FIRE-Arrow, in naval artillery, is a small iron dart furnished with springs and bars, together with a match impregnated with sulphur and powder, which is wound
about its shaft. It is intended to fire the sails of the enemy, and is for this purpose discharged from a musketoon or swivel gun. The match being kindled by the explosion, communicates the flame to the sail against which it is directed, where the arrow is fastened by means of its bars and springs. The weapon is peculiar to hot climates, particularly the West Indies, where the sails being extremely dry by reason of the great heat, they instantly take fire, and of course set fire to the masts and rigging, and lastly to the vessel itself.