318 
MINUTES OF PEOCEEDINGS OF 
common shell there is an extraordinary discrepancy between the results up 
to 900 yards and again above 2000 yards range, and those obtained at the 
intervening distances. This is not explained, but the Committee remark 
that the number of rounds fired at each elevation with these projectiles was 
so small that the results are less than usual to be depended upon. They 
did not extend the trials because 12-pr. common shells would be very rarely 
used on actual service.* 
Division B. Effect in the Fields 
In this course of trials it was frequently impossible to make an exact 
comparison between the different guns, or between the different kinds of 
projectiles; they contribute therefore but little towards a comparison of the 
two constructions, but they have a general interest sufficient to claim a 
short notice. 
(4) Earthen Field Worfcs. 
The field work consisted of an ordinary earthen parapet with an abatis in 
front. It was pierced with embrasures, and each embrasure was furnished 
with a gun, mounted on a garrison carriage, round which were placed wooden 
figures to represent the gun detachment. Behind every gun there was also 
a target, 18 feet wide by 9 feet high, to catch the splinters and segments of 
the projectiles. 
The abatis was rendered practicable for assault by 15 rounds at 600 yards. 
The projectiles were five of each kind, but the common shell caused little 
damage. 
At the embrasures 45 rounds per gun were fired, viz. 10 at 1300 yards, 
20 at 900, and 15 at 700 yards. The projectiles were 15 of each kind, but 
the common shell were not used at the longest range, a double number being 
fired at 900 yards instead. 
The effect inside the work was:— 
Breech-loader, 13 figures struck; 136 holes through the target; 26 
fragments lodged in the target; gun and carriage damaged. 
Muzzle-loader, 4 figures struck; 35 holes through the target; 14 fragments 
lodged; gun struck. 
The embrasures were subsequently fitted with mantelets made of four plies 
of 4 inch rope, with a target, of the same dimensions as before stated, 6 yards 
behind each mantelet. 
Segment and shrapnel shells (the latter from the Whitworth gun) with 
percussion fuzes, were then fired at them, first, through a wooden screen 
placed in front of the embrasure, and secondly, direct against the mantelet. 
The object of introducing the screen was to cause the bursting of the shell at 
a definite point, and thus to get the effect which would be obtained with a 
time fuze acting at that moment. The range was 400 yards. 
* Keport, p. 25, 
f Ibid. p. 34, 
