198 State of Science in England. [Mayj 



7. — To setjire to combustibles with musketry. 



Cast (in a greased piece of old musket barrel) solid cylinders of lead. 

 Cut them into lengths of one inch ; bore a hole in each to within two- 

 tenths of an inch of the opposite end. Drive meal powder or other 

 composition (according as the burning is required to be quick or slow) 

 into the holes after the manner of fuzes, and when the composition has 

 been driven to within one-tenth of an inch of the top, pass a strand of 

 quick match transversely through the sides, as is done with fuzes. 



These fire slugs fired horizontally will set fire to whatever retains 

 them ; or if fired at an angle will fall burning, if the composition is 

 appropriate. 



In Europe, rifle shells and other inventions are under trial, for set- 

 ting fire to artillery ammunition waggons, and to other combustible 

 machines. It is probable that the above is as simple and effectual a 

 mode as could be managed with infantry; and in street combats might be 

 made very formidable. If such weapons come into general use, 

 artillery will be obliged to have their ammunition boxes made (as in 

 fact it might be well if they were now made) cellaret fashion* , to admit 

 of the interior tier or row of holes being filled with shot or other resist- 

 ing non-combustible material (even earth would do), to protect the 

 powder which would be placed in the centre. 



8. — Simple Alarm bell for private treasure or plate chest ; or for public treasure tum- 

 brils, to prevent the necessity for double sentries. 



Sling a bell inside the chest, so attached to the lid that it cannot be 

 got at from the out-side, and may have room to swing free. An at- 

 tempt to force the chest or remove it will inevitably cause the bell to 

 sound an alarm, and if it does not deter the depredators will give 

 the master time to defend his property, or the guard to turn out. 



VI. — State of Science in England. 



To the Editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society. 

 Sir, 



Having felt much interested in the discussion which has for some 

 time been maintained in the scientific journals at home, respecting the 

 decline of science in England, I take the liberty of sending you a 

 few observations on the subject ; which, if they should not be deemed 

 too presumptuous, you would oblige me by inserting in your valuable 

 Journal. 



* In making cellaret fashion ammunition boxes, the partitions should be put in 

 from below in grooves ; the bottom of the box to be afterwards screwed over them 

 and well clamped — it is a safe mode of carrying fixed ammunition. 



