34. What is its use?
As an incendiary composition, in charging shells for the purpose of increasing their destructive property, by setting fire to buildings, shipping, &c.
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PART XI.
PLATFORMS.
1. What is a platform?
A strong flooring upon which a piece of ordnance, mounted on its carriage, is manœuvred when in battery.
2. What is the object of a platform?
To facilitate the service of heavy guns and mortars, and to insure accuracy of fire.
3. Mention the kinds of platforms in general use in the service.
Fixed platforms for casemate and barbette batteries in fortifications, which are constructed with the works; the siege-platform for guns and howitzers; and the siege-platform for mortars; the rail-platform; and the ricochet-platform.