BRIEF CONSIDERATIONS ON COAST DEFENCE. 
595 
association with the coast batteries, and not in separate positions, neces¬ 
sitating special protection. It is better to have one or two strong 
barriers, than to disseminate a defence over a large area, weak at every 
point. 
Dirigible torpedoes are effective against single objects within a range 
of 2000 yards. In protecting channels and harbours at night against 
torpedo-boats, 12-pr. quick-firing guns should be employed, mounted 
but little above the sea level, at high water. Their trajectory for 2000 
yards may be taken as flat; and their fire should therefore be directed 
from three to seven feet, above the water level. A sufficient number 
should be employed, so as thoroughly to sweep the area they are placed 
to protect. If mounted on a high site a quick-firing gun can only 
strike or miss one object and is useless against a resolute attack by a 
squadron; whereas, if mounted as described, the chances of hitting are 
largely increased. The essential condition is, however, flatness of tra¬ 
jectory. 
No effective artillery fire can be expected at night without search¬ 
lights, as it is necessary to see clearly an enemy's water-line; excepting, 
where an enemy may run past at close ranges, for which guns may be 
laid point blank or for fixed distances, beforehand. 
Fixed beams are useful for discovering the advance of an enemy; 
but, the high speed at which he would cross such a beam would not 
afford an opportunity for more than a passing shot. 
Wider areas may be illuminated by divergent beams, but unless of 
sufficient and sustained power to thoroughly light up vessels, they are 
insufficient for Artillery purposes. 
If an enemy is to be found at night and not allowed to escape ob¬ 
servation till disposed of, search-lights are indispensable. 
In the foregoing remarks an endeavour has been made to epitomize 
certain conclusions, and not the opinions of individuals. The reasoning 
upon which they rest will be readily supplied by the reader. 
How far these, or indeed any conclusions, may be acted upon, is 
largely a question of money; but, a clear apprehension of the principles 
upon which the varying problem of coast defence can alone be solved, is 
withiu the power of all concerned. 
“ That there should one man die ignorant who had capacity for know¬ 
ledge,—-this I call a tragedy." Carlyle. 
