ON LOADING PUNT-GUNS 215 
singly, invariably turn edgewise in going down the barrel. 
Between the powder and shot put a stiff conical-shaped ball 
of oakum rammed tight. Felt may be as good, but it is not 
better. Over the shot, place a lightly made ball of oakum, 
followed closely with a cut millboard wad, which will then 
not turn. Some gun-makers keep them in stock. 
Cartridges—i.e. charges made up in paper wrappers with 
oakum wad attached, are handy, and greatly convenience the 
ready loading of M.L. swivel-guns when afloat. A tube spoon 
loader on the ramrod end is also very handy for loading a 
heavy swivel-gun. The spoon is so hinged that it can only 
rise one way when the rod is laid horizontally. By this the 
loading of the gun and the manipulation of the rod can be 
worked horizontally. But all this is old and well known. 
Loading M.L. guns when the punt can be run aground 
cannot be compared with the same task at sea, for then 
the gun,:if large, must be charged lying flat, whereas when 
land is at hand the gun can be held vertically, and the powder 
better sent home. Changing the shot charge with a M.L. 
gun is not a practice to be recommended, if it can possibly be 
avoided. Be certain that the cap is removed, and the hammer 
lowered on to a small pad of oakum, if the shot has to be 
drawn. After a shot, and before recharging, be sure to 
thoroughly dry out the gun with two or three balls of oakum. 
M.L. guns should be carefully primed, and, remember, it is of 
great importance that this is done properly. When not expect- 
ing a shot, keep a leather breech-cap over the breech of a M.L. 
punt-gun securely fastened, to ward against damp and water. 
B.L. punt-gun cartridges are loaded in proportions of 
powder and shot in exactly the same manner as M.L. guns. 
For wadding, thick felt (which is cut with a wad punch to 
neatly fit the cartridge-case, and usually the diameter of the 
bore in thickness) is often used in the place of oakum; not, 
however, because it shoots better, but chiefly owing to its 
