Experiments with Cannon, i^c. 187 



When the object at which they were pointed was at a 

 great distance, single leaden bullets were used, which, in 

 order that they might fit the bore with greater precision, 

 were wrapped up in thin leather, greased with tallow, or 

 soaked in oil. 



The carriage of this gun was extremely simple, being 

 a single piece of elm timber, fastened to an iron axle. 

 The wheels were of the same height and strength as 

 those used for the carriages of 3 pounders. 



From this description it will be evident that this little 

 gun bears a near resemblance to the Ammusette invented 

 by the late Lieutenant-General Desaguliers, and con- 

 structed at Woolwich. The fact is, that they were 

 copied, with a few trifling alterations, from that piece of 

 ordnance, being made after a drawing of it which was 

 given me by the Lieutenant- General three and twenty 

 years ago. He, no doubt, took the idea of this gun 

 from the reveries of Marshal Saxe. 



The iron 18 pounder constructed at Munich — 

 which was intended merely as an experiment — was 

 very short, being only 10 calibres in length, and it was 

 mounted in a very singular manner. It was intended 

 for covering troops retreating before an advancing en- 

 emy, and is so contrived that it can be fired without 

 stopping, or while it is in full march. It has indeed 

 often been fired, and very quick too, while the horses 

 which drew it were in full gallop. The carriage, which 

 is upon four wheels, serves at the same time as an am- 

 munition waggon ; and also for carrying the men who 

 serve the gun. These, however, are only three in num- 

 ber, and more are not wanted. 



After discharging the piece, upon pulling a strap, the 

 gun, of itself, falls into a vertical position, with its 



