THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
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23. The Committee had many opportunities during this practice of 
witnessing the extreme accuracy of the Armstrong rifled guns; when once 
the range was obtained, it was easy to plant the shell in any part of the work 
that was desirable. Eor example, the experiments were concluded by firing 
a few rounds from the 110-pr. at the field splinter proof, which had hitherto 
sheltered the range party during the practice. This splinter proof was 
strongly built, and placed below the level of the natural ground. Although 
a small object, it was struck three times in six shots, and completely 
destroyed. 
24. These experiments have solved many important points, and furnished 
some valuable hints as to the best mode of attack and defence in future 
operations against earthworks. 
The Committee would draw attention to the following points:— 
Eirst. The best means of destroying an earthen parapet is by the direct 
fire of rifled guns with full charge, throwing shells of large capacity for 
powder. One large gun is much to be preferred to several of a smaller 
nature . 
Second. In breaching an earthen parapet, the fire should be concentrated 
as much as possible, and the breach formed by cutting down the parapet, 
commencing at the top, the earth is by that means blown away. Shells 
planted low in the work merely throw up the earth into the breach already 
opened. 
Third. Relatively speaking, smooth-bore guns are of little value for 
destroying large well constructed earthworks; and except for ricochet or 
enfilade fire, they ought to be discarded from any future siege train when a 
supply of rifled guns can be obtained. 
Eourth. The guns forming a siege train for service against earthen 
parapets should fire as large a projectile as circumstances will permit, and, 
as before observed, too great exertions cannot be made to bring a large gun 
to the front , if possible. One 110-pr. would probably be equal to a battery 
of 40-prs. 
Eifth. It has been clearly proved that 25 ft. on the superior slope is the 
minimum thickness that should be given to future parapets designed to 
resist heavy rifled ordnance; even this has been breached by one rifled gun 
firing 110-pr. live shells, with percussion fuzes, in from three to four hours, 
as shown above. If there had been embrasures, it would have been done in 
a shorter time. 
Sixth. A working party, during the day, could not attempt the repair of 
an earthen parapet under a fire of rifle guns at 1000 yds. without great loss 
of life. 
Seventh. The increased accuracy of the fire of rifled guns and the more 
destructive character of their shells make it evident that considerable 
modification must be made in the rules hitherto laid down as to works of 
