Detail view of the lower end of the hot-shot furnace. Solid round shot would be loaded onto the heavy bars running the length of the furnace from the far end, these bars angled so as to be slightly higher on the loading end. A strong fire would be kindled beneath and would be constantly stoked until the solid shot grew to be red-hot, These were then loaded into cannon, each fitted with extra-thick wadding. The red-hot shot would then be fired at wooden ships, hopefully setting sail, rigging or even wooden decking ablaze. Nearly all Third System fortresses contained at least one hot-shot furnace.
