Slow Match

Slow-Match is used in blasting to enable the workmen to retreat to a safe distance before the ignition of the explosive, and for the firing of shells, etc. It consists of some material the burning of a given length of which will occupy a fairly definite time. A fibrous wick, soaked in a solution of nitre and dried, is one of the oldest devices, but a tube filled with a composition similar to that used in the manufacture of fireworks is often employed.