5 
The system of having all the recruits to join on one day, of course, much facili¬ 
tates instruction. On the occasion in question I had an exceptional opportunity 
of observing the Field Artillery, as the Regiment formed a quarter column of 
batteries exactly in front of my window, and from that formation moved off in a 
column of route to the barrack gate. The horses were fairly even but all of a 
light stamp, the wheel horses more especially so to our eyes. Only the pole horses 
wear collars, the others “breast harness.” “ Hand horses ” have no pads or saddles, 
except the off leader, on which a gunner is mounted. The harness is black, as 
ours was up to 1854. The lead and centre horses have very long traces, those of 
the latter being attached to the same swingle-trees as the wheelers, whilst the 
leaders are hooked in (as our centre horses are), viz., to the wheelers. These long 
traces are kept in their places by passing through several loops on the harness of 
the pair of horses in rear. All men are “ gunners and drivers,” as was the case 
with us until 1854 or 1855. The oldest soldiers are usually employed to drive. 
All the men wear trowsers and heel spurs (straight). 
Officers only (of Field Artillery) wear knee boots, breeches, and hunting spurs. 
In the Cavalry and Horse Artillery, the N.-C.O’s. and men wear a black leather 
sort of gaiters (cut to resemble high boots), ankle boots and heel spurs, they are 
well made and look very like knee boots, and have some advantages over these, 
especially when on active service, in camp, or on the march. 
The Field Artillery have no carbines. 
Mounted N.C.O.’s and men (including drivers) of Field Artillery carry revol¬ 
vers and 18 rounds of ammunition. In Horse Artillery all carry revolvers and 
36 rounds of ammunition. 
Horse and Field Artillery carry their shells fuzed; percussion detonators to 
insert when loading are carried seperately. The fuze is a time and percussion, and 
burns 14 seconds. In the Field Artillery there are five men mounted on the gun 
carriage, viz. : three on the limber and two on the axle-tree seats. The limber is 
a fixture and has a back-board, and opens to the rear. The men on the limber 
wear their swords, these with the heel spurs must be much in their way. Each 
gun carriage carries four rounds of case, viz.: two on the trail and two under the 
limber box (one on each side of pole). Spare wheels are carried horizontally 
under the wagon bodies. 
Cavalry, Horse Artillery and mounted men of Field Artillery (including drivers) 
carry their kits in two sheep-skin saddle-bags falling on each side of horse’s flank. 
The wheel and centre drivers’ off horses seem to have an easy time, having 
nothing to carry but very light harness. 
I began, intending to write only a short account of the review, but thinking 
my brother officers might be interested in matters relating to the artillery here I 
have, I fear, been induced to make this note too long. 
I hear the system of gun practice in Italy is very good, and if I can pick up 
any useful information on the subject before I leave shall hope to submit it in 
another letter. 
At the Annual General Meeting of the E.A. Institution the Committee intend to 
propose the following additions to the Eules, viz.:— 
To Eule I. to add after “El”—“Gentlemen who have qualified and are 
recommended for commissions in the Eoyal Artillery may forthwith become 
members on the same terms as Second Lieutenants.” 
In Eule II., after the words “ Garrison and neighbourhood,” to insert—“ or 
such gentlemen connected with naval and military arts and sciences as they from 
time to time think fit.” 
Any member who wishes can receive, at the cost of stitching and binding, about 
