Testing the Value of Guns by Firing under Water. 165 



from the shore, by means of ;i string. An inch plunk was 

 used as a target, which was sunk vertically in the water at a 

 given distance from the mouth of the gun. The results of 

 Uchatius' experiments were as follows : 

 At a distance of 1.5m. (4.00 feet), .... No impression. 



" " " 1.25m. (4.10 feet), . . . 3 to 4 mm. deep. 



" " " 1m. (8.28 feet) Pierced. 



According to these experiments, a distance of .5m. decided 

 whether there was r<> lie any impression or whether the board 

 was to be pierced. 



These experiments being of so original a nature, and seeing 

 in them a means of arriving at a number of important results, 

 I determined to verify the same and elaborate upon them. 



Having already constructed a tank twelve feet (3.6576m.) 

 long by feet (2.7432m.) wide by 3 feet high (.9144m)., capable 

 of holding over ten tons (907.10528 kilogrammes) of water, 1 

 had the sides securely bolted together by large beams of 

 wood, to prevent them from bursting out. 1 also had firmly 

 constructed, within the tank, wooden rests for the guns to 

 be used, so that there could be at least 15 inches of water 

 over them, if so desired. 



Being anxious to secure the best guns for experiments, I 

 visited the office of the Kemington Manufacturing Co., 

 stated the object of my experiment, and Mr. Alford, the 

 manager, kindly furnished me with gnus and all the cartridges 

 needed. 



My first experiments were conducted on the 22nd of 

 February, 1878, in the presence of Count Ivolowrat, Lieuten- 

 ant of the Austrian Army, Mr. Barnet Phillips of the A 7 ". Y. 

 Times, and Mr. A. Alford of Remington's Sons. 



Three breech-loading Remington rifles were used for the 

 experiment : 



I. The New York State Model (or IT. S. model), used at 

 Creedmoor by the National Guards ; .50 inch caliber (or 

 12.7mm.) Barrel 35 1-8 inch (.9017m.) long. The cartridges 

 used were composed as follows : 



