[28]. Quick match is formed of three cotton strands drawn into length, and dipped in a boiling composition of white-wine vinegar, salt-petre, and mealed powder. After this immersion it is taken out hot, and laid in a trough where some mealed powder, moistened with spirits of wine, is thoroughly incorporated into the twists of the cotton, by rolling it about therein. Thus prepared they are taken out separately, and drawn through mealed powder, then hung upon a line till dried, by which they are fit for immediate service.
[29]. Port-fires are frequently used by the artillery people in preference to matches, to set fire to the powder or compositions. They are distinguished into wet and dry port-fires. The composition of the former is salt-petre four, sulphur one, and mealed powder four. When these materials are thoroughly mixed and sifted, the whole is to be moistened with a little linseed oil, and rubbed between the hands till all the oil is imbibed by the composition. The preparation for dry port fires is salt-petre four, sulphur one, mealed powder two, and antimony one. These compositions are driven into small paper cases, to be used whenever necessary.
[30]. De Morogues Tact. Navale,
[31]. Bourdé. Manœuvrier.
[32]. Bourdé. Manœuvrier.
[33]. Beugner, Traité de la Manœuvre de Vaisseaux. Bourdé. Manœuvrier.
[34]. Saverien Dict. Marine.
[35]. Aubin. Saverien.
[36]. The cut-water is called taille-mer by the French.
[37]. Milton alludes to this situation, in his second book of Paradise Lost: where,