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49. What compositions are made use of for preserving iron cannon?

1. Black lead, pulverized,12
Red lead,12
Litharge, 5
Lampblack, 5
Linseed Oil,66
Boil it gently about twenty minutes,
during which time it must be
constantly stirred.
2. Umber, ground,3.75
Gum Shellac, pulverized,3.75
Ivory black,3.75
Litharge,3.75
Linseed Oil,78   
Spirits of turpentine.7.25
The oil must be first boiled half an hour;
the mixture is then boiled 24 hours,
poured off from the sediment, and
put in jugs, corked.
3. Coal tar (of good quality), 2 gals.
Spirits of turpentine,1 pint.

In applying lacker, the surface of the iron must be first cleaned with a scraper and a wire brush, if necessary, and the lacker applied hot, in two thin coats, with a paint brush. It is better to do it in summer. Old lacker should be removed with a scraper, or by scouring, and not by heating the guns or balls, by which the metal is injured.

About 5 gallons of lacker are required for 100 field guns and 1000 shot; about 1 quart for a sea-coast gun. Before the lacker is applied, every particle of rust is removed from the gun, and the vent cleared out.

50. How many gallons does a cubic foot contain?

7.48 gallons.

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