386 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
matter, the following rule holds good, that shortening the time of burning 
of the fuze simultaneously increases the interval and height of burst; by 
increasing the time of bursting, the interval and height of burst is decreased. 
After the trial shots, when the fire is to be continued with corrected 
elevation and timing, the further observation of the shells should not be 
neglected, and corrections should be made in case of considerable error. 
In correcting the laying and timing the natural dispersion of the shots 
and the difference of times of burning of fuzes, given under the head of 
probability of a hit, should be borne in mind; for errors lying between the 
limits therein stated cannot be amended, and corrections attempted under 
such circumstances may lead to greater deviation. 
Conduct in action of mountain batteries, 
33. The 3-pr. rifled mountain batteries are usually attached to brigades 
of infantry intended for mountain service, and are placed under the command 
of the Brigadier. 
The conduct in action of a mountain battery is guided generally by the 
same principles as obtain with field artillery. The following points are of 
particular importance:— 
(1) The selection of suitable positions for guns, and taking advantage of the 
ground, is more difficult in mountainous than in an open or slightly intersected 
country; it requires special dexterity, experience, and a sharp and practised eye, 
accustomed to the peculiarities of mountain formations; these the battery com¬ 
mander must attain by study of the ground, so as not to lay himself open to 
repeated surprises and embarrassments without end in the command and employ¬ 
ment of his battery on service. 
The best method of practising and preparing such batteries for service is to 
quarter them in mountainous localities in time of peace. 
(2) When a mountain brigade in advancing comes upon an enemy and it is 
decided to attack him, the guns are immediately unpacked and put together. The 
battery commander, having received his instructions from the Brigadier, meanwhile 
selects a position for the battery such as to enable it to develop a satisfactory fire, 
and such that its fire shall be liable to interruption by the advance of the infantry 
at the latest possible period. The guns are then brought up to the position by the 
detachments and open fire. Eight ammunition mules only are to be taken to the 
front, the others being placed under cover to the rear. 
The range, as a rule, should not exceed 850 yards. A much nearer approach 
to the enemy is only admissible when the ground on which the battery stands is 
unfavourable, or when it becomes necessary for the protection of our own troops : 
for at the above distance the 3-pr. mountain gun can act most efficiently.. 
The first two or three rounds should be fired with the pause necessary for 
accurate observation of the practice; subsequently the battery commander must see 
to the correction of the laying and timing; the fire is then continued at a rate 
suitable to the position of affairs in the engagement. 
As regards the selection of the object to be fired at, continuation of fire, and 
remaining immovable in the same position, the rules which apply to field artillery 
in general, are equally applicable to mountain guns; only it should be repeated 
that an advance of 150 to 250 yards has no satisfactory influence on the effect of 
the fire; consequently such short movements should be avoided. 
