The History of the Cannon
- The next day, the crew gathers again to discuss the cannon itself. Maston (what a goof this dude is) immediately suggests that the cannon be "half a mile long at least" (8.12.). At least.
- Barbicane, on the other hand, thinks that the cannon should run about nine hundred feet. To limit resistance, he plans to forge the cannon directly into the ground. Clever.
- The plan sounds great, but everyone agrees that this will be one pricey experiment. Despite the group's concerns, however, Barbicane's confidence is unflappable.