69 



these are divided into three kinds — the first solid, 510 lbs. ; the second 

 hollow, for a bursting charge ; and the third, a segment weighing 600 lbs. 

 This is composed of a thin case, similar in form to that of a common 

 shell ; inside this case is bnilt up a series of loose pieces of iron, so con- 

 structed as to form a series of rings from bottom to top ; these seg- 

 ments number 510 pieces, each weighing six ounces ; a time fuze is set 

 on the top of the shell, which communicates with the bursting charge, 

 fifteen pounds of powder inside the shell. After " Big Bill's" trial 

 against the "Warrior target," the target itself underwent a strict 

 scrutiny. The target was found fractured in every direction in radia- 

 tions from the oblong aperture or rent, which was two feet long, and 

 one foot eight inches wide in front, a couple of inches from the circular 

 white sight, as shown in the accompanying engraving. The three- 

 fourth inch iron backing was found torn away in long slips : the sight, 

 indeed, when the target was struck by the shell, is said to have been 

 very grand. The shell is said, from its enormous size, to have been dis- 

 tinctly seen during its entire flight of 1000 yards ; and at the moment 

 of impact volumes of smoke burst from the target, accompanied with 

 sheets of flame. 



Expeeiments with the " Wakeioh" Taeoet. — The experiments at 

 Shoeburyness have done much to elicit the respective merits of the 

 various guns, and the different constr actions of targets. In these 

 trials, the breech-loader was withdrawn by Sir W. Armstrong. Ex- 

 cellent, no doubt, as a shell gun against wood, it does not possess that 

 penetrating power to become a formidable antagonist against armour- 

 plating. Originally intended to be fired with 141b s. powder, this charge 

 was further reduced to 12 lbs., and again reduced to 10 lbs., which is 

 about what the weight of the gun, 60 cwt., is able to bear. The weight, 

 and bore, and charge of the two competing 70-pounder guns were as 

 follows : — 



