SHRAPNEL EIRE. 
203 
11 yds. between the rows, to represent a body of troops moving over a hill (Target 
No. 8). Each half-battery had its own target as above, a distance of 150 yds. 
separating the two targets, which were placed on the brow of a hill, with hardly any 
rising ground behind them. The half batteries, with an interval of about 50 yds., 
manoeuvred at a canter and came into action at unknown ranges. 
One half-battery used percussion fuzes, the other half-battery used time fuzes. 
The latter were allowed two percussion shells at each position, to assist them in 
picking up the range. Four positions at different distances were successively taken 
up—-viz., at about 2300, 2200, 1600, and 1200 yds.—and each half-battery fired as 
rapidly as possible for about 7 minutes from the word “ Action.” 
Time. Percussion. 
Grand total hits. 497 .. 796 
Particulars. 
Time fuzes, 
74 rounds. 
Percussion fuzes,. 
101 rounds. 
1st row. 
2nd row. 
1st row. 
2nd row. 
° & 
00 
(Through ...... 
137 
157 
46 
96 
1.3 
[ Lodged . 
55 
73 
149 
412 
^Struck . 
41 
34 
44 
49 
Total hits .. 
233 
264 
239 
557 
With tlie time shell the shooting was indifferent throughout; at the 
last range indeed bad. 
With the percussion fuze it will be noticed that the 2nd row has 
suffered considerably more than the 1st. It is quite impossible that 
this could have been caused by shells which burst nearly on the ground 
in front of the latter. Such a result can only be explained by the fact, 
which may be seen from the return of the points of bursting of the 
shell given in the Report, that 20 shell burst through the 1st row and 
consequently closely imitated the action of time shell on the second. 
To this it may be replied that the same would happen in actual war¬ 
fare from shell bursting through the front rank. It would no doubt to 
a certain, but not to the same extent; because a rank of infantry or 
cavalry would not present the same area as wooden targets, and a 
certain number therefore of the shell would pass through, and even if 
they burst on the rear rank would be much less deadly. Again, a shell 
bursting in or through a man or horse, would have a considerably 
greater amount of effect abstracted than if it had only passed through 
2 ins. of deal. 
The number of men disabled is not given—-and this, after all, is the 
great criterion of good shooting. 
When contrasting time and percussion shrapnel, it is impossible not 
to draw comparisons between the relative excellencies of the fuzes used 
with them. 
The percussion are certainly very perfect. They can be carried in the 
shell; their preparation is exceedingly simple (even if the safety pin is 
not withdrawn, they will with the 16-pr. very generally act); their action 
