SHORT NOTES ON PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS. 
107 
(8) It has not been possible to determine if, with regard to the penetration 
into the plates, the English coating of the Palliser projectiles is better than the 
Belgian coating of projectiles of the same kind. 
(9) The construction of the target of the Bellerophon type, left nothing to be 
desired. 
The iron plates were very good. 
The 7-in. plate of the Warrior target appeared inferior to the 8-in. plate of the 
Bellerophon target. It was, however, of a good quality. 
General Conclusions. 
The committee think it may be well to recapitulate the different conclusions 
which they have drawn in their report, as follows:— 
(1) The question of guns of heavy calibre destined for the defence of the 
Scheldt is solved. 
The 8J-inch Krupp’s steel gun is sufficiently powerful to pierce the strongest 
armour-plated vessels actually afloat, which can enter the river. The gun is easily 
managed. The closing of the breech is perfect. 
(2) The casting in chill (Palliser) satisfies the conditions requisite for the 
manufacture of solid shot; and Krupp’s steel is suitable for shell. 
Both kinds of projectiles should be lead-coated with the zinc attachment. 
(3) The Belgian solid shot of cast steel, though less penetrating than the 
English solid shot, might be used on an emergency, but the form of their lead- 
coating and the mode of attachment should be modified. 
(4) The ignition of the bursting charge of the shells should be retarded, 
and consequently the powder should not be put in loose. 
(5) Prismatic powder is suitable for heavy steel guns, but it will be interesting 
to try if powder in large round grains cannot be used with advantage, in its 
stead. 
(6) The charges of heavy guns should be prepared beforehand, and be care¬ 
fully protected from damp. 
(7) The guns should be fired by electric tubes in preference. 
(8) Iron carriage* are the most suitable for the armament of the banks of 
the Scheldt. 
For the cupolas the muzzle pivotting system is best; and for un-casemated 
batteries it is desirable that carriages should be used which sink the gun below 
the parapet, out of reach of the fire of the enemy. 
(9) The parapet of the batteries to be constructed on the Lower Scheldt, 
should be of sandy earth and|eight metres thick. 
(10) Heavy guns in uncasemated batteries should be mounted en barbette. 
