570 
SILVER MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1879 . 
men serving the gun. The upper portions of the shields could be fixed 
to the front of the axletree bed; the axletree boxes opening at the 
breech end, and projecting through the shield towards the muzzle. 
The box could open with a J lid. The lower portions could be fitted to 
the back of the axletree bed, the axle boxes being adjusted to admit of 
their being drawn up, or folded up, when on the move. The axletree 
box seats would still be available, but narrower than before. In retiring, 
men on these seats would be almost completely protected from fire, and 
if a trail seat were introduced a third number would also benefit. In 
action the numbers would fall to the rear instead of standing clear, 
still having some slight protection, except the number firing, who 
would have to stand as he does now. 
The protection obtained by this method is best seen from the accom¬ 
panying diagram. 
The protecting shields have a breadth of 5 ft., including the sighting 
interval of 6 ins. in the centre above the gun. If we take a point 
5 yds. (=15 ft.) in rear of the shields, we find that at a range of 600 yds. 
it is covered from a line 200 yds. long, 100 yds. being on each side of 
the central line, or line of fire. If we suppose a man to be 2 ft. wide, 
we find that 3 yds. (= 9 ft.) behind the shields, standing on the central 
line, he will be under cover, except from fire through the central 
interval over 8 ft. 9 ins. from the ground. It is believed that this 
