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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
stress. Wrought-iron, however, is not so elastic as wood, and therefore 
will not absorb so much of any stress as the latter; and, again, has the 
defect of readily suffering deformation, and thus loss of strength 
through loss of form. This latter defect sometimes necessitates the 
scantling of the iron being made of greater dimensions than mere 
strength to resist a particular stress would require. 
4. Simplicity .—“ Simplicity ” of construction in the carriage is the 
next quality to be kept in view ; that is to say, as far as possible, there 
should be nothing complicated nor likely to get out of order ; neither 
should any part be such that, if damaged, it could not readily be repaired. 
Again, looking at the carriages in the aggregate, the parts and fittings 
should, as far as possible, be interchangeable. 
5. Transport.— 1 Convenience of transport ” is a point which must 
not be lost sight of in building the carriage; in view of which, it should 
admit of being readily taken to pieces and conveniently stowed on board 
ship. 
6. Length. —Lastly, the total length of the carriage should be at 
a minimum ; not only, as mentioned before, for mobility, but that in 
column of route it may cover as little ground as possible. 
A few further remarks may now be made upon the particular 
requirements of the gun-carriage, &c. 
The Gun-Carriage, with Limber. 
The present form of gun-carriage has been arrived at, as fulfilling 
the foregoing conditions, and also as convenient for bringing the gun 
into, and serving it when in, action; as furnishing a stable carriage 
for the gun in action ; as allowing of a supply of ammunition and stores 
being carried with the gun, readily accessible for use; and as admitting 
of a proportion of men being carried upon the carriage in addition to 
its proper load. 
With regard to the mobility of the gun-carriage, it is to be remarked 
that it has an advantage not possessed by ordinary carriages—viz., of 
having fore wheels of equal diameter to the hind, yet locking through 
a considerable angle. Further, the connection of the fore and hind 
carriage may be said to be perfect, as regards passing obstacles; for 
the vertical as well as the horizontal motion of the former is very 
independent of the latter. 
In point of strength and durability, not only has the gun-carriage to 
be able to withstand the strains to which it may be exposed as a 
travelling carriage, but it also must have sufficient strength to withstand 
the action of the gun when fired at the most hurtful elevation. 
In investigating the effect of the discharge of the gun upon the 
carriage, we may consider that discharge as simply producing a force or 
blow applied at the bottom of the bore, and acting in the line of the 
axis of the gun—though it is questionable whether the action is actually 
so simple. The gun—that is, its weight, charge, &c.—are supposed in 
the following remarks to be given and constant; and, unless the contrary 
