The Massachusetts Spy

Wednesday a second trial was made, under the inspection of a Society of Arts and Sciences, opposite the Orchard-house near Back-wall, by discharging a harpoon at an artificial forepart of a whale, constructed with hoop, canvas &c. from a swivel gun at the distance of forty yards. The first barge was only with half an ounce of powder, which proved too weak to throw the instrument home. The next proof was with an ounce charge, which carried the harpoon effectually through the mark, which on a real whale must have done the intended execution. It is said that a steel bow, on the same principle, will soon be proved.