How to extract the square roote.

SEt downe any number as comes into your minde, as thus, 2̇ 1 6̇ 0 9˙. Then begin at your right hand, and put a pricke over the first figure, and then over the third, as [Page 3] you see above done; & aske what is the square root of 2. w ^ch is as many figures as you have under your first pricke, & you shal find but 1. then put that figure in the quotient, and substract that 1. out of 2. so remaineth 1. then double your quotient, & set that double under your second si­gure, dividing the number over by that double. But take heede you leave enough to take the square of that figure last set in the quotient out of the remainder. Lastly, dou­ble all your quotient, and divide as afore; then square your third figure in the quotient againe, and substract it out of the remainder, so have you done this summe. Looke how often you have prickes, so often must you double and multiply squarely, and substract also, so many figures also will there bee in the quotient, as there are pricks. And consequently of any number whatsoever.

To know the neerest root of a number not square.

IF any fraction remaine, by diligent observation of this, you may come as neere you would desire in any pra­cticke, to guesse within lesse than ordinary is knowne. Set next your right hand after your summe, either two, foure, or sixe cyphers, the more, the lesser your errour; and the nearer by much shall you come unto the roote, observing the same māner in working as you did before.

And now I will shew you by particular questions in the art Military, how necessary it is for any one intending to be a compleat martiall man, to have good judgement in the extraction of the square and cubicke rootes, and also in the depth of Arithmeticke, and what excellencie of knowledge is attained unto thereby, and how farre they are from being Souldiers, as are ignorant thereof.

The first Question.

A Generall having 3 great Armies, would cast them into three square battailes, but he knowes not how [Page 4] many men he shall set in the front of each battaile.

The number of the 3 Armies are these, in the first there are 5625. in the second 9216. and in the third 15129.

To doe this, you must extract the root of every Armie severally, so have you your desire.

In the first you have 75. men square, in the second 96. men, and in the third 123.

If you were commanded to make a square battaile of all three Armies, adde them first together, then extract the square roote; and if any remainder be, you may im­ploy them where you please.

The second Question.

A King hath a great Armie in a valley that in march­ing, the front can be but 18. men, & the flank 44352 which he is desirous to cast into a square battaile.

Multiply the flanke by the front, so have you the full number of the men: then extract the square root thereof, so have you what can be desired.

The third question.

A Generall hath 3 Armies in the Field, to the number of 28289. men, and none of these three apt to make a square battaile; the Serjant Major is commanded by his Generall to set them in three square battailes.

These are the 3 numbers of the three severall Armies: In the first there are 10296. men: in the second 9493, and in the thire 8500 men.

Marke this seriously for it is not ordinary; you shall finde more exquisite worke than you imagine, because the question is more difficult.

First, extract the severall roots of the 3 Armies.

Then take the greatest squares of all 3 numbers, as 10201. and his excesse 95. together with his root, which is 101.

[Page] In the second the greatest square is 9409, and [...] [...]cesse 84, and his roote 97.

In the third, the greatest square is 8464, his excesse 36, and his roote 92. And thus have I found the 3 excesses.

Now for to end the 3 defaults or wants, I adde one to each roote, and multiply them squarely, and so of 1 [...]2. I find the square to be 10404, and if I substract the first number, which is 10296, out of it there will remaine 108 for the first want, and thus doe by the other two, so your excesses and wants will be as are here set downe in par­ticular.

Here I compare the excesses with the wants, to see if any two excesses will make up the others want, and I see by a light proofe it will not justly serve.

As for the wants, I doe not compare them to the ex­cesses, for every want is greater than the excesse: there­fore two wants farre too great for one excesse.

Wherefore when this rule faileth, take the two wants of any two numbers, and adde them first together, then abate them from the third number, and if the remainder be a square number, you have gotten your desire.

As for example, take the wants of the first and second, which makes 219, and that doe I abate from the third number 8500, and there remaines 8281, which I see may be a square number, and 91 the roote thereof.

Wherefore I say, that these three numbers following shall be the rootes of the square battailes, as here I have set them.

• The first battaile 10404, and his Front 102.
• The second battaile 9604, and his Front 98.
• The third battaile 8281, and his Front 91.

The summe totall of all the 3 battailes 28289 men.

The fourth Question.

A Generall having 3. Armies in three severall battailes, in the first 4900. men in the second 2401, and in the third 2500. so that the greatest is as much as both the other, except one man, and hee is enforced to joyne all three battailes into one: but is in doubt whether he may have good and convenient ground to encampe them in for [...] of battaile. Wherefore considering that all three battailes together are but double to the greatest of the three alone: The Serjeant Major desiring a meere ground for his Army, so joyned in one square battaile, is in doubt what square of ground will serve his purpose; but sure hee is, that it must be double to the ground, that the greatest Army of the three did use, and that was eve­ry way 21 [...]. foot: wherefore his demand is how many foote square shall the side of that ground be, that is, dou­ble to the former square, whose roote was 210. foote.

First multiply 210. by it selfe, and so have I the just [...]. plat of ground of 44100 foot; that must I double, and it will be 88200. and out of this number shall I seeke (as before is taught,) the nyest square root. For just square I see it is not, by reason that after the even cyphers, there followeth the figure 2. which is one of those figures that cannot begin any square number, therefore (as I said above) you must seeke the neerest square root, which for brevities sake, and because I have sufficiently already treated of, doe leave it to your best leasure to practise. Infinite more questions tending to this purpose, could I set downe, but that time will not permit, or my intended little volume containe, therefore I will proceed to shew you the extraction of the Cubicke roote, which will bee much to the purpose and subject I am now to treat of.

How to extract the Cubicke root.

FIrst, begin at your right hand, and set a prick over the first figure, then another over the fourth, so leave two figures unprickt, and pricke the third still untill you have done thus, 79864345 As many pricks as are over the number, just so many figures will there be in the quotient.

1 Then aske what is the Cubick root of the first pricke, and set downe that in the quotient: and if it bee so that root doth not take all away of the number from the first prick, substract as much as the roote containeth, and set the remander over head the figures which stood there before, being cancelled.

2 Then triple your quotient, and that triple you shal set under the next number towards your right hand, before that pricke which you did last end.

3. Next, multiply that triple by the same quotient, and set it downe under the first triple, and that number shall be your Devisor.

4. Now must you look out a quotient that may declare how often the devisor is in the number over it.

5. This being done, you must multiply the last figure in the quotient by your devisor, and set it under your devi­sor, with a line betweene.

6. Then multiply the last figure in the quotient by it selfe, and then in the triple, and set that product below the for­mer one figure more towards your right hand.

7. Lastly, multiply the last figure cubically, & set that sum also one figure nearer the right hand: then adde all these three multiplications together, and substract it out of the first & second pricks; I meane out of al those figures unto the second prick: this done, triple all your quotient, and divide as before, and as you did by the first and second pricks after your division, so doe by the rest, and you have obtained your desire. Looke upon this following example.

To finde the nearest Cubicke root not cubical.

You must doe it by addition of cyphers (as is spoken of be­fore in the square root) in such sort that they must be alwayes ternaries, as 3 or 6, or 9 or 12, and then proceed for­ward with the like order of worke, as before.

A question of doubling a Cube.

IF the side of a Cube be 3 foote, how many foote shall the side of that Cube be, which must be double unto it?

First finde the quantity of that Cube that is propoun­ded, and then double that quantity; lastly, extract the cubick root of that double number.

As for example, the cube is 3, and therefore the whole Cube is 27, whose double is 54, and the Cubick roote is 3 foot, and [...]/100 and 1/7 of 1/100.

A question of two Cubes.

A Cube of brasse of foure inches square, doth weigh 7. pound weight, what shall a cube of brasse of nine inches weigh?

The proportion of their sides are as 9/4, which I must set downe twice, and multiply them together as fractions should be, and so will it be thus 999/444 that maketh [...]/ [...].

Wherefore I multiply the weight of the lesser Cube, being 7. by 729. and it maketh 5103. and that doe I divide by 64. and so find I 79. [...]/ [...], whereby I may know, that the weight of the greater cube is 79. pound, and neare ¼ of a pound.

A question of a Gunne.

A Gunne of sixe inches diameter, doth shoot a bullet of twenty pound weight, what weight shall that bullet be, that serves for a Gun of 14. inches in diameter.

All Globes beare triple that proportion, that their diame­ter does. So in this example, the proportion of their dia­meters [...] being as 14. to 6. or as 7. to 3. I shall triple it, and Some [...]ake more, as now is sound. then have I the proportion of their globes.

Wherefore I set the 3. fractions thus, [...]/ [...] and they make [...]/ [...], that is 12. [...]/ [...] when you have divided the Numerator by the Denominator. And so is the proportion of the globes as well in weight as in bignesse. Therefore I mul­tiply 20. that is the weight of the lesser by the numerator of the proportion, & divide it by the denominator. And so shall I have 254. [...]/ [...] for the weight of the greater bullet.

Another question of a bullet.

A Bullet of Iron of seven inches diameter, weighed 27 pound, what shall be the diameter of that bullet, that shall weigh 125. pound?

[Page 10] I set downe [...]/ [...] and I see the cubicke root of 125. is 5, and the like root of 27 is 3; which numbers I set in the roome of the other thus ⅓ which declare the proportion between the diamiters of the two bullets. The diameter of the lesser is knowne to be 7. Therefore I multiply that 7 by 5, whereof commeth 35: that divided by 3, yeel­deth in the quotient 11.

The proofe hereof.

Multiply both roots cubically, if their roots be in pro­portion as their weights, then is your work true, else not. As for example, 7 multiplied cubically, make 343, and 11 ⅓ multiplied also cubically, makes 428 [...]/ [...].

To multiply a fraction cubically, as 11 ⅔ first reduce it, and make it 35: that 35. multiply cubically, you have your desire.

How to turne a whole number into a fraction of the like denomination.

SVppose 7 is the number you desire to turne into the like denomination, that is [...]/ [...] (as above) is of, Multiply 7. by 3. the denominater of the other fraction, and it ma­keth 21. that 21 multiply cubically, and it will be [...]/ [...]: These few rules diligently observed, will much enable an Artest to perform many things belonging to this sub­ject, also much benefit, experience, and delight, shall any man reape, that hath judgement to try and practise the secrets thereof.

A question of whole numbers and fractions.

A Faulcon of 2. inches in the diameter shoots a bullet of 3. pound, what shall the Culvering shot weigh, whose diameter is 5. inches ¼.

To answer this and all such questions that must be cu­bically multiplied, you must reduce each bullet into his [Page 11] proper fraction. As for example, 2 ¼ maketh [...]/ [...] and also 5 ¼ maketh [...]/ [...] then I multiply each numerator cubically, and I find the Cube of the lesser to bee [...]/ [...] and the Cube of the greater to bee [...]/ [...]. Then I set downe 3, the Diameter of the lesser fraction like as before thus [...]/ [...] which being wrought punctually by the rule of three in fractions, you shall have for the weight of the bigger bullet 20. pound, and almost ¼.

How you Geometrically finde out the Diameter of any bullet that weigheth twice so much as a knowne bullet.

TAke the true weight or diameter of the lesser bullet, whose weight you know, and square the same as in the figure following: Then draw a line that may divide the said square into two equall parts, in the 2. opposite angles, and that line shall be the diameter of a bullet, twice the weight of the other; then divide that diame­triall line in 2. equall parts, setting on foote of your compasse in the Center, and with the other foote draw a circle. and that circumference will represent a bullet twice as much in weight as the lesser.

To prove it Arithmetically.

THe diameter of the lesser bullet is 5. inches, the square 25. that sum double is 50. the square roote of 50. is 7. and somewhat more, and so much is the dia­meter of the greater bullet.

By one bullet to know the weight of another, the Diameter given.

A Canon of 7. inches, shootes a bullet of 32. pound: I demand what weight that bullet shall be of, that is 9 inches in the Diameter.

Multiply the Diameter of each Bullet cubically, as 7. times 7. is 49. and seven times 49. is 343, then 9. times 9. is 81. and 9. times 81. is 729. then by the rule of 3. say, if 343. give 32. pound, what shall 729. give? Multiply and divide, and your quotient will be 68. [...]/ [...].

How by the weight of one Peece, to know the weight of the other.

IF a Minion of three inches Bullet, weigh 500. pound, I demand how much a Cannon of 8. inches bullet will weigh, that is able to receive his proportionall charge to the Minion. The Cube of 3. is 27. the Cube of 8. is 512: now by the rule of proportion say, if 27. give 512, what shall 500. give? multiply 512. by 500. and divide that product by 27, and you will have in the quotient 9481. [...]/ [...] the true answer to the question.

The Cannon therefore that shall be able to carry a pro­portionall charge to the Minion, must have 9481 [...]/ [...] pounds of mettall: but because commonly those greater sorts of Ordnance are not so massie of mettall as indeede they ought to be. The Gunners observe this for a gene­rall rule, that in all peeces of above 6. inches in bore, they abate [...]/ [...] of their ordinary charge.

To know how many shots of Pouder will be in a grand Barrell of Pouder, for any Peece.

SVppose a Culvering shoot 10. pound at one shoot, how many times will a grand Barrell of Pouder serve [Page 13] the Barrell holding three hundred weight?

Example.

Divide 300. by 10. the quotient is 30. your desire.

The proofe.

Multiply 30. by 30. or 30. by 10. gives 300. so may you know for all other sorts of Ordnance whatsoever.

By knowing what pouder a Piece must have, to know how much a piece of another bore will require; but, Cave.

IF a Minion of 3. inches the Bullet, requires 3. pound of pouder for his charge, what pouder will a Cannon of 8. inches bullet require?

Multiply 512. the Cube of 8. by 3. the charge of the Minion, and it maketh 1536. which divide by 27. the Cube of 3. the Diameter of the said Minions Bullet, so have you in the quotient 59 [...]/ [...], so many pound of pow­der is the due charge of your Cannon, but by the rule aforesaid you find the Cannon hath not his proportionall mettall, therefore you ought to abate ¼ of the powder, so will there remaine 44. pounds, or neare for your Can­nons charge.

To finde the superficies of a Bullet.

FIrst, by a paire of Callibres finde out the Diameter, which suppose it be 7. then must the circumference be neare 22. but for speedy worke, and to avoyd a tedious discourse thereof, being that no great errour ensueth thereby, take 22. now multiply that number by 7. it produceth the superficiall content of that Globe, ball, bowle, or bullet.

[Page 14]

To find out how many square inches are contained in a solid content of a bullet, and consequently, how many pound weight.

THere is a bullet whose diameter is nine inches, how many square inches are there in the solid content? [Page 15] Multiply the diameter 9. cubically, ariseth 729. which multiply againe by 11. maketh 8919: that divide by 21. yeeldeth 381 inches and [...]/ [...]: so many inches are in a bullet of 9. inches diameter. Now to know how many pound weight is contained in that globall body, multiply that quotient 381 [...]/ [...] by 4. and divide by 16. it will shew how many pounds of Iron that bullet weigheth: for an inch square of cast Iron, weigheth foure ounces ferè.

To finde the true content of a circle.

TAke the one halfe of his diameter, and multiply it in one halfe of the circumference, and it produceth the Area, or square the diameter, and multiply the product by 11. and divide the result by 14. and it also sheweth the content.

Arithmetically to finde out the meane proportion betweene two numbers.

MUltiply both numbers one in another, and then ex­tract the square root, so have you the meane pro­portionall.

Suppose the line given is 12. and the perpendicular 9. now you must multiply 12. in it selfe, and it maketh 144. [Page 16] then multiply 9. in it selfe, and it maketh in product [...]. then adde both the multiplications together, and it ma­keth 225. Lastly extract the square root, and it leaveth 15. the justlength of the hypothenusall sought.

Geometrically to finde the meane proportiou betweene two lines.

EXtend one of the lines to the number of inches he is in length, upon the end whereof erect a perpendicular to the just length of your other supposed line: then that line which is the hypothenusall to them both, is the meane proportionall.

The hypothenusall and one side given, finde the other.

MUltiply each number in it selfe: then substract the lesser out of the greater: the square roote of the re­mainder is the true length of the third side.

Arithmetically to know how much of every sort of mettal is in a peece of Ordnance.

FOr every hundred pound weight of Copper, to p [...] in ten pound of Lattin, and eight pound of Tin. I d [...] ­mand the quantity of each sort of metall is in a Culve­ring of 5600. pound weight?

Note that I joyne all the severall mixtures together, and they make 118. pound, which is my Devisor: then I multiply the weight of the peece by each mixture seve­rally, and there ariseth of 100. of Copper 560000: the which summe is to be divided by the Devisor 118. and the quotient is 4745. and [...]/ [...] parts, so much Copper is there in that Ordnance, and thus must you doe to know how much you have of the other two sorts of mettall.

[Page 17] To prove this, adde all three quotients together, if they make the summe before mentioned, it is right.

The Lattin doth incorporate, and causeth the peece to be of a good colour, and the Tin doth strengthen and binde the other mixtures together.

To finde the superficiall content of the hollow concavity of a peece of Ordnance.

SUppose the diameter be 7. inches, and the cilinder 12. foot, what is the content superficiall?

Reduce the Cilinder 12. foot into inches, maketh 144. which multiplied by 22. the circumference of the muzell ariseth 3168. the superficiall content of the metall com­passing the hollow cilinder.

To finde the crassitude, or solid content of the Cilinder of any peece.

FIrst multiply one halfe of the diameter, in one halfe the circumference, or else square the diameter, and mul­tiply that product by 11. and divide the result by 14, the quotient will shew you the content: the which multiply in the length of the Cilinder, the product is your desire.

If you desire how many foot in square measure it con­taines, divide the number of inches in the solid content, by the number of inches in a foot square, which are 1728. your question is resolved.

To measure any sort of Timber.

SUppose your timber be 8. inches one way, and 6. inches another way, and you are desirous to know how ma­ny inches in length will make a foot square.

Multiply 8. by 6. and it maketh 48. which number di­vide [Page 18] 1728. (because there are so many inches in a foote square) and you shall have 36. inches in the quotient, so many inches long will make a foot square of Timber. Thus of all other cubically.

A Table how to weigh a great deale with few weights.

You may weigh any number of pounds from

• One to 40. with these 4. weights.
  • 1
  • 3
  • 9
  • 27
• One to 121. with these 5. weights.
  • 1
  • 3
  • 9
  • 27
  • 81
• One to 364. with these 6. weights.
  • 1
  • 3
  • 9
  • 27
  • 81
  • 243

The pounds to be weighed, are weighed with as many namelike weights, to be done either double or three­fold: sometimes by adding one weight to another, and sometimes by taking away and adding to the con­trary ballance.

To measure any sort of board, glasse, pavement, &c.

FIrst multiply the breadth by the length, as a board is 17. inches one way, and 139. inches another way, mul­tiply 139. by 17. and it maketh 2363, which divided by 144. leaveth in the quotient 16. foot and [...]/ [...] parts of a foot. Note that in flat measure there is but 144. inches in a foot, but in square measure 1728.

To measure Land.

MUltiply the breadth by the length (if square or long square) and divide the product by 160. because there is 160. square perches in an acre, so shall you come to the Area, but if your ground be irregular, you must cast it into triangles; & if it be a right angled triangle, multiply halfe the perpendicular by the whole base, and divide it by 160: but if it be an obtuse triangle, let fall a perpen­dicular from the obtruse angle to the base, and multiply halfe the length of that perpendicular by the whole base, and divide by 160. as before, you have the content.

Also if you have a peece of Land to set out, as to know if it be 12. Perches in bredth, how many perches it should be in length, say by the back ward rule of 3. if 4. gives 40. what shall 12. give? multiply, 4. by 40. makes 160. which divided by 12. and it giveth 13, perches, and ⅓ so of all such like.

To measure any irregular substance whatsoever, as a crowne, Horse-head, or any Image, or concaved peece.

TAke a vessell that is very stanch, and 4. square, and put water into it, & when the water is setted, marke with [Page] your knife how high it riseth in the Vessell, and then put in your irregular forme whatsoever it be, & marke with a knife againe how high the water then beares, or riseth; then take out the irregular forme againe, and measure exactly the space betweene the markes, and multiply the breadth by the thicknesse, and observe the length, and you have your desire.

[...]ow by knowing the weight of one Fathome of Rope, to know the weight of another.

A Cable of 10. inches compasse weighing 16. pound every Fathome, how much will a Fathome of that Rope weigh that is 15. inches in the Diameter, and made of the same stuffe▪

Multiply 15. the greater in it selfe maketh 225, and that multiplyed by 16. the weight of a Fathome of the lesser Rope, maketh 3600. which divided by 100. being the square of the lesser rope, leaveth in the quotient 36. pound, the true content.

By the compasse of any small rope, to find the Dia­meter and weight of one, foure, five, or sixe times as bigge.

SUppose the small rope is 3. inches compasse, and that it is required to know the height of another 5. times that compasse, multiply the number 3. squarely ariseth 9. which multiply againe by 5. maketh 45. then extract the square roote thereof, and you shall have 6. ½ so much in Diameter is the greater, that done, you may as before finde his weight and circumference.

How to know what empty Caske will carry any sort of Ordnance over a river.

IT is thought sufficient, 5. Tun of Caske will sw [...] a Cannon of 8. or. 9000. weight, 4. Tun a [...], 3. Tun a Culvering, and two Tun a Saker, accounting all provisions to be made fast the reunto, as plankes & ropes.

How, by knowing what powder a few peeces spend, being seldome discharged, to know how much many of the same will spend being often discharged:

IF 4 Cannons bee twice discharged, and shoot 24 [...] pound of powder, how much powder will serve 5. Cannons, to shoote every one 6. shoot, worke by the double rule of 3. and say, if foure Cannons shoote 240. pound, what shall 5. doe? and you shall finde 300. then say againe, if 2. give 300. what shall 6. give? multiply and divide, and you shall have in the quotient 9 [...].

To know how much powder each Cannon spent in the former conclusion at a shot.

MUltiply 4. the number of Gunnes first propounded, by 2. the number of times they were discharged, ariseth 8. by which divide 240. the quotient will be 30 which they spent at a time.

The proportions betweene Bullets of Iron, Stone, and Lead.

A Bullet of Iron to the like bullet of Marble, is in pro­portion as 15. is to 34.

A Bullet of Lead to the like of Iron, is in proportion as 28. to 19.

[Page 22] A Bullet of Lead to the like of Marble, is in proporti­on as 4. to 1.

By knowing the Diameter and weight of an Iron Bullet, to finde the weight of a Bullet of Marble.

ADmit an Iron Bullet weigh 9. pound, of 4. inches high, what shall a Bullet of Marble weigh of like Diameter?

He shall have such proportion as 34. to 15; therefore multiply 9 by 15. the proportion of the Stone bullet bea­reth, and there ariseth 135. which divided by 34. the quotient is 3. pound, and [...]/ [...] parts of a pound.

How to know Arithmetically where to place the Trunnions of any peece of Ordnance.

MEasure the length of the bore of the peece from the muzle to the breech; divide that measure by 7. and multiply that summe that commeth of the quotient by [...]. the product will shew you how many inches the trun­nions must stand from the lowest part of the concavity of the peece.

And farther note, that the trunions ought to be pla­ced as [...]/ [...] of the circumference of the peece may be seene in that place where the trunnions are set.

How much rope will make breechings and tacklings for any peece.

IT is a rule, though not observed by the vulgar, yet by the most experienced Sea Gunners, that looke how ma­ny foot your peece is in length, so many fathome of rope must there be in one tackle for ordinary or extraordinary [Page 23] peeces, and their breechings to be foure times the length of the [...]eece, with some overplus for fastning at both ends. I have against stormy foule weather caused divers quoy­ners to bee bored twice through with an angor, and nai­led down upon the deck, the thickest ends close as could be to the fore trucks, of purpose to hinder (what might be) the stretching or straining of the breechings & tackle, that the peece should not any way swerve. But if your peece accidentally breake her tacklings and breechings, you have no better way for the present to prevent dan­ger, but with expedition to dismount her.

Also I could wish the rammers and spunges made of small haser, should (for lasting and for better service also) be armed close and hard with strong twisted yarne from the rammers end quite to the spunge, which would much stiffen, and make it more usefull and lasting to ram both wad and bullet close to the powder, especially being done in time.

I doe advise all his Majesties Gunners of the Navie, to take an especiall heed, and diligent care in the election and choosing of the Yeoman of the powder-roome, by reason he is upon all occasions to be amongst the amuni­tion: for by his negligence or dishonesty, infinite losse and danger may accrew; therefore it is fit such a man should be first knowne to be a loyall subject, and one that would performe the office with both care and diligence before he be admitted the charge thereof.

[Page]

The names of the principall members of a peece of Ordnance.

FIrst, the uppermost part round about the peece, may be called the Superficies of her metall; the substance or whole masse of mettall, the Body; the hollownesse thereof, the Concave, Cillinder, or Soule: the whole length, the Chase: So much of her Bore as containeth her powder and shot, is the Chamber, or charged Cil­linder; the remainder her vacant Cillinder; the Spindals or Eares are called her Trunnions; and the space between them, the gravity of her Center; the pumell at her coyle, the Casacabell, or her Decke: the little hole, the Touch-hole; all the metall behind the touch-hole, her breech, or Coyle, the greatest Ring at her touch-hole, her Base Ring; the next Ring, or Circle, is the reinforst Ring; the next to that, the Trunnion ring; and the circle foremost, her Muzzle Ring. Lastly, the Ring betweene the Trun­ons and Muzzle ring, is called the Cornish ring; and all the Rings, Circles, and emenencies at her Muzzle, are called the Frieze, as you may see in the figure just against this matter.

What instruments are most fit for a Gunner.

THe Callabre Compasses, height board, inch sight­rule, Gunners scale, Gunners quadrant divided in­to 90. degrees, and into 12. poynts, & their minutes, with a Geometricall square to take mountures, levels, heights, breadths, and distancies: a paire of streight pointed Compasses, with a little brasse levell, scales and weights, Priming Irons, moulds to make crosse-barre shot for Muskets, a faire Booke for your accompts, and an Iron with a Spring and a Transome to dispart a Peece of [Page] Ordnance; let the Transome bee to goe up and downe, [...]ccording to the diameter and thicknesse of any peece; let the Transome be long enough to reach the Base-ring from the Touch-hole. This Instrument is very necessary, though not commonly knowne.

How to loade and fire a Peece of Ordnance like an Artist.

HAving all things fitted, and in readinesse prepar'd for [...]vice, first, marke the winde, and be sure to lay [...]ur budge-barrell, and the rest of your powder to wea­ [...]r your Peece, then place your Lindstocke to leawards, having clear'd the Touch-hole, spunge her well, standing by the right side of the Gunne, and when he drawes out the spunge, strike two or three blowes upon the muzzle, to beate off the foulenesse of the spunge; then his as­sistant declining the Budge-barrell aside, hee shall thrust [...]n the Ladle to fill it, striking off the heaped powdes, and giving a little shogge, the better to settle the rest in in the Ladle; so being filled and striked, stand by the right side of the Peece, (as cleare as hee can from the muzzle) and put in the Ladle to the bottome of the concave very steddy quite home to the touch-hole, and when it is a­rived to the bottome of the bore, laying your right thumbe upon the upper part of the Ladle-staffe, turn [...] the staffe, untill your thumbe be quite under it, and give a shake or two to free the powder from the Ladle, bea­ring him up, that non [...] may come out againe: Then put the powder home softly with the [...] a [...]ter which put in a good wadde, and thrus [...] [...]hom [...] powder giving three or foure hard str [...]kes, which will gathe [...] the scatter'd powder together, that it ma [...] fire the better the [...]ssistant having a thumbe upon the Touch-hole all the [Page] while, then put in the shot, which with a Rammer h [...] must put softly home, and afterwards another wadde and then give two or three good strokes with the Ram­mer more, to settle all close together, that there may be no vacuity betweene powder, first wadde, bullet, or las [...] wadde: This done, place your Budge-barrell againe to wind-wards, and be sure to weather your Peece in the fiering, to prevent all danger. Lastly, have speciall care in directing her to the marke, and in priming her, let the powder come from the Touch-hole to the base ring, so may you fire there safely, without danger of the fire of the Touch-hole to force your Lintstocke out of your hand, provided you draw backe your hand in the fiering, your leg standing forwards, and so doing, the Peece will be loaden, and fier'd Gunner like. Some use to prime before the Touch-hole forwards two or three inches, and fire there; for the bigger the Touch-hole is, the more care must bee taken in priming, and especially in fiering.

What powder is allowed for proofe, and what for action of each Peece.

FIrst, I will begin with the biggest Peeces, as with all sorts of Cannons, for proofe ⅘ and for service ½, o [...] the weight of her Iron shot. For the Culverings, the whole weight of their shot for proofe, and foraction, [...]/ [...] and for the Saker and Faulcon [...]/ [...], and for lesser Peeces, the whole weight in action, untill they grow hot; for then must abatement bee made with discretion: But in proofe the lesser Peeces should have once, and [...]/ [...] of the powder that the Bulletweigheth.

If Weights, Scales, and Ladles be wanting, how many Diameters of a bullet will make a reasouable charge in powder for any peece named.

FOR the Cannons 2. ½ for Culverings 3. and for the Saker 3. ½ for the lesser peeces, 4. Diameters of the Cillinder. For 3. Diameters makes [...]/ [...] and 3. [...]/ [...] makes [...]/ [...] and foure diameters and a halfe makes the whole weight of a cast Iron shot, it being corne powder, which length will also serve for Cartredges for the like peeces.

How Moulds, Formes, and Cartredges are to be made for any sort of Ordnance.

CArtredges are made of Canvas, or paper Royall; which prepared, take the height of the bore of the peece, without the vent of the shot, and cut the cloth or paper of the bredth of three such heights, and for the Cannon in length three diameters, for the Culvering foure diameters, for the Saker, Faulcon, &c. ½ of the height of their proper bores, and leaving in the middest, at the top or bottom, one other such height, to make a bottome for the Cartredge, cutting each side somewhat larger for the sowing and glewing them together, having a due respect for the augmenting or diminishing of your powder, according to the goodnesse or badnesse of the powder, and to the extraordinary over-heating of your peece. Having resolved for what sort of Ordnance your Cartredges are to serve, you are accordingly to have a former of wood, turned to the height of the shot, and a convenient length longer than the Cartredge is to bee: and before you paste your paper on the former, first tal­low him, so will the paper slip off without staying or [Page 29] tearing. If you deale with taper-bored Gunnes, your formers must be made accordingly tapred. If you make your Cartredges of Canvas, halfe a diameter more is al­lowed for the seames; but if of paper ½ or [...]/ [...] of an inch over-plus for the pasting, will serve, being lapt once about the former, having a bottome first fitted upon the end of the former, which must bee hard and close pasted to the lower sides of the Cartredge; and then the bot­tome pasted also down hard round about: then dry them well before you fill them, and marke every one with inke or blacke lead, how high they ought to be filled, and let some want of their weight against times they are over-hot, otherwise great danger may ensue.

To make Ladles, Rammers, and Spunges of all sorts of Ordnance.

IT is fit every Gunner should know how to trace, cut out, and also make up and finish all manner of Ladles, Spunges and Rammers, and to direct others how they should and ought to be severally fortified, made and di­stinguished, as followeth.

For double fortified Cannons to charge them with two Ladle fulls, they are to be two diameters and a halfe of their shot in length from the head of the Ladle staffe, which shall be one diameter more of plate, which must goe about the said head. The brasse plate must bee in bredth two diameters unto the said head, where each side must have halfe a diameter more to inclose the head of the Ladle staffe within the plate.

The Button or head of the Ladle staffe must bee one diameter, and of such height or thicknesse, that it toge­ther with the brasse plate, may be equall to the height of the shot (due vent abated.) For Spunges their bottomes [Page] or heads are to be made of soft fast wood, as Aspe, Birch, Willow, or such like, and to be one diameter, and [...]/ [...] in l [...]ngth, and not above [...]/ [...] of the shots height. The rest be­ing covered with raw sheeps skinnes wooll, and nailed on with copper nailes, so that together they may fill the concave of the peece.

The Button or head of the Rammer must be turned of hard wood, in length one diameter, and ⅓ of such height & thicknesse, that it may fitly enter into the peece, the shots vent allowed: it were the better for fashion and strength, if that ⅓ next the staffe were handsomely turned with abatement, and a Ferrill or circle of brasse fitted thereon to save the head from cleaving, when as with force wee shall ram the shot home. All these heads and buttons must be pierced [...]/ [...] with a hole for the staffe, an inch or more, whereinto the staffe must be fastened, let the staffe be one foot longer then the concave of the Gunne.

For the ordinary Cannons the Ladles must bee of the same breadth, but must not surpasse 2. diameters of the shot in length. And for the lessened Cannons, two dia­meters onely to loade at twice, all according to the fashion and breadth as before.

The Ladles for Culverings and Demi-culverings, have foure Diameters of their proper shot in length, and two in breadth.

The Sakers, Faulcons, and Faulconets, which may at one Ladle full be loaden, may have their Diameters of seven diameters and a halfe of their shot in length, besides that coverture of the head of the staffe, and of breadth two; as all the rest have.

For Periors, which usually have Chambers with Or­loes ½ and ⅓ lesse in bore then their Chase containeth, to them three times the diameters of their Chambers may be allowed for the length of their Ladles.

How to make a Ladle for a chambred bored peece.

YOur Compasses opened to the just diameter of your chamber within ⅛ part of an inch thereof, divide that measure just in two equall parts, then set your com­passes to one of them, and with the one foote fixed on a paper or smooth boord, draw with the other foote a circle, the diameter whereof will be a just quarter of an inch shorter than the diameter of the Chamber bore, by the Circumference whereof you may find out the bredth of the plate of a Ladle that is fit for such a Chamber bored Cannon, by the rule afore set downe how to finde the true breadth of the plate of any Ladle for any other peece in taking the three fifts parts of the circumference there­of, the length ought to be twice the diameter, and [...]/ [...] parts to hold at two times the just quantity of corne pouder.

Example.

The diameter of the circle drawne for any Cannon whose chamber bore is 7. inches, containeth 6. [...]/ [...] the Circumference whereof is neere 21. inches [...]/ [...] and ⅕ parts thereof is 12. [...]/ [...] and so much ought that Ladle to be in breadth, and in length 18. in the [...]/ [...] parts. By this rule you may make a Ladle for any tapred peece.

Take this for a generall observation, that a Ladle 9. bales in length, and 2. bales in breadth, will neare con­taine the just weight in powder that the Iron shot for any peece weigheth.

How to finde the height of the Chamber, and how to find the the thicknesse of Metall round about the Chamber of any tapred peece.

TAke a streight peece of wyre, and bow the end there­of in the bottome so as it may goe through the touch-hole, then put it to the bottome of the bore in at the touch-hole, and with any thing marke the wyre upon the upper part of the Metall, then measure by your rule how long the wyre is from the stroke to the end; Then put in the same wyre againe, and put it up so as the bow­ed end may rest within the Cillinder, and make another marke on the said wyre hard by the upper part of the metall, round about the Chamber, the which abated from the first stroke to the lowest end, the remainder is the Diameter of the Chamber bore in that place. This needeth no example.

To know whether the carriage of your peece be truely bord, and how to make them for any peece.

MEasure the length of the Cillinder of your Gunne, the plankes of your carriage ought to be once and a halfe that length. Also measure the Diameter, and the plankes at the fore end should bee in depth 4. times the Diameter, and at the end next the ground two times ½ the Diameter, and in thicknes once the Diameter.

How you may finde whether a peece have any flawes, cracks, or honey-combes.

AFter you have clear'd her, put a usuall searcher made of two or three springs, with points, like great pin­heads bending outwards, which being bended toge­ther with your hand, untill it will enter into the Peece, [Page 33] and put up to the touch-hole, or bottom of the Cilinder, turning it round in putting it in, and pulling it out of the Chace, and if any honey-combes be therein, it will sticke with the poynts therein. Also in a Sun-shine day with a Looking-glasse, the Sun-beames may be reflected into the Chace, as that the flawes, cracks, and honey-combes may be discerned. But if the Sun shine not, a waxe-can­dle put upon a halfe pike will also shew them: If no flawes be found, proceede to her proofe, but if any be therein, the Peece is indeed very dangerous both in fie­ring, and loading; and if it can possibly be prevented, not to be used at all, but with great care and good respect first had in her proofe.

The allowance for vent, comparing the height of the shot with the height of the bore of the Peece assigned.

MAny Gunners hold, that a quarter of an inch space betweene the Bore and the Bullet is vent sutable for all Ordnance, and not too much, nor too little. But others maintaine [...]/ [...] part of the Diameter of the Peeces Cilin­der is more proper and correspondent for al sorts of Pee­ces whatsoever; take which you please.

To dispart a Peece of Ordnance.

TO dispart a Peece, is to bring the mettall at muzle e­quall with the mettall at the base ring: In true foun­ded Ordnance, the halfe of the Diamiter of the Cilin­der is her dispart: also you may put a priming Iron (such a one as I spake of before, with a Spring and Transome) into the Touch-hole, to the bottome of the concave there, and putting downe the Transome hard upon the superficies of the mettall of the base ring, which resting there, apply the instrument to the muzle, and place him upon the lower most edge of the concave perpendicular, [Page 34] and raise your dispart from the Muzle-ring as high as the Transome, so you have laid the mettall at the Muzle in a Horizontall line with the mettall at the base ring. But for nicenesse I would make another dispart upon the Trunnions, which may be thus done, Lay a peece of soft waxe upon the Trunnions, and let one raise it in height, I meane, make it longer or shorter, untill that the mettall at the top of the base ring, the waxe betweene the Trun­nions and the dispart on the muzle ring, be all three of a precise height, and in an equall straight line direct.

If I were to fire a Peece of Ordnance at a marke, to gaine credit indeed thereby, I would have a twine silke thread that should touch both the tops of the Disparts, & come to the upper part of the base ring upon the midst thereof, by which thread I would direct my Ordnance to the marke many degrees better.

I could wish that the Disparts should be skrew'd into the muzle ring of the Peeces, that it might bee used to that purpose, and had alwayes in readinesse belonging to the same Gunne, and upon any occasion taken out at pleasure.

Also I could advise the Sea-gunners upon some occasi­ons to use disparts betweene the Trunnions of their Peeces, made of a just heights of purpose to serve there: [...] let them be tyed about the Peece with a twine, because else at every shot they will bee to seeke, when upon the suddaine they should use them; which I can by good ex­perience speake, they will much availe, and stand you in great stead. I could expresse divers other wayes to dis­part a Peece, but these being sufficient, I hold it need­lesse to spend time, and fill this little treatise with unne­cessary Instructions.

The Geometricall finding the Diameter for the weight of any shot assigned.

SUppose your shot bee one, two, or three pound weight of metall or stone assigned, if of one pound di­vide the Diameter into 4. parts, and five such parts will make the Diameter of a shot of the said metall or stone, that shall weigh just two pound.

Divide the Diameter of a shot weigheth just 2. pound in 7. equall parts, and 8. such parts will make a Diameter of a shot of 3. pound. And divide the Diameter of a shot of 3. pound into 10. equall parts, and 11. such parts ma­keth a shot of 4. pound

Divide the Diameter of a shot of 4. pound into 13. parts, 14. such parts will make a Diameter for a shot of 5. pound.

And so dividing each next Diameter into 3. parts, equall more than the next lesser was divided into; and it will with one part added from a Diameter of a shot, that will weigh just one pound more: So you may pro­ceed infinitely increasing, or decreasing by taking one part lesse then it is appointed to be divided into.

To tertiate a Peece of Ordnance.

THere are three differences in fortification of each sort of Ordnance, be they of Cannons, or Culve­rings; for they are either ordinary fortified, lessened, or double fortified, as legitimate Peeces, bastard Peeces, or extraordinary Peeces. For the Cannon double fortified, hath fully one diameter in thicknesse of metall at her Touch hole, and [...]/ [...] at her Trunnions, and [...]/ [...] at her muzzle. And the lessened Cannons have at their Touch-hole but [...]/ [...] and at the Trunnions [...]/ [...] and at the muzzle [...]/ [...] [Page 36] whereas the ordinary fortified Cannons have ⅞ at the Touch-hole, and ⅝ at the Trunnions, and ⅛ at the muzle. Now all the double fortified Culverings, and all lesser Peeces of that kind, have one Diameter, and ⅛ at the Touch-hole, and [...]/ [...] at the Trunnions, and [...]/ [...] at the muzle. And the ordinary forified Culverings are fortified every way like the double fortified Cannons. And the lessened Culverings like the ordinary fortified Cannons in all points.

The difference betweene the common legitimate Peeces, and the bastard peeces, and extraordinary.

COmmon or legitimate Peeces are such Ordnance, as have a due length of their Chases, proportioned ac­cording to this height of their proper bores. Bastard peeces are such as have shorter Chases than the propor­tion of their bore doth require. And extraordinary pee­ces are such Ordnance, as have longer chases than the proportion of the bore alloweth: And these are called Bastard Culverings, and extraordinary Culverings, so likewise of Saker and Faulcon.

To coole a Peece of Ordnance, when she is growne hot with overmuch fiering.

IF you cannot have time to rest her, because the Service is hot, as it was with us at Bargen, in that case she must be coold with spunges wet in lee and water, or water and vinegar, or with the coolest fresh or salt water, bathing and washing her both within and without, untill shee come unto her due temper; but if time would permit, rest her one or two houres in twelve, and coole her as before every eighth or tenth shot.

Reasons that cause a Shot, though well directed, to erre in her charge, and to be either wide, short. or over at the marke.

MAny accidents may make a shot to deviate from the expected course, though well directed. As if the soule of the peece lyeth awry in the body of her metall And if the Trunnions also be not duely placed directly in a Diagonal line with the Axis of the peece. If the plat­forme be unequall. Also if the Gunner shoot without a just dispart. If one wheele bee higher than another. If the naves be one longer and wider than the other. When one wheele meetes with a stone to stay it: or that one wheele reverseth in soft ground, and the other in hard. The Carriage or Trunnion eares are higher one than ano­ther. If the cariage be too wide, so that the peece lyeth not fast therein, but starteth in her discharge. If the shot be not equally round, the winde, if vehement, may some­what hurt. The slight ramming, leaving space betweene powder, wad, and bullet, may alter her course. These and many more, are true and infallible causes of the failing of a shot at an assigned marke, yet the peece well directed.

The difference betweene shooting by the met all of the peece, and the dispart.

THeir differences are uncertaine, by reason there are seldom any cōstant proportion held in the founding especially concerning the eminencies of their muzle and base-ring: for laying the peece directly to the mark, with her due dispart, and then take of that dispart, and lay her by the metall, observe the difference with a squadrant, and you shall sometimes finde that the peece will bee elevated more by the mettall than by the dispart, foure, [Page 38] five, yea sometimes sixe or seven degrees. And so con­sequently will the randons of the metall bee more than the randons of the dispart, (which by the table of Ran­ges) may for every elevation be made certainly knowne; but this take for an example, on the levell the metall rangeth neare double the distance of the dispart in most peeces.

To know at how many degrees of mounture a Peece will convey her bullet far thest, called her best Randon.

THe approved best Artists of late times, maintaine with good reason, that the utmost degree of Randon is at or about 24. degrees of the quadrant, neverthelesse most ancient authors hold 45. being the middle or meane between the levell and the perpendicular; namely, the halfe of 90. degrees. But because the peece rangeth a bul­let but one tenth part of the utmost randon as it doth al­so at 84. degrees of the elevation, therefore it stands with more reason, and experience also hath found, that the ut­most randon of any peece should be (being duely charged & discharged) at 42. degrees, the halfe of 84 the elevation.

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The use of this Table.

FIrst, by this Table, having resolved upon the poynt of mounture, looke against the name of the Peece, and right under that poynt in the common angle, you shall find the number of paces of her Randon sought.

A Table of the proportion of right ranges and first what a Range is.

A Right Range in any peece is indeed so farre as the Bullet is carried violently in a straight line, which by some Gunners of these our moderne times, is by them properly called the Right Range. This kind of shooting is so farre as a marke is within the straight line of a Peece, which for some elevations and mountures is much more than for others: for that the more a peece is mounted, the farther she conveyeth her shot in a right Range.

[Page 41]

The use of this Table, with a plaine Example.

HAving found by experience, that at 60 degrees of mounture the peece assigned shot 200 paces in a right line, and would know how far the same Peece would shoote in a straight line being mounted to 10 degrees, say by the Table, if 285, the number against 6 degrees, giveth 200 paces, what will 354, the number therein against 10 degrees give? Multiply 354 by 200, the product will be 70800, which divided by 285, produceth in the quotient 283 paces, and [...]/ [...] parts.

Of [...] at a Marke beyond the right line of the [...] [...], or right range of the sh [...]t, and of the dead [...] of any Peece at every degree.

THe dead range consisteth of the addition of the right and crooked ranges together into one, and that cal­led the dead Range, which is the whole distance from the plat-forme unto the first graze of the Bullets, whereby for the first sixe points of the Gunners quadrant, you ha­ving the dead range of one shot made out of any Peece; whether it be of a Culvering, (which is betweene 30. and 4 [...]. Diameters of her bore in length) by the range of numbers set against the letter S. in the Table here under­neath; or whether it be of the quality of a Cannon, (that is betweene 18. and 24. Diameters of her bore in length by the ranke of Numbers set against the letter C. in the said Table) you may, having one shot, by that shot, and by the rule of proportion, know the dead range of any other point of mounting sought.

Example.

SUppose a Culvering that shooteth levell 260. paces, I would know how farre she would convey her shot up­on an Horizontall plaine, she being mounted to the third point of the quadrant. Say by the rule 3. if 192. (the number against S.) for the levell range in the Table gi­veth 2032, the number under the third point, what will 260. give? Multiply 2032 by 60, and divide that pro­duct by 192, and you shall have in your quotient 2751 [...]/ [...] for the number of paces shee will convey her shot, being so mounted.

To know how the range of his Peece increaseth, or decreaseth from degree to degree.

FIrst, you must finde by the table of right Ranges how much your levell right Range of your Peece is, which number of paces divide by 25, and multiply the quotient by 11, and the product will be the first and greatest di­gression, which is betweene the first and second degrees, which divided by 40, the degrees contained betweene the first degree, and 42 the utmost Randon, and the quo­tient sheweth the number of paces that the shot shall loose at every digression, from degree to degree, to the last Randon, and contrariwise for the increasing digressi­on from 42 degrees, the utmost Randon downe to the first degree.

How to finde the right Line, or right Range of any Bullet for every elevation by any one right or dead Range given for the Peece assigned.

AS for example, you are to seeke the right Range of 30 degrees for that peece, whose dead Range for 30 de­grees is knowne to be 2200 paces, by it multiply the ta­bular number of right Ranges for 30 degrees, which are 695, and divide the product by 2150, the tabular number for 30 degrees in the Table of dead Ranges, and the quotient will bee 711 paces for the right Range of that peece mounted and discharged at 30 degrees eleva­tion.

Another Example.

SUppose the levell right Range is given, and the right Range of 30 degrees sought, say, if 192 the first num­ber in the Table of right Ranges, give 695, the tabular number therof for 30 degrees, what shal 197 paces give, the levell right Range given be, multiply and divide, and the quotient will bee 713 paces, for the right Range sought.

To finde how much of the Horizontall line is contained directly under the right range of any shot.

TO finde what partlyeth under the right Range at 30 degrees elevation, the right Range at 30 degrees by the precedent example being found to be 713 paces, and the right signe of sixty grades, the complement of 30 be­ing 866, which multiplyed together, and the product di­vided by 1000, the whole signe leaveth in the quotient 621 [...]/ [...] for the number of paces lying directly under the [...]ight Range.

To finde how much of the Horizontall line lyeth under the crooked Range of a shot made out of any peece of Ordnance at any elevation assigned.

THe crooked Range is so much of the course or way as the shot maketh as it goeth Helically between the right Range and the natural motion, or before it maketh the first graze; And may be thus found by deducting of the levell distance contained directly under the right line, or right Range of any shot made (found by the pre­cedent Chapter) out of the dead Range thereof, found by the Chapter before going. For the remainder will be the paces, or other measures lying directly under the crooked Range.

To make a good shot in a peece not truly boared, and to know how much any peece will shoot amisse, the metal thicker of one side than another.

SVppose a Cannon is said to bee two inches thicker of one side in her mettall, than another, the distance to the mark suppose to be 500 paces. that is 2500 foot, the which divided by 9 foote, the just length of the Cillin­der of the peece, yeeldeth in the quotient 277 foote [...]/ [...] that againe being multiplyed by ½ the superfluity of the mettall being 1 inch, makes still 277 [...]/ [...], which is the true demand sought.

To remedy a Peece not truely bored.

SEarch the peece with an instrument to know which is the thicker side; then divide the over plus of the metall in two parts, as before, suppose 2 inches, setting the dis­part of your peece on that part to wards the thickest side of the peeces muzle, and bringing the middle part of the metall at the base ring to that dispart and the upper part of the marke all in one line, fire her, and without question you make a very good shot, care being taken in loading.

If the thicker part of her metall be above, then you ought to make your dispart one inch more: if under, one inch lesse.

To choose a Peece to shoot at single marke, the course also to be observed therein.

BY my will I would choose a peece as I had formerly practised in, and well examined her qualities; and when I came to load her, I would not ramme home her powder any thing hard, but very easie, least in taking fire, it should lye blowing first, and cause the peece to start from her position, but let her be duely directed by a true disparture, that the axes of her bore may precisely re­spect the marke. And lastly, endeavour heedfully to pre­vent all impedimentall accidents which otherwise may happen, and give fire.

Having found the first Shot faulty to the right or left hand, over or under, to amend the next time, and make an effectuall shot.

IF it were wide towards the right or left hand, I would place my eye on the base ring at the next time, a little more to the same side accordingly more or lesse; if it were too high, direct the dispart under the marke as much: if two low, lay some small stone, or other thing, on the highest of the base ring, and by that bring the dis­part and the marke into one with discretion.

How to plant Ordnance in secret and double Batteryes, so they may not easily be dismounted.

THey must be planted upon a platforme that discen­deth behind, that in their reverse they may go under the vamure of the Tronier, the Tronier being vaulted, they must by tackles bee brought up above the vamure, and opened, and fire given immediately at the opening, so in their reverse will they be againe under the vamure, and be free from dismounting, so long as the furne­mouth and vamure is able to keepe from the ruine of Counter-batteries.

Take this by the way for a note, that a Cannon at 120 Paces, will pierce a wall or rampart, meanely settled, onely 10 or 12 foot, but in close sandy ground, 20, or 24 foote deep: And that a Cannon may being well fortified and discreetly managed, be discharged 100 times in one day.

Note that a Cannon with one shot will ruine more than a 100 hods of earth can repaire.

Further note, that 1000 shot made out of 10 Can­nons will ruine more than 1500 shot can do out of made out of 5 Cannons: And lesse can the enemy repaire the first than the last; for a Cannon shot made every eighth part of an houre, at 100 paces distant, will make as much ruine as twelve men can keepe in repaire.

To make a shot in the night at a marke shewed you in the day, how to prepare for it.

I Would first lay the Peece precisely to the marke in the the day, then with a chalke line, dipt in Gum-water, I would strike a right line on the upper part of the metall, [Page 47] from the breech to the muzle, upon which I would ap­ply a good Magneticall needle, or flye with a chart exact­ly divided, and note the intersection; then from the end of the line that was mark't, or stricken upon the mettall, I let fall plumbe lines upon the platforme, and at the pla­ces where they touch, I knocke in at each a small nayle. Lastly, with a Quadrant I observe the elevation of the concave, or else with some staffe take the perpendicu­lar height of some marke made in the mettall as well at the breech, as at the muzle above the said two nayles: and so you may againe lay the peece thereby, alwayes to have the selfe-same position, and so shoote as certaine at the marke by night, as by day.

To make a goodshot at an Enemies light in a darke Night, not having any Candle, or other light by.

I Would light two peeces of match, the one as much longer as the other, as the quantity of the dispart of the peece, and set the longer upon the upper part of the Muzle-ring, and the shorter upon the base ring, still tra­versing and quoyning the peece, untill I have brought the light of the Enemies, and the lights of the two matches all three into one line, and so give sire.

To order a Peece, to make a goodshot at a moveable Marke, as at a ship under sayle, Boate rowing, or Horsman riding.

TAke a peece that will reach the Marke in a streight line, then observe how the Marke moveth: Next, note the winde if it blowes much, whether side-wayes, with, or against you, and accordingly take advantage: Then with the dispart considered, observe some cloud, or marke, or point of land that lyeth in the course of his motion, and when according to the swiftnesse thereof [Page 48] he is come so neare it, as I guesse the shot and hee may meete at the Marke, I give fire: wherein remember this secret of Nature, that any Peece will shoote farther from Sea to Land-ward, than from Land to Sea-ward.

To shoote at a Squadron of men, and what Peece to choose.

ACcording to the distance, I would choose a Peece that in a streight line can reach the marke, be it with Demi-culvering, Saker, or Faulcon, and plant my peece if I could paralell to the Champion plaine, that the shot may range to shoote at girdle-height, unlesse the ground be stony; for then would I place my shot short of them, that grazing amongst the stones, the stones may spoile them more than the shot of it selfe can doe by much; but in no case would I shoote wide, or over them; for that were both losse, and foule shame for the Gunner.

To shoote farther than ordinary in one and the selfe-same Peece with like quantity of pouder and shot.

I Will gently put home the powder, and wad the same accordingly, then the shot being involved with paper, leather, okam, or such like, to fill close the concave of the bore, I would drive the shot close to the powder with a good wad, putting after it a Tampion of Cork, and with a spunge moistned with oyle, I would annoint the vacant Cilinder, and so barricadoe the peece, that it should not reverse in the discharge.

To refine Salt-peter wet.

TAke what quantity of Salt-peter you please, and put the same into a cleane Caldron, and put thereon a lit­tle faire water, and boyle them together untill it raise the scum; which take off, and keepe, and let it congeale and shoote in coolers, as at first it did, and what remaines, boyle againe with more cleere water untill it congeale.

To know if Salt-peter be well refined.

TAke and lay it on a board, and put a coale unto it, if it raise an azure scum, it is yet greasie, if it leaves pearles it is yet earthly: but if it burne into the board, and leave nothing but a blacke colour, and rise with a long flamed ventosity and exhalation, it is well refined.

Severall wayes to know whether powder be decayed or no, whether by moysture or age, in part or in whole.

IT is the practicke part of a Gunner really to know his powder, and whether it bee decayed or not, by mutation or corruption. And there are especially three ready wayes to finde the same. The first, by the sight; the second by the feeling, and the third and surest by fiering it. By sight, if it bee not blacke and darke, but bright, and inclining to a blewish tawny colour. By fee­ling, grasping it in the fist, if it run through the fingers quickly, and avoydeth the handling, and cling not toge­ther. By fire, if fired, it rise quicke, and spread in a mo­ment, smoke little, but riseth in a cleare flash: unto which [Page 50] adde further, if it leave no seezes, but carry all away, the powder is good, or else the contrary may bee judged.

To renew powder decayed in part.

OF tentimes in Forts, but most common and usually at Sea, powder gathereth humid vapours, which will in short time destroy the strength and vigority there­of, and makes it of little, and sometimes of no use, without renewing it. And sometimes it may decay by age. Let therefore the Gunner first prove the powder by fire; and if it make a flame with a long taile, that is, if it sleepe in its burning, more or lesse, then for every hundred pound of powder, adde foure pound, or sixe pound of refined Salt-peeter, mixing them well together, and put them to be beaten and wrought for the space of three houres, and then moystning, corning, and drying the same, as aforesaid, proving it in meale dryed, how it will rise by fiering; and so doing, the powder may bee made serviceable, if the coale be not corrupted.

To renew powder totally decayed.

IF it be wholly decayed, lay a Rayson frayle, or mat in the bottome of a bucking-tub, upon a fagot made of purpose, or lathe, set on edge, to keepe the mat from the bottome, and put in s [...]awlayd crosse-wayes: upon which powre the decayed powder, and warme water, being put thereon, and let it stand and soaketen or twelve houres, that all the Salt-peeter may bee assuredly dissol­ved: then let out the liquor tap which congeale to Peter, and thereunto adde a due proportion of Coles and Sul­phure, and make it into powder, as is formerly taught [Page] for the Coles and Sulphure dissolving, will remaine the straw, fraile, or mat.

To make powder that shall not wast with [...]ime.

TAke what quantity of powder you will, and mixe it with Aquavitae, and make it up in balles, and dry them well in the Sunne, or in a warme place, and keepe them in an earthen pot well glazed, untill you have cause to use them. This powder will not decay, nor waste with age.

To preserve powder that is good, and keepe it from decaying.

I Would advise every Gunner to chuse the dryest place he can possible, to keepe his provision and store of powder in, and every fortnight or three weekes at the most, to turne his barrels upside downe, so will the Peter bee dis­perst in every place, and be in every part alike, otherwise, if it be let stood long unremoved, the Peter will (as na­ture forceth it to its proper element) descend for the most part, to the bottome of the Barrell, and the upper part will want, and be much weakened, and in time quite decay, and loose its proper vertue: for one pound of powder in the bottome of any Caske, with long stan­ding, will have more strength than three at the top.

Also it were good discretion after you have put your powder in Cartredges, to barrell them up, and some times to turne them, as aforesaid. I would advise you likewise to place all those Cartredges that you keepe and ma [...] for your peeces, when they are hot, by themselves, that yo [...] [...] have them to hand, when need requires.

To make extraordinary Match to fire Ordnance.

TAke as many threeds of grosse Cotten yarne, as hath not taken Salt-water, and worke them bobbing-wise of a compleat bignesse, and boyle them in Salt-peeter wa­ter, and squeeze them, and rowle them on a table, where­on mealed Peter and Sulphure is spread: then draw them through the palme of your hand, and dry them well. You may doe it also with cotten match.

To make a match will resist fire and water.

TAke Salt-peter refined one part, Sulphire ½ part, and put them into a pot with ⅓ part of Camphiere mea­led with the Sulphure, and one part of fine mealed quick lime, with so much linseed oyle and a little liquid ver­nish to temper them well together. Then take of Cot­ton bobbing match, as bigge as your little finger, and put it into the mixture to soake over a fire untill it be well imbibed, and have soaked up the most part of the liquor, then take the feezes or remainder, and put them into the palme of your left hand, and with your right draw the match through it twice or thrice, clasping close your fist, that the match may receive the substance of it there­into: then dry it upon a line, and keepe it for speciall uses, for Vaults, Mines, and moist weather.

To make a very violent match.

TAke two ounces of powder, foure ounces of Peter, two ounces of Aquavitae, dissolve them over a fire, and put in your cotten-match, and soake it up: if you im­bibe the fesills for your [...]ockets therein, it will bee very proper; you may rowle and rub them in meale powder upon a table dry, and keepe them in a dry place, and it will be for your purpose.

To make certaine Fire-workes, very necessary both for Sea and Land-service.

TO arme Pikes, to defend a Ship, or breach, or to en­ter the same, or to sticke in the sides of a ship, or other place, take strong canvas, and cut it in length about a foote, or 14 inches, and sixe inches high in the Center, and let the ends be both cut taper-wise, then fasten the canvas at both ends with strong twine, and fill it with this receipt.

Powder bruised 8 parts, Peter in Roch 1 part; Peter in meale 1 part; Sulphur in meale two parts, Rozen Roch three parts, Turpentine 1 part, Verdigrease ½ part, Bole­armonicke ⅓ part, bay salt ⅓ part, Colophania ⅙ part, Arsnicke ⅛ part, mixe them very suently together, and trye them in the top of a Brasse Candlesticke when the fire doth burne furiously with a blew and greenish co­lour, then fill the canvas, and rowle it over, being first armed with strong twine all over, with this liquid mix­ture molten in a pan, Pitch 4 parts, Linseed Oyle 1 part, Turpentine ⅓ part, Sulphur 1 part, Tarre ⅓ part, Tal­low one part; and as soone as this is cold, bore two holes in each of the same next the Iron an inch deepe, with a sharpe Iron Bodkin, filling the same with fine bruised powder, and putting in every hole a little sticke of two inches long, which are to be taken out when you would fire the same, this composition will burne furiously.

And remember you cut off the staffe some three in­ches from the worke, and put thereon a brasse socket [Page] of five or sixe inches long, and then cut the end of your stasse to fill the socket, for when you fire your worke, you may stick it in the side of a ship, and pull the staffe out againe, so will not the work be so easily avoyded, as when the staffe was on, and hangs at length, because the very weight of the staffe and length thereof, will be a meanes to weigh downe the work, or that the enemy may come, and thereby pul it out, or beate it off quickly, let the c [...] ­position and worke containe in weight about 7 [...] po [...], then will it doe execution, and worke a better effect, [...]n if it were of lesse weight, by much; by reason the compo­sition else would be wasted, before it comes to effect its execution.

To burne the sailes of Ships a pretty distance, or to fire thatch'd houses, Corne-s [...]acks, or any other cumbu­stible matter apt to burne, when you cannot come to the same; it is good to have certaine strong Crosse-bowes to bend with racks or gaffells, and so shoote Ar­rowes armed at the heads with wild fire, made of the composition as above, & about three inches in length, & one inch and a halfe in the Diamiter, tapred as afore in all poynts: or you may have long bowes, but then let your arrowes be also longer, which for divers services may do great good.

To charge Trunkes.

TO charge Trunkes to shoot little Balles of wild-fire, either to offend or defend, you must first charge him with two inches of good powder, and then with a Ball of wild fire a little lower than the concave of the Trunk, [...]et the Ball be bored through crosse-wayes, and primed [Page 55] full of fine powder. Lastly, with slow receipt, then with powder, then with a Ball againe as aforesaid, untill you have filled the same within ¼ of an inch of the mouth, which would be filled up with fine powder and receipt mixed together. Some doe use to have at the mouth two Iron stirts to sticke them in the side of any thing, or to defend ones selfe from the enemy from taking it off with a thrust while they doe execution.

To make the Ball.

THe Ball of wild-fire must be thus made, Take un­twisted match, tow, and hempe, the which would be moystned in Aqua vita, or boyled in Salt-peter wa­ter: then take of bruised powder sixe parts, of Salt-peter one part, of Brimstone finely beaten, one part, of coale made of light wood moystned with a little linseed oyle and turpentine wrought together, one part: then lay the tow, or okam abroad in thicknesse of the back of a knife, and as broad as great Oyster-shell, put into the same as much as you can graspe together in your sist, and tying the same hard with a packe-thread, coate it over with molten brimstone, and when you would use the same, bore it through with a B [...]dkin, and fill the holes full of fine powder bruised.

To make Bullets of wilde-fire to shoote out of a Trunke, which will be as hard as a stone.

TAke Sulphure in meale sixe part, of Rosen in meale sixe parts, melting the same in some pot over a slow fire: then take stone pitch one part, of hard waxe one part, [Page 56] of Tarre ¼ part, of Aqua vitae ½ part, of Linseed oyle ½ part, of Verdigrease ¼ part, of Campheire ⅛ part, melting all these together. Likewise stirre into the same of Pe­ter in meale two parts, and taking it from the fire, put therein foure parts of bruised powder, working the same well together in your hands, and rowle it round of the bignesse you meane to make your balls of, boring two holes through the same crosse-wayes, which must be primed with bruised powder. These balls being cold, will grow very hard, and fired will burne furiously.

To make Hedge-hogges.

TO make Hedge-hogges, or Balles, you must fill them with the same receipts you doe your Arrowes, and Pikes, and let them be five inches in the diameter, and well armed with twine before you coat them, and after bored two holes, and primed with fine powder: then put in two sticks, and using them, pull them out againe, and at the said holes fire them. The spikes ends of Iron must bee like Deaths arrow heads, five or sixe stirts a peece, to hang in the sayles, or stick in or upon any place assigned: and remember in the arming, to leave a noose to throw him being fired, out of your hand.

To make Powder pots.

THey are made of blacke Potters clay, or thick glasse, round Bottles with eares to tye matches, lighted at both ends, the pots or glasses are to be filled with drye fine powder, and thrown upon the decks, or other where, which will much prejudice the enemy, and many times fire their owne powder-chests.

To make Powder-chests.

THey are to be made first of three boords, two to be nayl [...]d together like the ridging of a house, and one longer and broader to the bottome thereof: betwene which three boords put your Cartredge, then make it up like a Sea-chest, and fill it with stones, nayles, and what such like you will: then naile the cover on, and the ends to the decks, in such a place that you may fire the pow­der underneath through a hole made to put a Pistoll in.

To make Roche-Sulphure.

ROche-Sulphure is made, one pound of Sulphure molten on a slow fire, and one quarter of a pound of mealed powder put thereto by little and little, and in the cooling put three ounces of Corne-powder, mixing them well together; to which put one pound of molten suet, so have you made good Roche-Sulphure.

A true receite of a Composition that will burne and feed upon the Water.

TAke Masticke halfe a pound, white Frankin sence, Gumme, Sandrake, Quicklime, Brimstone, Bitumen, Camphire, and of the best and dryest Gun-powder, of each of these one pound and a halfe; Rozin one pound, Salt-peter foure pounds and a halfe, mixe them all to­gether, and you have your desire.

A Receite of a Composition that will burne under water.

TAke Brimstone one pound, Gun-powder ten Oun­ces, of the best Salt-peter you can get, one pound [Page 58] and a halfe, Camphire beaten with Sulphur and Quick­silver; mixe them well together with oyle of Peter, or for want of it, let it be Linseed oyle boyled, unill it will scald a Feather: fill a Canvas ball with this Composition, arme it, and ballast it with Lead at the bottome; make a little vent at the top, fire it well, and cast it into the water, and you shall finde the experience worth your labour.

A Receite of a Composition that will kindle with the water.

TAke of Oyle of Tyle one pound, Linseed-oyle three pounds, oyle of yelke of Egges one pound, new quick-lime eight pounds, Brimstone two pounds, Cam­phire foure ounces, Bitumen two Ounces; mingle all together very well, and you shall have your desire.

How to know the iust time or houre, that any quantity of a lighted Match shall doe execution at the time desired.

TAke our ordinary Match which is used for the Mus­ket, rub, or beate it against a post to soften it, then either dip the same in the water of our ordinary Salt-pe­ter; then dry it very well either by the fire, or in the Sun, according as your haste requires: or else beate a little Brimstone very small, and put a little fine Gunne-pow­der amongst it, and rub the Match with them, being made liquid with a little Aqua vitae, and dryed as be­fore said: then try first how long one yard of this Match thus prepared, will burne, which imagine to be about a quarter of an houre; and if one yard will burne so long, then foure yards will be just an houre: Take therefore as much of this Match as will burne so long as you will have it to be ere your worke should fire, binde the one end unto your worke, lay loose powder well dryed, un­der, [Page 59] and about it lay the rest of the Match in hollow or turning, so that one part of it touch not another, and fire it.

• Powder 20 pound.
• Peter-roch 5 pound.
• Peter-meale 5 pound.
• Sulphur 3 pound.
• Rozen 2 pound ½.
• Turpentine 1 pound.
• Linseed oyle 1 pound.
• Summe 38 pound, 8 ounces.
• For arming.
• Sulphur 6 pound.
• Turpentine ½ pound.
• Threed 4 pound.
• Summe 10 pound ½.
• For Arrows 2 dozen, each 1 pound.
• Powder 12 pound.
• Sulphur 3 quarters of a pound
• Rozen 3 quarters of a pound.
• Roch-peter halfe a pound.
• Peter-meale 3 qua. of a pound
• Summe 15 pound 3 quarters.
• For coating.
• Sulphur 5 pound.
• Peter-Roch 2 pound.
• Peter-meale 1 pound.
• 1 yard of Canvas & marle.
• Summe 9 pounds.
• For2dozen of balls wetworks of 4 pound a peece.
• Powder 48 pound.
• Peter-roch 16 pound.
• Pitch 2 pound.
• Rozen 2 pound.
• Turpentine 8 pound ½.
• Linseed oyle 1 pound.
• Traine-oyle 1 pound.
• Sūme totall 90 pound ½
• For Coating.
• Pitch 14 pound.
• Rozen 2 pound.
• Sulphure 8 pound.
• Canvas 4 yards.
• Small Marle 3 pound.
• Summe 31 pound, ½.
• For 1 dozen of pots, each one 1 pound, ¼.
• Corn-powder 1 pound ½.
• Serp. powder 9 pound.
• Sulphure 3 pound.
• Peter-roch 1 pound & [...]/ [...].
• Summe 15 pound.
• For Capping.
• Canvas 1 yard.
• Okam ¼ of a pound.
• Sulphure three fourth pound.
• Packthred 1 ounce.
• Sūme 1 pound, 9 Ounces.