e-hole; a conical flat steel gauge for the fuze-hole,
marked at the point to which it should enter; a pair of strong
hand-bellows, with a wooden plug to fit the fuze-hole and the nozzle
air-tight. (See Plate.)

INSPECTION.

79. The surface of the shell and its exterior dimensions, form,
weight, and strength, are to be examined and tested as in the case of
shot, and subject to all the conditions there specified.

80. The greatest care is to be taken to remove every particle of sand
or fragment of iron from the interior when they are about to be loaded
for service. And the Inspectors of Ordnance at foundries or Navy Yards
will satisfy themselves that this has been done before accepting or
preparing them for service.

81. The shell is next struck with a hammer, to judge by the ring or
sound whether it is free from cracks; and the exterior and interior
diameters of the fuze-hole (which should be accurately reamed) are to
be verified, and the soundness of the metal about the inside of the
fuze-hole ascertained. To determine the thickness of the metal, three
points, at least, on the great circle at right angles to the axis of
the fuze-hole are to be measured; also one at the fuze-hole and one at
the bottom. No shell shall be received which deviates more than
one-tenth of an inch from the proper thickness in any part.

82. The shell is next placed in a tub of water, which should be deep
enough to completely cover the shell. Air is then forced by the
bellows into the shell. If there are any holes in it, air-bubbles will
rise on the surface of the water, and the shell shall be rejected.

83. This occasionally occurs from the escape of air from porous spots
which do not extend to the interior of the shells. In this case the
action of the bellows produces no increase of bubbles, which cease
rising as soon as the spots or cavities are filled with water. Porous
spots are also detected by their absorbing water and drying slowly
when exposed to the air, and shall likewise cause the rejection of the
shell.

84. The Inspecting Officers will stamp the shell at one inch from the
fuze-hole with their initials, also those of the foundry at which they
are cast.

The Inspector or one of his assistants must be present when shot or
shell are inspected; and the stamps and marks are always to be
retained in the possession of the Inspector.

85. Rejected shells are to be mutilated by chipping a piece out at the
fuze-hole.

86. If,