280 The Matchlock of Koteli. [April, 



short iron pegs, fitting into the grooves of the cylinder. A boring 

 rod is then firmly attached to the cylinder, the cylinder forming both 

 handle and guide. The boring bit is a cylindric rod rather thicker 

 toward the extremity then elsewhere. Its thickest portion exactly fits 

 the muzzle of the piece. It has a groove at the extremity, into which 

 fits a small sharp wedge of hardened steel. "When first inserted into 

 the barrel, this wedge scarcely projects above the surface of the boring 

 rod. It is now introduced into the muzzle, and the wooden cylinder is 

 pushed forward by the workman who leans his weight against it. Of 

 course as it enters the barrel, the spiral grooves of the wooden cylinder 

 being guided by the fixed pegs in the collar give the rod and bit a 

 corresponding spiral motion by which a spiral scratch is made in the 

 interior of the barrel. The wedge is then slightly heightened and the 

 scratch is thus deepened, until the workman considers it sufficient. 

 This process is repeated until six or seven grooves have been formed. 

 The Heraut rifle being carefully loaded with balls wrapped in leather 

 or cloth is tolerably true. 



It will be observed that all the beauty and advantage of the Koteli 

 manufacture are attainable without any of the defects attending the 

 rude treatment of the material in an Indian smithy. That is to say, 

 the solidity and the fibrous consistency given to the iron, and the ele- 

 gant damascene upon the barrels may consist with a perfect inner sur- 

 face of cylinder. But such barrels could not safely be made so light 

 as our own twisted barrel, a consideration of little moment as regards 

 rifles in which weight is essential to steadiness. 



The price of the best Koteli barrel without ornament, is about 15 

 rupees, or 30 shillings. The fabric is generally considered the best in 

 India. 



