

336 



IGNITION JN GUN'DARREL. 



or those parts that have been driven downwards, but 

 they will play an important function in the applica- 

 ♦:ion of my surmises and facts when discussing further 

 this subject. 



After what I have said in reference to the explosion 

 of shells, does it not look more than possible — nay, 

 probable, that gunpowder, ignited in its course up the 

 barrel, throws all its force back and forwards, as it is 

 impossible for any of it to go up or down ? If so, 

 does not a portion of the lately ignited powder 

 militate in some degree to retard the velocity and 

 powers of what was first fired, with the negative advan- 

 tage of adding a trifling assistance to the propelling 

 power that the projectiles have already received ? 

 If such be the case, there is of necessity an exact 

 quantity of powder, beyond which you cannot go 

 without injuring the shooting of your gun. 



I hope that I have expressed myself in this matter 

 in such terms as can be understood by all, for I have 

 been compelled to repeat over and over again the 

 same words, a proceeding I have a very great dislike 

 to. 



