s in fifteen minutes in the service rifle. Cordite
raised the temperature of the rifle 270 deg. F., and cordite M.D. 160 deg. F.
only.

With regard to the effect of heat upon cordite, there is some difference
of opinion. Dr W. Anderson, F.R.S., says that there is no doubt that the
effect of heat upon cordite is greater than upon black powder. At a
temperature of 110 deg. F. the cordite used in the 4.7-inch gun is
considerably affected as regards pressure.

Colonel Barker, R.A., in reply to a question raised by Colonel Trench,
R.A. (at the Royal Artillery Institution), concerning the shooting
qualities of cordite heated to a temperature of 110 deg. F., said: "Heating
cordite and firing it hot undoubtedly does disturb its shooting qualities,
but as far as we can see, not much more than gunpowder. I fear that we
must always expect abnormal results with heated propellants, either
gunpowder or cordite; and when fired hot, the increase in pressure and
velocities will depend upon the heat above the normal or average
temperature at which firing takes place." Colonel Barker also, in
referring to experiments that had been made in foreign climates, said:
"Climatic trials have been carried out all over the world, and they have
so far proved eminently satisfactory. The Arctic cold of the winter in
Canada, with the temperature below zero, and the tropical sun of India,
have as yet failed to shake the stability of the composition, or
abnormally injure its shooting qualities." Dr Anderson is of opinion that
cordite should not be stored in naval magazines near to the boilers.
Professor Vivian B. Lewes, in his recent Cantor Lectures before the
Society of Arts, suggests that the magazines of warships should be water-
jacketed, and maintained at a temperature that does not rise above 100 deg. F.

~Axite.~--This powder is manufactured by Messrs Kynock Limited, at their
works at Witton, Birmingham. The main constituents of cordite are retained
although the proportions are altered; ingredients are added which impart
properties not possessed by cordite, and the methods of its manufacture
have been modified. The form has also been altered. Axite is made in the
form of a ribbon, the cross section being similar in shape to a double-
headed rail. It is claimed for this powder, that it does not corrode the
barrel in the way cordite does, that with equal pressure it gives greatly
increased velocity, and therefore flatter trajectory. That the effect