FIELD ARTILLERY PROGRESS. 
409 
of perfection, I am convinced none will deny that there is great room 
for improvement. 
The power that is to work that improvement must come from our¬ 
selves ; we cannot expect the country, or even the military authorities, 
to take the initiative in reforms which are our especial business. If we 
say we are satisfied, who is to gainsay us ? We shall go on in a fool’s 
paradise until the day comes when we shall be tested, and perhaps 
found wanting. 
In the earnest hope that I may induce others to consider this subject 
—those who, from their abilities and just weight in the regiment, may 
give a real impulse to it—that so a public opinion may be formed, to 
demand with one voice what is wanted to carry us to perfect efficiency, 
I submit these remarks to my brother officers. 
January 10, 1876. 
Note. —Since this paper was written, the Report of the Dartmoor Committee has appeared. I 
am happy to see that the view I have attempted to put forward is supported by the conclusions of 
so influential a body of officers, and still more glad to learn that there is a probability of many of 
their recommendations being carried out. 
The object of these remarks is therefore partly attained ; but as the success of the best matured 
schemes for the improvement of gunnery must depend in great measure on conviction amongst 
those who have to work them, I think that an effort to rouse opinion in the regiment to the 
importance of the subject may still not be ill-timed. 
March 27, 1876. 
