152 THE SEA. 



comes from the New World. It is of cylindrical form, with conical ends, the forward cone 

 calculated to hold a hundred pounds of some explosive substance dynamite,* probably, being 

 used. A forward section .of the main cylinder holds a powerful gas, condensed into liquid 

 form, and used as the motive power, and connected with the machinery by a valve operated 

 by electricity. The torpedo has a cable coiled as harpoon-ropes are arranged in whaling- 

 vessels, which may be of any length, the wires connected with the battery following its 

 course. This instrument of destruction is entirely under the control of the operator, who 

 may be stationed with his small portable battery on the shore or on a vessel. It is said that 

 they have been sent out half a mile and brought back to the starting-point at a rate of twelve 

 miles an hour, and that the rapidity and precision with which the machine obeyed the operator 

 demonstrated them to be among the most formidable weapons ever invented for naval warfare. 



These subaqueous weapons have never been used in an engagement between fleets. 

 In an interesting essay f on the subject by Commander Noel, B.N., he recommends 

 or proposes that four torpedo vessels should accompany a fleet, and describes their 

 probable operations as follows : 



" Let us imagine ourselves, then, on board a rakish little craft, fitted for Harvey 

 torpedo work ; we can steam sixteen knots ; we tow a torpedo on each quarter ; and 

 we are so admirably fitted with steel-protecting mantelets that neither officer nor man 

 is exposed either to view or to rifle fire. Our instructions are that on the approach of 

 a hostile force we and our three consorts are to hold ourselves in readiness to charge 

 the enemy's line, passing through at full speed, and doing all the damage that lies in our 

 power : these orders to be carried into effect in obedience to a preconcerted signal. 

 The enemy is observed approaching, and apparently moving at about ten knots' 

 speed. The torpedo vessels are let loose, and, choosing the centre of the enemy's fleet, 

 rush on, steering for a flag-ship leading a column in line ahead. Heavj r guns are fired 

 at us as we near, but we are so small and rapid in our movements that no shot takes effect ; 

 we are reducing our distance at the rate of a mile in two and a half minutes; soon 

 comes the time of suspense; in a second or two we are passing the flag-ship; the 

 port torpedo is dipped will it strike her? Suddenly a tug on the wire towing-rope, 

 and it parts. Her bow has been protected, and our torpedo is torn away harmless. 

 However, another mine tows on the opposite quarter, still in working order ; we are in 

 the midst of the enemy's fleet, rushing past one after another at half-minute intervals ; 

 our only chance of using our other torpedo is in breaking through the line ; our commander 

 is eminent for his skill, courage, and confidence. Little choice is given us, but he 



* The explosive power of dynimite, or " giant powder," as it is known in America, is something wonderful. 

 The writer while in California witnessed some experiments with it, which are indelibly written on his hrain. A 

 mortar was set upright in the field appropriated for the exhibition, and several pounds of ordinary powder having 

 been rammed down, a large cannon-ball was put in and the charge fired. The ball was raised a foot or so, and then 

 tumbled to the ground. A few ounces of dynamite and the same ball were placed in the mortar, and the charge 

 exploded by concussion. The cannon-ball was projected upwards in the air several hundred feet. It will be 

 imagined that the writer and his friends scattered in all directions, and watched very carefully the downward flight 

 of the ball. 



t "The Gun, Ram, and Torpedo." (Prize Essay written for the Junior Naval Professional Association, 1874.) 

 By Commander Gerard H. U. Noel, R.N. 



