the second class at the gun trial 

 of 1859. 



Fty Jla 



DAMASCUS r,Ai:ui:i.s. (HALF SIZE.) 



A much finer twist is sometimes made, especially in 

 Belgium; but there is no advantage obtained, and it is 

 generally supposed to weaken the iron. This very fine kind 

 of Damascus is shown below, having been carefully copied 

 from a pair of barrels of English manufacture, sent by Mr. 

 Hast, of Colchester, to be shot in the trial of 1859. 



Tig. m 



FIXE-GRAINED DAMASCUS. (HALF SIZE.) 



