Gomer Chamber.
9. What is the advantage of the conical over the cylindrical chamber?
Cylindrical chambers are objectionable, as the projectile is frequently broken in consequence of the small surface exposed to the action of the charge. This defect is obviated by large chambers, and particularly by those that are conical, in which the charge is expended upon nearly a hemisphere.
10. What form of chamber has the eprouvette?
That of a cylinder, it being the only mortar whose chamber is of this shape.
11. How are mortars mounted?
On beds of wood or iron.
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12. What is the object of mounting mortars on beds in preference to wheel carriages?
On account of the high elevation at which they are usually fired, when the recoil, instead of forcing the piece backwards, tends to force it downwards, and this tendency becomes so great at the higher angles that no wheel carriage could long sustain the shock.