Junk-wads

Are used for proving cannon. Wad-molds for each caliber—consisting of two cast-iron cylinders of different diameters set in oak, or of two strong pieces, strapped with iron, and joined by a hinge—are employed in their manufacture. The junk, after having been picked, is compre ed by being beaten in the smaller mold with a maul and cylindrical drift —the latter nearly of the size of the mold—until it a umes the requisite dimensions; it is then taken out by raising the upper part of the mold, and closely wrapped with rope-yarn pa ed over it in the direction of the axis of the cylinder, and fastened by a few turns around the middle of the wad. It is then placed in the large mold, and again beaten with the maul and drift until its diameter is increased to that of the mold; when it is taken out and its diameter verified by a wooden gauge corresponding to the large shot-gauge of the caliber.