1874.] British Artillery Matériel. AI 
exception of two, which burst prematurely in the air and 
blew their heads off. Their incendiary power was tested as 
follows:—Their heads were filled with Carcass (Valenciennes) 
composition. Four rockets of each nature were firmly fixed 
in a hole bored ina balk of timber, their heads protruding 
and butting against another balk covered with inflammable 
material. One of the rockets, after the composition had 
burnt out, burst explosively, and blew the head to pieces 
before the Carcass composition could be ignited. Mud was 
heaped upon the heads of the others while the composition 
was burning and the flame forced its way through; water 
was also poured upon the heads without extinguishing the 
flame. 
Capt. Boys, R.N., considers that the incendiary powers of 
the new modified rockets over those of the service are con- 
siderably increased—that their range is rather better. The 
deflection of both rockets is equally variable, the maximum 
of service rockets being 100 yards, and that of the experi- 
mental rocket 80 yards on either side of the target. The 
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty therefore consider 
the modified rockets to be preferable for naval service; the 
defect of premature explosion can easily be remedied. 
II. The Electro-Ballistic experiments under Capt. Noble 
have been continued, and tables have been arranged showing 
the comparative probable rectangles of various ordnance, 
and the greatest velocities obtainable by different guns. 
The highest mean muzzle velocities obtained from the 
g-pounder and 16-pounder rifled muzzle-loading guns, using 
service common shells and service R. L. G. powder, were 
found to be respectively 1562 and 1466 feet per second. 
III. The report on the traversing arrangements are 
satisfactory. After practice two men can easily traverse a 
g-inch gun from right to left (arc about 110°) in 45 seconds. 
Some of the g-inch platforms are being tried with traversing 
gear on the spur- and mitre-wheel principle. 
With regard to the recoil of guns, the Elswick com- 
pressors have been found to work most satisfactorily, and 
are to be retained where already fitted to 7 and g-inch gun 
platforms. 
IV. Important experiments and results have been carried 
out and obtained by the Committee on gunpowder and other 
explosives, especially as regards battery charges. 
In determining the battery charge for any gun, the proper 
course to be followed, in the opinion of the Committee, is 
as follows :—To increase the charge gradually until disting 
wave pressures are exhibited ; the highest charge which can 
VOL. IV. (N.S.) G 
