220 On the Force, Construction, 8fc, 



occasioned thereby requires us to obtain such an interval be- 

 tween them, that the gunners, when at quarters, should not 

 be crowded. When this precaution is neglected, much con- 

 fusion and many accidents must arise from not having suffi- 

 cient room to handle the tackling and various implements 

 necessary to the service of a heavy piece of ship ordnance. 



In land batteries it is the usual practice to allow a distance 

 of 18 feet between the centres of the embrasures ; but on board 

 ship, wherein it is desirable to concentrate as much force as 

 possible, it is common in the British navy to give no greater 

 distance than 11 J feet between the centres of the lower ports 

 of ships of the line. Now, when it is considered that the guns 

 are frequently trained obliquely, whereby this space becomes 

 much contracted, we may regard 11 J feet as the least distance 

 that can be allowed from port centre to port centre of the 

 heaviest tier of guns, in order that they may be efficiently 

 served # . 



Having this datum, we are enabled to determine what length 

 of broadside is necessary to put a given number of guns into 

 the lower battery of a ship of the line ; and here we imme- 

 diately perceive that the quantity of ordnance on the lower 

 deck indicates the minimum length of the ship of whose arma- 

 ment it forms a part. 



It may next be remarked that the guns also prescribe the 

 least limit to the breadth of the ship; for, measuring from the 

 hatches and ladder-ways on the lower-deck, a sufficient distance 

 should be left between them and the rear of the gun-carriages, 

 after recoil has taken place, for a clear communication fore and 

 aft. The increased dimensions of modern ships have caused 

 this limit to be much exceeded. The only part therefore of the 

 half-breadth of the ship at the lower deck that has suffered any 

 material increase in consequence, is that just specified, viz., 

 the distance between the rear of the carriage after recoil, and 

 the hatchway. In the old 80-gun ships on three decks, this 



* If this distance were somewhat increased, it would be highly advan- 

 tageous, not only by giving more room for the gunners, but also by in- 

 creasing the dimensions, and obtaining a better ship. Such a proceed- 

 ing may be objected to on the score of economy ; but we contend that 

 the most economical ship is that which is the most effective. 



