234 



VARIETIES OF SHOT-GUNS, ETC. 



according to the fancy of the 

 maker. The following is the most 

 desirable form to be adopted, in 

 which a a represent the ends of 

 the barrels; bb, the chambers in 

 the breeches ; and c c, a plug, which 

 fills the outer part of a hole bored 

 across, so as to reach the bottom of 

 the chamber, closing the inner end. 

 This is called the " cross-hole," and 



MODERN BREECH. (HALF SIZE.) J '^ 6 P Ur P OSe f <&<>S the 



end of the nipple tube to explode the 



powder in the chamber without weakening the breech, which 

 it must do if it is directed straight down upon it, as is some- 

 times done, and as will presently be described. There is a great 

 difference of opinion as to the form which is most advan- 

 tageous ; and as it is not yet settled whether the ignition should 

 be quick or slow, it can scarcely occasion surprise that such 

 should exist. If the ignition is too rapid, there is no doubt 

 that the powder is not all exploded ; while if it is too slow, 

 the rapidity of shooting which is necessary for hitting a 

 moving object is not attained. Hence there is doubtless a 

 happy medium to be aimed at, but what that is seems to be 

 at present unknown. As far as my experience goes, I am 

 quite contented with the simple cone terminating in a cup, 

 which is the form represented above. The breech of Joe 

 Manton's choice, who has so long been celebrated for his 

 guns, is a shallow cup ending in a cylinder, which is very 

 little larger than the cross-hole. (See Fig. 25.) In Wil- 



Tig 25. 



JOE MANTON'S BREECH. (FULL SIZE.) 



