THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
67 
nearly as 17 to 10. But the time of doing this work was longer in one 
case than the other. 
If I could see any practical advantage in using a heavy shot with a low 
velocity, against iron , I would at once yield to its superior merits; but on 
the contrary, this system is more expensive, more difficult to manage, and 
less effective than a system of lighter shot and heavier charge. 
It is quite possible that a gun might be made to throw such a heavy 
shot that it would be irresistible. But it is quite as possible that a smaller 
gun, throwing a smaller shot, with greater velocity might be just as powerful, 
and decidedly easier to work and cheaper to use. The problem is this,—• 
Required, to find a means of destroying your enemy in the shortest time, in the 
easiest manner, and at the least possible expense. 
5. The question now becomes one of guns. After the late experiments 
on the Warrior target at Shoeburyness, no one will be bold enough to deny 
that the true way to penetrate a ship's armour is by using heavy shot 
animated with a high velocity, or, in other words, fired with a large charge of 
powder. In the recent experiments the “ work done" by Sir W. Armstrong's 
large smooth-bore gun, throwing a spherical shot of 150 lbs. with a charge 
of 50 lbs. was as 3 to 1 in comparison with the 68-pr.; it therefore pene¬ 
trated the plates with the greatest ease, although the shot itself was broken 
into small pieces by the concussion. This effect was due, not to its being 
a smooth-bore, but to the projectile's great velocity. 
A very unscientific mistake is made by those who imagine that for pene¬ 
tration through iron plates it is absolutely necessary to have smooth-bored 
ordnance. 
We know what a prejudice for a long time existed against rifled small 
arms; and how “ Old Brown Bess " was hugged to the last. 
We know what a hard fight every improvement has to endure before a 
change is effected. It has to conquer habit, prejudice, professional jealousy, 
and a host of other enemies, but in the end it triumphs. Thirty years ago 
we thought a “four-in-hand" and twelve miles an hour all that could be 
desired for speed; the old seventy-four gun ship was looked upon as the 
model of naval architecture; the ordnance of the period was on the same 
scale. Less than half a century elapses, and everything is changed; the 
genius of man ever striving onward overcomes the obstacles in its path. The 
mighty arm of machinery is called into play, and an iron age commences. 
Who would compare the railway engine of the present day with the coach 
of yesterday ? How would the old “ 74 " compete with the modern line 
of battle ship, or the artillery of the past with the heavy ordnance of the 
present ? This latter in its turn will be superseded and the rifle will take its 
place. 
With what smooth-bore gun could a 9 ft. target be hit at 1000 yds. 
39 times out of 40 ? 
What smooth-bore gun of 7-in. bore will throw a shell with 8 lbs. of 
powder bursting charge ? 
Listen to the words of one who has done more for the science of gunnery 
than any man who ever lived. Hear his voice from the grave ; the words 
are nearly 100 years old, but the language is powerful and the spirit 
prophetic! 
