CXX Proceedings. 
across the muzzle of the gun, which upon discharge breaks, causing 
the bar to fall. As soon as the bullet strikes the target, the 
second current is broken by the shock, and the second bar drops, 
liberating a spring, which causes a small knife to strike the 
first bar in falling, making a small mark in it. The distance 
between this mark and a predetermined point on the bar is then 
measured by a finely graduated scale, and upon this basis the 
velocity of the projectile can be correctly calculated. The shots 
fired for the benefit of the members recorded a muzzle velocity 
of about 1400 feet per second, varying from this according to 
the kind of powder used. The party was then shown through 
the mixing, kneading, pressing, and grinding sheds, finishing 
with the sheds in which cordite was manufactured. After this 
a series of experiments took place in the furnace shed to show 
the remarkable difference between the explosive smoky powder 
of ordinary use, the slow-burning prism powder of our eighty-ton 
guns, and the apparently peaceful and harmless way in which 
cordite burns, in the open, giving off no smoke or residuum. 
The courteous manner of Captain Bouvier, and bis entertaining 
. description of the various processes, were much appreciated by 
the visitors. 
The members of the Club then visited Great Tangley Manor, 
by kind permission of Mr. Wickham Flower. This old moated 
house dates back to about 1487, and was added to in the following 
century. It is a magnificent example of that period, and the 
interior has been judiciously preserved in keeping with its age. 
There is a charming covered approach to the house, red-tiled 
and oak-beamed, and the moat is crossed by quaint bridges. 
Old timbered gables and diamond-paned windows add an old- 
world beauty to the manor; upon one of the panes is scratched 
‘‘john Evelyn, 1641.’’ The old lawns, terraces, and gardens 
are lovely, the most beautiful part perhaps being the heath and 
lily garden, the Alpine garden, and the lake; the latter, as well 
as the moat, having large clumps of most beautiful aquatic 
plants. 
Some of the members then paid a visit to Black-Heath, whilst 
the rest returned to Croydon. 
(The evening proved to be very wet.) 
August 15th.—Photographic excursion to Nutfield and Bletch- 
ingley. Conductor, Mr. A. Roods. 
September 12th.—Supposed to be a fungus-hunt on Keston 
Common, but owing to a chapter of accidents no member 
attended, one lady visitor going to the common by herself. I 
have not heard whether she made a large collection of fungi 
on that occasion or not. 
