THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
353 
Breech-loading. 
Muzzle-loading. 
Elevation. 
Range. 
Difference 
of range. 
Deflection. 
Elevation. 
Range. 
Difference 
of range. 
Deflection, 
o 
yds. 
yds. 
yds. 
o 
yds. 
yds. 
yds. 
2 
1289 
29 
‘75 
2 
1031 
18 
•63 
6 
2471 
95 
•64 
6 
2200* 
24* 
2-16* 
10 
4400 
26 
2‘92 
10 
3950 
64f 
6-90f 
* Mean between 3° and 7°. 
f Means for 9°. None fired at 5° or 10°, for which the ranges are interpolated. 
Before, therefore, the Whitworth polygonal system can be accurately com¬ 
pared with other systems of riding muzzle-loading guns, those systems should 
first be represented by guns of equal mechanical perfection, and both by 
guns of the same length, or at least of that length which is finally adopted 
for the corresponding guns of each system. Nevertheless the Committee 
feel warranted in expressing their impression that no muzzle-loading rifle 
gun they have tried has exceeded Mr Whitworth's in range and accuracy. 
9. The foregoing statements show how far the Committee are from any 
grounds for giving an affirmative answer to the question, whether Mr Whit¬ 
worth's system of rifling is the best for muzzle-loading guns. The qualities 
of range and accuracy appear as yet to be attained at the cost of extraordi¬ 
nary strain upon the gun, unfitting it for use with cast or even homogeneous 
iron; of a somewhat disadvantageous form of projectile for common and 
shrapnel shells; and of an expensive construction of gun; and the Com¬ 
mittee are not prepared to say that they ^re worth all this. At all events, 
looking to the financial and other consequences of a false step, they think it 
impossible to recommend this system for adoption on the strength of their 
present experience of it. 
(Signed) J. St GEOEGE, 
President. 
