24 TO CLEAN DETONATING GUNS. 



drain perfectly. Then put clear water into the pail to 

 the depth of six or seven inches, and having prepared 

 your cleaning rod, work it up and down till the water is 

 driven through the pivot holes quite clean : repeat this 

 system with hot water and a clean washer. 



6. This done, dry the outside of the barrels, and 

 again set them up to drain. In a few minutes dry the 

 inside also, by means of a rod tufted with flannel : you 

 must change the latter frequently. You may ascertain 

 whether your work be perfectly done by placing the 

 peg-hole opposite the flame of a candle ; if it be clear, 

 out goes the light. 



7. Finish with a strong brass brush till you remove 

 the lead ; after brushing it lustily up and down for a 

 few minutes, turn the muzzles downwards, strike them 

 against a piece of soft wood, and the lead will drop out. 

 Do not force the brush too near the breech. 



This chapter on the detonating gun cannot be more 

 appropriately wound up than with the following direc- 

 tions, published several years ago in a pamphlet written 

 by that eminent artist, Purdey. 



" Load with the cocks down, which prevents the pow- 

 der from being forced out of the pegs that receive the 

 copper caps. When ramming down the shot, observe 

 the distance the end of the brass worm is from the muz- 

 zle of the barrel, to prevent overcharging. Always ram 

 down hard. 



" Prime the last thing : otherwise, in ramming down 



