That of a cylinder.
3. How is it united with the large cylinder of the bore?
By a conical surface, except in the 8-inch siege howitzer, where it is united with the cylinder of the bore by a spherical surface, in order that the shell may—when necessary—be inserted without a sabot.
4. What advantages are gained by the employment of howitzers?
They project larger shells than the guns with which they are associated, are well adapted for ricochet fire, the destruction of field works, breaking down palisades, and setting fire to buildings.
5. What projectiles are used with howitzers?
Shells usually, spherical case, canister, grape and carcasses.
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6. Give the entire length of the several howitzers.
Iron 10-inch, 124.25 inches; 8-inch sea-coast, 109 inches; 8-inch siege and garrison, 61.5 inches; 24-pdr. garrison, 69 inches; 32-pdr. field, 82 inches; 24-pdr. field, 71.2 inches; 12-pdr. field, 58.6 inches; mountain, 12-pdr., 37.21 inches.