224 
GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1880 . 
The best line of fire has also been indicated. The fact that an 
oblique line with common shell is not advantageous, while the contrary 
holds good with shrapnel, is conflicting, if both natures have to be fired 
from the same position ; but, if such is the case, that line should be 
taken which, other things equal, is most suitable for the projectile 
mainly demanded by the circumstances of the time. It is certain that 
it would never be worth while to incur the disadvantages which change 
of position usually entail simply for the purpose of changing the line 
of fire from frontal to oblique for shrapnel—a projectile which has such 
an extended area of effect. No advantage can be got by crossing the 
fire of the guns of a battery, with the view of obtaining an oblique line; 
the degree of obliquity so obtained, even at short ranges, being 
insignificant, while confusion in observation of effect may be the 
consequence. 
It is desirable that the attacking guns should have some command 
over the entrenchment as observation of effect will be assisted thereby ;* 
but too great difference of level is to be avoided, as it may have the 
practical effect of sensibly reducing the height of the target, which will 
be the more felt when the entrenchment is above the level of the guns, 
as then it may fall out that, due to the height of his position, the 
defender has not been obliged to throw up as high a parapet as 
ordinary. 
The ground selected for the guns should, if possible, be fairly even and 
not too soft, to permit of their being easily worked and readily laid. 
That position which affords the best combination of the foregoing 
conditions of range, line, and ground—special prominence being given 
to the first—will be the best for fire effect and should be occupied, 
unless wanting in some ordinary quality of an artillery position of 
essential importance at the time, or, in respect to those qualities, some 
very decided advantage renders another position, perhaps not quite so 
good for fire effect, very desirable. To take in quickly the circum¬ 
stances of the individual case and strike a balance between advantages 
and disadvantages, giving due prominence to those which at the time 
either are, or may prove, the most telling, requires in the commanding 
officer of a battery an experienced eye, as well as sound and ready 
judgment. 
The position having been selected and having been well reconnoitred 
by the officer commanding the battery, he should bring his battery into 
it, if possible, without detection by the enemy, in order, among other 
things, that he may secure the initiative of fire—which, besides yielding 
a moral as well as practical advantage, is the more necessary for him as 
he has to find the range, already most probably known to the enemy. 
In disposing the guns in the position, they should be placed to the best 
advantage as regards suitability of the ground for working them, 
possibility of covering them, &c., without reference to interval or line, 
providing only that their connection, as parts of the unit, under the 
commanding officer be not severed. 
* It also assists covering the guns. 
