SHRAPNEL EIRE. 
213 
everything of which there can be any question. The writer cannot 
however but record it as his opinion that, even were the factors of 
time and effect alone taken into consideration, leaving out altogether 
the very important one of the amount of ammunition expended, the 
preponderance of advantage would still be on the side of the time 
fuzes. 
5. At short ranges, time being more than ever valuable, and the 
disadvantages of the ascending angle reduced to a minimum, per¬ 
cussion shell might with advantage be used entirely until the limits of 
case were reached, when of course the latter would have the preference. 
A few suggestions regarding Instruction and Practice may be offered, 
in conclusion, as not altogether out of place in a paper like the present. 
Instruction may be divided into three main points :—1, of what 
a shrapnel is capable; 2, how it acts; and 3, how the effects produced 
may be judged at the distances which actual service necessitates. 
1. In teaching the first, such reports of practice as those referred to 
in this paper are invaluable; it is therefore much to be regretted that 
more of them do not exist. Conclusions drawn from snch practice, 
coming from an authoritative source and thus carrying sufficient weight, 
would also be most valuable. The necessity of all concerned knowing 
perfectly the full power of the projectile need not further be insisted 
upon; without such knowledge, results may be accepted as satisfactory, 
and even excellent, which are far below what might be easily obtained. 
2. In learning how a shell acts study of its theoretical principles is 
of importance as a prelude to actual observation of its effects ; indeed 
either is of little use without the other. Mere theory is always to be 
mistrusted; without it, however, many facts which might be gained in 
observation may be lost, and in addition there is even a chance of false 
conclusions being drawn. 
3. After such a preparation in theory, the effects should be observed 
first on the Range and then from the Battery. The reason of this— 
which it must be allowed is rather reversing the order which at 
present obtains—is that the pupil, until he can by close observation 
master thoroughly the manner in which a shell really acts, is 
little likely to judge from a distance and in the most difficult position 
—viz., in the battery—whether he is doing well or badly. For instruc¬ 
tion on the Range, sands such as those at Shoeburyness and a large 
front of the service 9-ft. x 9-ft. targets are the very best form of ground 
and target that can be devised; since the ground covered by the 
spread and the penetration of the bullets can be seen with perfect ease. 
The range party are in entire safety 150 yds. on either side of the 
target. To assist in judging the distances, pegs every 25 yds. should 
be driven in front and rear of the target (the 50's and 100*s being 
made easily distinguishable either by size or colour); and a tall upher 
should be placed 100 yds. in advance, having 5-ft. and 10-ft. marks 
27 
