Slow-match

is a slow-burning match prepared from hemp or flax slightly twisted, soaked in strong lye, or in water holding in solution sugar of lead. Cotton rope well twisted forms a good match without any preparation. Slow-match prepared from hemp or flax burns 4 to 5 inches to the hour; it is used principally for the purpose of retaining fire in the shape of a hard-pointed coal, to be used in firing cannon, fireworks, etc. It was formerly used in field-batteries for lighting the port-fires with which the pieces were discharged; but both are now entirely superseded by the friction-primer.