No; a shot, properly heated, will ignite wood after having struck the water several times.
97]
38. What is the peculiarity of cartridges for hot shot?
There are two cartridge bags, one being inserted, choke foremost in another of the next higher calibre, and the end of the latter folded under.
39. Explain the process of loading with hot shot.
The piece should be sponged with great care, and the worm frequently passed into the bore. As a precaution, it is well to insert a wet sponge just before putting in the ball. The muzzle is sufficiently elevated to allow the ball to roll down the bore, the cartridge is inserted, the mouth of the outer bag foremost, the fold down, and carefully pushed home without breaking it; a dry hay-wad is placed upon it, and rammed once; then a clay or wet hay wad, and rammed twice; and finally, if firing at angles of depression, a wad of clay a half-calibre in length, or a wet hay-wad is put on the ball.
40. May the ball cool in the gun without igniting the charge?
Yes, with proper precaution in loading. The piece, however, should be fired with as little delay as possible, as the vapor, which arises from the action of the hot ball on the water contained in the wad, diminishes the strength of the powder.
41. What means are afforded at the sea-board forts for heating shot?
Furnaces for this purpose are erected, which hold 60 or more shot.