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Re: Scottish Highland games in Florida ?



In your message regarding Re: Scottish Highland games in Florida ?  dated
Mon, 22 Jan 2001 15:08:21 -0500 (est), William A. Flowers said that ...


<snipped>
>WAF-  
>WAF-  I think you are thinking of the phrase: "Cold enough to freeze the balls
>WAF-  off a brass monkey".
>WAF-  
>WAF-  In the early days of artillery the shot of choice was an iron
>WAF-  cannonball.  
<snipped>

Nothing whatsoever to do with "The Artillery" - brass monkeys were used in
the "Royal Navy" - it was a brass rail which held the cannonballs in
position on a ship and difference in the rate of thermal
expansion/contraction did indeed have the effect described (so your
explanation was almost right - just the wrong Service).  


- -- 
Mike Bostock
http://www.toothfairy.co.uk/
Wales & SW ST Riders
http://www.unicorn-k9.fsnet.co.uk/

'99 Red ST

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