1890.] on Smokeless Explosives. 23 



latest German smokeless powder in the manoeuvres, it is stated, on 

 the other hand, that the difference between the violence of the report 

 of the new powder and of black powder is scarcely perceptible ; that 

 it is sharper and more ringing, but not of such long duration. This 

 description accords exactly with our own experience of the reports 

 produced by different varieties of smokeless powder, and of the 

 lecturer's earlier experience with gun-cotton charges fired from rifles 

 and field guns. The noise produced by the latter was decidedly 

 more ringing and distressing to the ear in close proximity to the gun, 

 but also of decidedly less volume, than the report of a black-powder 

 charge, when heard at a considerable distance from the gun. 



As regards smokelessness : the present German service powder is 

 not actually smokeless, but produces a thin, almost transparent, bluish 

 cloud which is immediately dissipated. Independent rifle-firing was 

 not rendered visible by the smoke produced at a distance of 300 metres, 

 and at shorter ranges the smoke presented the appearance of a puff 

 from a cigar. The most rapid salvo-firing during the operations near 

 Spandau did not have the effect of obscuring those firing from distant 

 observers. 



That, in future warfare, if smokeless or nearly smokeless powders 

 have maintained their position as safe and reliable propelling agents 

 for small arms and field artillery, belligerents of both sides will be 

 alike users of them, there can be no doubt. The consequent absence 

 of the screening effect of smoke — which, on the one hand, removes an 

 important protection and the means of making rapid advances or 

 sudden changes of position in comparative safety, and, on the other 

 hand, secures to both sides the power of ensuring to the fullest 

 extent accuracy of shooting, and of making deadly attack by indi- 

 vidual fire through the medium of cover, with comparative immunity 

 from detection — can scarcely fail to change more or less radically 

 many of the existing conditions under which engagements are fought. 



As regards the naval service, it is especially and, at present at 

 any rate, exclusively for the new machine- and quick-firing guns that 

 a smokeless powder is wanted ; for such service the advantages 

 which would be secured by the provision of a reliable powder of this 

 kind can scarcely be over-estimated, and their realisation within no 

 distant period may, it is believed, be anticipated with confidence. 



[F. A. A.] 



