It is also possible the wrought iron may be forged in masses large enough, and the cost be so reduced as to bring it into use for field-pieces.

It is here important to combine strength with lightness, and additional expense may very properly be incurred to secure this important object.
The _projectiles_ now in use are solid shot, shells, strap-shot, case or canister-shot, grape-shot, light and fire-balls, carcasses, grenades, and rockets.
_Solid shot_ are now almost invariably made of cast iron,[35] formed in moulds of sand or iron.

This projectile is used under almost every circumstance, whether in the battle-field or in the attack and defence of places, and is the only one that is effectual against the stone walls of forts.

_Hot shot_ are used against shipping and wooden structures of every description.

Red-hot balls were first employed by the king of Poland, in 1575, but, on account of the difficulty of heating them with rapidity, and the danger of loading the piece with them, this kind of projectile was not in general use till a much later period.