210 
SHRAPNEL EIRE. 
in practice under tlie most favourable possible conditions—such as 
the best and most even brand of powder, new fuzes, &c. Under 
the ordinary exigencies of service hardly one of these conditions can 
be expected to remain constant, and the consequent variations must 
be estimated and allowed for. 
The range at which effect can be judged with certainty is limited 
by a variety of circumstances. The most important are—(1), the actual 
distance; (2), atmospheric conditions—such as fog, smoke, twilight, &c.; 
(3), direction of light ; (4), the ground on which the object stands; 
(5), the amount of smoke due to the burst of the shell; (6), the 
number of batteries simultaneously in action which tend to confuse 
the observations. 
The third is that which perhaps strikes one the least, and yet its 
effect is very marked in practice. For instance, at Okehampton, on 
the 16th August, when the objects were white dummies placed on the 
face of a hill covered with dark heather, and the ranges varied from 
1625 yds. to 3150 yds., we find the remark made that “a bright sun 
threw a strong light towards the battery, and rendered the dummies 
almost invisible."” Indeed, though the day was in other respects quite 
fine, it was impossible at times to see them through the sights even 
at the shorter ranges, and the practice was in consequence much 
delayed. 
The art of forming a correct estimate of shrapnel fire is most difficult 
at even short distances on ordinary ground, especially in the case of 
time fuzes being used. It can only be attained by constant practice 
and a thorough knowledge of the action of the projectile. It is easier 
with percussion shrapnel, but at long ranges the smoke of their bursting 
charge affords so small a mark that common shell may often have 
to be used in preference; unfortunately, the difference in weight 
between the two projectiles causes a sensible difference in their res¬ 
pective ranges, and consequently after an estimated range has been 
verified by the latter, an allowance has still to be made from this 
cause when the former take up the fire. 
Distant ranges may be necessary under the following circumstances, 
amongst others :— 
a. When making a reconnaissance, it is desired, without too great 
exposure on one's own part, to induce the enemy to disclose his strength 
or position. 
i. Against such an attempt, when such disclosure is of no great im¬ 
portance. 
c. When, acting with a retaining force, a portion of the artillery 
attempt to induce the enemy to halt and show front, while the re¬ 
mainder press on to closer quarters. 
d. From defensive positions, when the enemy, fancying that he is 
in safety, may expose himself in large masses. 
e. When fire has to be concentrated from an extended line of 
batteries on an important position. 
f. In the pursuit when, an opportunity offering itself of throwing 
the enemy into confusion during the passage of a bridge, defile, or 
some such obstacle, either time is of the first importance, or the ground, 
in front is so held that the batteries cannot get nearer. 
