SHORT NOTES ON PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS. 
105 
The results obtained with Palliser shells containing a charge of l k -200 (2*3 lbs.), 
and above all, the result of the bursting of Krupp’s shell, containing a bursting 
charge of 2 k -545 (4*42 lbs.), prove that if such projectiles were thrown into a 
merlon, the two embrasures would be filled up, and that if they burst in the 
embrasure itself, it would be destroyed, and the gun rendered unserviceable. 
The committee conclude from this, that uncasemated batteries to be constructed 
on the Lower Scheldt, ought to be built en barbette with parapets of sandy earth, 
eight metres (26*25 ft.) thick. 
Powder. —The large grained Belgian powder was not completely consumed 
in the gun. 
Unconsumed remnants of grains were projected into the wood of the first and 
second framework. 
At nightfall, ignited grains could be plainly seen as far as the second framework, 
fifty-five metres from the piece (180*45 ft.), and sometimes even about 30 metres 
(95*43 ft.) beyond that. 
The Belgian powder left more residue in the gun than the prismatic powder. 
71. Experiments with a Krupp’s steel gun, at the Polygon of 
Brasschaet against iron-plated targets of the Warrior and Belle^ 
ROPHON TYPES.* 
Conclusions . 
The results obtained in the experiments carried on against armoured targets of 
the Bellerophon and Warrior types, are of the highest importance. 
(1) The 8j-inch gun with a charge of 22 kilogrammes (48*49 lbs.) of prismatic 
powder, firing projectiles of 114 to 130 kilogrammes (251*32 lbs. to 286*6 lbs.), 
is more than powerful enough to penetrate iron-clad vessels, whether they are 
amoured with 8 -inch plates backed with ten inches of oak and 1-inch plates 
within ; or else with 1-inch plates backed with eighteen inches of wood and 1-inch 
plates. 
(2) Krupp’s steel shell (with thin lead-coating and large interior capacity) 
are most effective. They will be much more destructive if it should be found 
practicable to retard the bursting of the shell until they shall have pierced the 
plates and penetrated into the wood backing. This was nearly effected at the 
third round fired against the Warrior target. The projectile pierced it and 
loosened all the bolts. 
Good results were obtained from the experiment of the committee in placing 
hemp wads above and below the bursting charge, which was of large grained 
powder i. e. 13 to 19 millimetres (0*52 ins. to 0*75 ins.) in diameter. 
This experiment should be continued further, so as to retard the bursting of the 
shell still more. 
The Krupp shell, filled with sand, pierced the Bellerophon target, whilst 
retaining a considerable portion of its lead coating, thus pronouncing in favour of 
the zinc attachment. 
(3) The solid shot of Palliser’s casting (with English lead coating) were 
cf an excellent quality. 
(4) Palliser’s shell fired against the Bellerophon target gave good results, but 
not so good as those obtained with Krupp’s shell. 
* Extract from the Report to the Minister of War, in Belgium, 1868. 
