Curvilineal Sterns of Ships. 



207 



defence in any part, from either of the after broadside-ports ; but 

 the second, or right aft portion c c, cannot be defended in every 

 part, from the stern-ports, with the same convenience and security 

 from fire. 



For the purpose of affording a more explicit reference to the dif- 

 ferent bearing's of the guns, above referred to, the following table 

 is added ; of which, the first column denotes the several angles 

 formed by the lines of fire, with the principal axis of the ship ; and 

 the second, the distances of the points of intersection formed by 

 the respective lines of fire and the same axis, reckoned from the 

 point K, the centre of the circular arc, a b c c b a surrounding the 

 stern as a common origin. 



Magnitudes of the angles formed 



by the respective lines of fire, 



and the axis XY. 



Distances of the points of inter- 

 section of the lines of fire, with 

 the axis XY, reckoned from the 

 common origin K. 



aAY = 61° 

 bBX := 35°k 

 cCX = 32°i 

 <ZDY = 27° 



KA = 9-0 feet 

 KB = 16-7 

 KC = 8-5 

 KD = 20-5 



Having considered the effects capable of being produced by guns 

 in the before-mentioned positions, when applied singly, an inquiry 

 may in the next place be undertaken, to determine the results of 

 their join^ action. 



Suppose in" the first place, therefore, a square-stern vessel to be 

 attacked at the same instant, both on the stern and starboard quar- 

 ter; it is evident, that it would not be possible to fight the after 

 broadside-gun, directly a-beam, and the adjacent stern-gun right 

 aft, at the same time ; since the distance between the trains of the 

 carriages, when completely run out, would only amount to fifty 

 inches ; and which when the recoil takes place, would necessarily 

 bring the carriages into contact with each other. One of three 



