There is a _Tool_ or _Iron_ well steeled at the end, which cuts the Rock, (of the shape shewed by _Fig._ 2. here annexed,) 20. or 22. Inches long or more, and some 21/2 Inches _Diameter_ at the steeled end, the rest being somewhat more slender. The steeled end is so shaped, as makes it most apt to pierce the Rock, the Angles at that end being still to be made the more obtuse, the harder the Rock is. This _Tool_ is to be first held by the hand, in the place, where the Hole, to be made for the use, which shall here be shewed, is to be placed; that is, in the middle between the sides of the Rock, that is to be cut, but as near the bottom as may be. The _Tool_ being placed, is to be struck upon with an Hammer, the heavier the better, either suspended by a Shaft turning upon a Pin, or otherwise, so as one man may manage the Hammer, while another holds the Tool or Piercer. If it be hung in a _Frame_, or other convenient way, he that manageth it hath no more to do, but to pull it up at first as high as he can, and let it fall again by its own weight, the motion being so directed, as to be sure to hit the Piercer right. After the stroke of the Hammer, he that holds the Piercer, is to turn it a little on its point; so that the Edges or Angles at the point may all strike upon a new place; and so it must still be shifted after every stroke, by which means small Chipps will at every stroke be broken off, which must from time to time be taken out, as need requires. And thus the work must be continued, till the _Hole_ be 18. or 20. Inches deep, the deeper the better. This _Hole_ being made as deep as is required, and kept as streight and smooth in the sides, as is possible, there is then a kind of double _Wedge_ to be made, and {84} fitted exactly for it; the shape whereof is to be seen in the annexed 3. Figure. [Illustration] This double _Wedge_, being 12. or 13. Inches long, each piece of it, and so made, as being placed in their due position they may make up a _Cylinder_, but _Diagonal_-wise. The two flat sides that are contiguous, are to be greased or oyled, that the one may slip the more easily upon the other; and one of them, which is to be uppermost, having at the great end a hollow _Crease_ cut into it round about, for fastening a _Cartridge_, full of _Gunpowder_, to it with a thred, the round end of the _Wedge_ being pared as much as the thickness of the Paper or Pastboard, that holds the Powder, needs to make the outside thereof _even_ with the rest of the _Wedge_. This _Wedge_ must have an Hole drilled through the longest side of it, to be filled with _priming Powder_, for firing of the Powder in the _Cartridge_; which needs have no more, than half a pound of Powder, though upon occasion a greater quantity may be used, as shall be found requisite.