This shell bursts on impact and with great force exerted in all directions. It is a powerful instrument for the destruction of material objects such as guns, intrenchments, houses, stone walls, etc. The effect, however, is very local. =Frankford Arsenal combination fuzes.=—These fuzes are point fuzes with combination time and percussion elements for use with common shrapnel. They are of the type known as the ring or “dial” fuze, in which the time train is set by turning a graduated ring which carries part of the train. These fuzes may be reset as often as desired. =Ehrhardt combination fuze for high explosive shrapnel.=—This fuze is similar to the Frankford Arsenal Combination time and percussion fuze but in addition contains a high explosive head and detonating element. Due to this arrangement, both the projectile and the high explosive head have a high-explosive shell effect when striking on impact. =The service base detonating fuze.=—The details of the detonating fuze and the composition of the detonator are kept secret. A detonating fuze is necessary in order to produce a higher order of explosion by causing an instantaneous conversion of the high explosive compound called “Explosive D” with which the shell is charged. If an ordinary percussion fuze were used only an ordinary explosion would be produced as in the explosion of black powder. =Preparation of blank metallic ammunition.=—Blank metallic ammunition will always be assembled under the personal supervision of a commissioned officer, who will be held responsible that it is prepared in the manner prescribed. (G. O. 9, War Dept., Jan. 11, 1908.) For this purpose there are issued blank-cartridge cases, black powder in bulk, tight-fitting felt wads, rubberine, or other quick-drying paint, primers, etc. Before assembling, the cartridge cases should be carefully inspected to see that they are in sound condition and thoroughly clean and dry. They should also be tested by trying them in the gun, to determine whether they have become deformed. Any cases that do not readily enter the chamber in the gun or that are otherwise seriously deformed should be laid aside for resizing. After inspecting the cartridge cases the blank ammunition should be prepared as follows: (a) Insert the primers with the primer-inserting press. (b) Pour into the cartridge case the proper weight of black powder and shake it down well. (c) Insert the felt wad and press it down hard until it rests squarely on the powder charge.