THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
451 
introduced, and a short ladder provided, to enable the men to reach the top 
of the racks. (Plate III. figs. 1, 2, 3). 
'Expense Shell Store • 
“ An expense shell store for four guns was examined, and the service of 
shell from it tried. (Plate IY. figs. 1, 2). 
“ It was found to be capable of containing twenty-five shells for each of 
the four guns. It is however suggested that, in future, expense shell stores 
should not supply more than two guns, the reduction being proposed with 
the view of diminishing the confusion and delay that must necessarily arise 
when the numbers from four detachments come for shell at the same time. 
“ It is also suggested that a lobby should be provided in connection with 
an expense shell store, in which shells can be fuzed if necessary. With 
reference to the issue of shell from the lobby, it is recommended that a shell 
hatch at the level of the terreplein (provided on each side of the lobby), 
should be used for the delivery of the shell, shot-rails being employed for 
the transit of the shell from the mouth of the hatch to the gun. 
“ It is for consideration whether, at the expense shell stores at Southsea, 
the shell might not be raised by tackle at the door, and placed on shot-rails 
laid at the level of the terreplein, and be slided to the gun, in preference to 
employing trucks for their removal; as the latter cannot be worked without 
planking, on account of the looseness of the gravel. (Plate IY. figs. 3, 4). 
“ The expense shell store on the right flank of the west battery, which is 
provided with a ledge and rails in lieu of a ramp, and a small traveller with 
blocks and tackle for raising the shell to the ledge, was next examined. 
“ Suggested, that shot rails should be employed in other and similar 
cases in lieu of the ledge, as they will probably prove as efficient, and more 
economical. 
“ The patent unlocking differential pulley, also the tackle and small metal 
blocks for raising the shell, were tried. Some experience appears to be 
requisite to enable a man to use the differential pulley properly, and without 
which an accident might occur. The preference is therefore to be given to 
the blocks and tackle for employment with the small traveller* 
“ The metal clips for holding and raising the shell were tried, also a rope 
strap (selvagee), to effect the same object. The latter proved to be easier of 
application and quite as effective as the two clips, and is therefore preferred. 
Expense Magazine . 
“An expense magazine for the service of four guns was examined* 
(Plate Y. figs. 1, 2). 
“ The chamber appears capable of containing conveniently the expense 
ammunition for four guns, and the bays afford the requisite separation of 
the two natures of ammunition. 
“ With the view of facilitating the service of ammunition to guns, it is 
recommended that the number of guns to be supplied by an expense 
magazine should be reduced from four to two. 
“It is suggested also that the separation between the lobby and the 
