346 
MINUTES OE PROCEEDINGS OE 
The gun was tested for endurance, as per programme received on the 15th 
instant. The following shows the results :—- 
19tli September, 1859. 
Tired ten rounds, loading through the breech, the screw piece thoroughly 
cleaned and oiled after each round. No indication of gas escaping was 
perceptible outside the screw, but the threads inside were discoloured by the 
gas to the extent of from 6 to 10 inches along its length. 
The position of the screw was accurately determined before firing and 
immediately after, but not the slightest displacement was observed during 
the experiment, showing that the strength and pitch of the screw were 
well adapted for the purpose. 
In firing the first five rounds, the screw was difficult to remove, owing, 
perhaps, to a slight compression of the threads; at the tenth round it 
became so firmly fixed that no mechanical appliance at hand could start it. 
The lever was bent at right angles by the force exerted. In this state the 
gun was left for some time. 
20th September. 
To remove the breech, experienced workmen were employed, and succeeded 
in doing so after four hours labour with sledge hammers, &c. 
The apparent cause of the screw becoming fixed was a thick coating of 
solid residuum from the fired gunpowder, and on its being cleaned and oiled, 
worked easily in the succeeding ten rounds. 
To test the effect of “ fouling” on the screw, two rounds were fired with¬ 
out cleaning; the increased friction required an extra power of two men to 
overcome it, namely six men instead of four. 
At the 14th round fissures appeared at the joint in the bottom of the bore, 
and gradually increased at every round. 
In firing ten rounds this day with cylinders equal to two shot, no further 
indication of gas escaping was observed than that already detailed. 
21st September. 
Commenced firing with cylinders equal to three shots. Tin ding the black 
deposit on the screw-piece easily removed by water, this was used in the 
remainder of the experiment and oil discontinued. 
The lever worked easily, and the time of loading reduced one-third, namely 
from fifteen to ten minutes. 
The gun burst in the 7th round of this day’s practice, or the 27th of the 
experiment. 
Impressions of the vent and the bottom of the bore were taken after every 
10th round, but no alteration in the condition of either was observable. 
The general features of the fractured gun may here be stated. 
Chase broken off close behind the trunnions; remainder of the gun split 
into three segments, parallel with the bore, the top line of separation through 
the vent. 
Portions of the breech broken off at the 1st and 2nd threads. 
The screw breech was found in rear very little damaged. 
The fragments of the gun have been put together, and are now in the 
museum of the Royal Gun Tactories for inspection, if required. 
