220 VAKIETIES OF SHOT-GUNS, ETC. 



of manufacture is nearly similar to that alluded to under 

 Charcoal-iron. 



In forging the iron into barrels the same principle is not 

 adopted in all cases, some being twisted, while others of the 

 commonest kind are joined longitudinally into a tube. Both 

 these processes are now carried on only at Birmingham, 

 London at present not containing a single forge for the 

 purpose. The process of forging twisted barrels is as 

 follows : The rod after being heated is twisted into a spiral 

 form by means of two iron bars, one fixed and the other 

 loose. In the latter, which is turned by a winch-handle, 

 there is a notch which receives the rod, and this being pre- 

 vented from turning round with it by means of the fixed 

 bar, is compelled to assume a spiral form. According to the 

 breadth of the rod will be the quickness of the spiral, which 

 varies from that shown in the accompanying sketch, to the 



BREADTH OF ROD IN BEST GUNS. (HALF SIZE.) 



form given in the lowest quality of sham damn, or two- 

 penny skelp, which are forged in bands of the following 

 width, but which nevertheless are not bettered by this 



BREADTH OF ROD IN COMMON GUNS. (HALF SIZE.) 



twisting. When the rod is completely converted into this 

 spiral form, it is removed and suffered to cool, while others 

 are being bent the same way; and the next process is for 

 the welders to join several of these together, and at the same 



