Lead 
259 
quired, are cut into small pieces, or< cubes, of the form of 
a die. A great quantity of these little cubes are put into 
a large hollow iron cylinder, which is mounted horizon- 
tally and turned by a winch ; when by their friction 
against one another, and against the sides of the cylinder, 
they are rendered perfectly round and very smooth* The 
other patent- shot is cast in moulds, in the same way as 
bullets are. 
Common Small Shot , or that used for fowling, should 
be well sized ; for, should it be too great, then it flies thin 
and scatters too much ; or if too small, then it has not 
weight and strength to penetrate far, and the bird is apt to 
fly away with it. In order, therefore, to have it suitable 
to the occasion, it not being always to be had in every 
place fit for the purpose, we shall set down the true method 
of making all sorts and sizes under the name of mould- 
shot, formerly made after the following process : 
Take any quantity of lead you think fit, and melt it down 
in an iron vessel : and as it melts keep it stirring with an 
iron ladle, skimming off all impurities whatsoever that 
may arise at top ; when it begins to look of a greenish 
colour, strew on it as much auripigmentum or yellow or- 
piment, finely powdered, as will lie on a shilling, to every 
twelve or fourteen pounds of lead ; then stirring them to- 
gether, the orpiment will flame. The ladle should have 
a notch on one side of the brim, for more easily pouring 
out the lead ; the ladle must remain in the melted lead, 
that its heat may be the same with that of the lead, to pre- 
vent inconveniences which otherwise might happen by its 
being either too hot or too cold ; then, to try your lead, 
drop a little of it into water, and if the drops prove round, 
then the lead is of a proper heat; if otherwise, and the 
shot have tails, then add more orpiment to increase the 
heat, till it is found sufficient. 
