222 
APPENDIX. 
In consequence of Captain Scoresby’s expression in the 
extract from his journal, of his apprehension, whether 
the shells possessed sufficient power of penetration for 
the purpose designed,” although, satisfied in my own 
mind, that they did, I thought the question deserving 
both of reflection and experiment, as emanating from one 
of so much experience and discernment ; I was, therefore, 
induced to give them a spear point, and to adapt them to 
the guns now in use ; the result from experiment was a 
penetration nearly one half deeper, than that of the oblong 
shells through the same resisting medium. 
These shells were made 2J diameters in length, and from 
the point nearly one diameter more ; they were of solid 
metal, not only to give strength, but to preserve direc- 
tion, in their flight : as the fuze was now necessarily next 
the charge of the gun, great precaution was requisite to 
prevent accident ; this has been effectually done by the 
head of the fuze being let into a stout wad of cork, with 
a small perforation, to admit strands of quick match cross- 
ing, and to pass through the head of the fuze in the 
centre. On submitting this alteration in the construc- 
tion of the shells to Captain Scoresby, the following is 
an extract from his reply : 
‘‘ I ventured to differ in opinion with you, as to the 
power of penetration of the shells and carcasses, which, 
being oblong in their form, would probably fly in the direc- 
tion of their shortest axis. You now inform me that you 
have been adapting a shell to the present harpoon-gun, 
with a spear point, that will, if required, go through a 
fish. Penetration was all the former shell wanted; for 
there can be no doubt, but a shell or carcass introduced into 
the body of a whale, must be the most efficient means of 
facilitating the capture ever devised. It would be fully as 
effectual as the rocket, when it takes effect in the best 
possible way, and incalculably more manageable.” 
