MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 413 



either, the smaller the grain the larger the surface exposed to the 

 effects of the atmosphere. The projectile force of powder is con- 

 siderably diminished by dampness, because, its combustion being 

 much slower, a large proportion must necessarily be driven out of 

 the gun before the whole mass is entirely consumed, and the 

 explosion consequently must be weakened, as the phenomena at- 

 tending the burning of gunpowder are accounted for by the sudden 

 and rapid generation of an elastic fluid, which of course will not 

 be properly created by the slow and unequal combustion of a damp 

 compound. 



If the nitre used in the manufacture of powder is not perfectly 

 pure and thoroughly embodied with the other ingredients, it will 

 not burn with the rapidity necessary for the generation of the 

 projectile force inherent in this compound when all its constitu- 

 ents are properly incorporated. 



The mere circumstance of powder absorbing moisture when ex- 

 posed to its effects, with more than ordinary rapidity, is a positive 

 proof of its inferiority, and is a sure evidence that the nitre is not 

 pure, and that it contains some portion of muriate of soda, which 

 substance is generally found in combination with it in its natural 

 state, and which every one of the least observation is perfectly 

 aware attracts humidity with singular facility.* If the powder is 

 moist, besides losing a considerable portion of its strength, it soon 

 fouls the gun, the grains become caked together, and will not enter 

 the nipple-hole, &c. For these reasons, the sportsman will be 

 convinced that he cannot be too careful of his powder, and will 

 take every necessary precaution to prevent the subtle compound 

 from imbibing the particles of moisture with which the air is loaded 

 during muggy weather, more particularly on the bay-shore, when 



* Captain Mordecai, referring to experiments made with some powders manufac- 

 tured at the Eastward, remarks : "In consequence of the impurity of the saltpetre 

 in these powders, a great quantity of moisture is rapidly absorbed by them ; the 

 deliquescent salts in the nitre are dissolved, the grains become so moist as to hold 

 in solution the nitre, which becomes separated from the other components, and the 

 powder is soon rendered completely unserviceable." 



