THE SMALL-ARMS OF EtTROPE. 11 
It is therefore necessary to fix a certain relation between the weight 
of the bullet and the muzzle velocity, or the charge—a relation which 
is practically expressed by the ratio between the weights of the charge 
and projectile. Experience has shown that the most suitable value for 
this ratio is 1 to 4 or 1 to 5 ; and this, no doubt, will be maintained 
in future. The muzzle velocities due to this exceed 1312 ft. a second, 
and give a trajectory of satisfactory flatness at the firing point. 
To sum up. In order to design an arm fit to shoot well at all 
ranges, its bullet must, at the same time, have a sufficient density of 
section and a high muzzle velocity, in order to obtain the flattest 
possible trajectory in all respects. 
