371 
Extracts from the “ Berne d' Artillerie,” October , 1880. 
TBA1TSX-ATED BY 
CAPTAIN A. E. TURNER, R.H.A. 
GEEMANY.—ISSUE OE A EEPEATING EIELE. 
The experiments of Mauser rifles converted into repeating rifles on 
the Lowe system, lately carried out at the school of musketry at 
Spandau, have proved so eminently satisfactory that it has been deter¬ 
mined to issue this weapon forthwith to the fusilier battalions of the 
guard. 12 shots are fired from it in from 22 to 25 seconds, and it is 
considered by the officers who have superintended the trials, that by 
means of it, infantry will acquire an immense preponderance over 
artillery, and that the development of volley firing from repeating rifles 
will be a great phase in the next European war. 
ITALY.—HOESE AETILLEEY BATTEEIES. 
Early in the year 1872, the Italian Government, from motives of 
economy, converted the only two horse batteries in its service into field 
batteries, and in consequence the want of artillery possessing sufficient 
mobility to follow the movements of cavalry, to act with advanced 
guards, and to move with rapidity over rough ground has been very 
severely felt. The war minister, therefore, in place of horse artillery, 
has taken steps to increase the mobility of certain field batteries, as 
follows : the teams are altered from four to six horses, and a gunner is 
mounted on each of the off horses, while, after the system prevailing in 
the German horse artillery, no men whatever are carried on the gun 
limber. This will bring the old Bengal horse artillery system to 
memory. It is urged, against this plan, that in cases where the wagon 
is unable to keep up with the gun, only four men, including the No. 1, 
are available for the service of the piece. Very favourable reports 
upon trials of the above system have been received from the various 
camps of exercise this autumn, and it is probable that it will be 
speedily introduced into the service. 
EUSSIA. 
It is rumoured that the Russian field artillery is about to be re* 
organised. Hitherto it has been divided into brigades of six batteries, 
each of which consists of 8 guns; according to the new system, a 
brigade will be formed of two regiments, which latter will be composed 
of four batteries of 6 guns each. A brigade will be under the com¬ 
mand of a major-general, a regiment under that of a colonel, while the 
batteries will be commanded by lieut.-colonels and captains. 
