424 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
The weight of this target per superficial foot was considerably in excess 
of the "Warrior,” being as 393 lbs. to 341 lbs. 
This construction differs from the "Warrior” in the following particulars: 
(1) An increase in the thickness of the armour plates from 4J" to 6". 
(2) A reduction in the thickness of the backing from 18" to 10", the 
stringers being placed at much more frequent intervals and being made the 
same thickness* as the wood backing so as to come in contact with the armour 
plates. 
(3) Increased thickness of skin. 
(4) Increased diameter of armour plate bolts. 
The detailed account of the result of the firing at this target is recorded 
in the " Proceedings,”f I shall, therefore, here only state that a total weight of 
1525 lbs. of steel and cast-iron shot and shell struck the target at 200 yards 
range, fired from guns varying from a 68-pr. S. B. gun to a 10*5" 12-ton 
rifled gun and with terminal velocities varying from 1000 to 1600 feet, the 
highest charge used being 35 lbs. The target was not penetrated, and the 
following seem to be the general results obtained from the experiment:— 
(1) That armour plates 6" in thickness, and of the largest required 
dimensions—(those in the "Bellerophon” measured 20' 9" x 4' 3" and weighed 
over 9 tons each)—can now be made of good quality. 
(2) That a compound backing of wood and iron is advantageous, and 
(3) That great benefit is obtained from using armour plate bolts of large 
diameter and elastic washers under the nuts. 
This experiment, however, unfortunately afforded no comparative result 
with previous targets, for all the necessary conditions for any such comparison 
were wanting. The target was much heavier than its predecessors; experi¬ 
mental guns were employed in the trial; and a different charge was used 
with the 10'5" gun. 
There can, however, be no doubt that the "Bellerophon” possesses great 
structural strength, and the Committee in their report on the experiment 
state that although it is difficult to estimate the value of each of the 
differences of construction separately (as between the "Warrior” and 
"Bellerophon”), "yet” (as regards the "Bellerophon,”) "the effect of the 
whole combined has undoubtedly been to produce a target of great resisting 
power and considerable structural merit.” 
The armour-clad fleet of this country does not consist exclusively of iron 
ships, we have, either afloat or in course of construction and excluding the old 
floating batteries, thirteen wood ships protected by armour plates. These 
are of various construction: 1st, large ships of the "Royal Oak” class, of 
4000 tons, 1000 horse-power, 270 feet long, and having a draught of water 
aft of about 26 ft. To this class belong the "Caledonia,” the "Prince Consort,” 
" Ocean,” &c. They carry 35 guns and are completely protected with 4-J" 
armour plates, except on the upper decks ; these are converted ships. Then 
there are the more recent ships of various sizes, viz. the "Lord Clyde” and 
" Lord Warden,” having about the same tonnage, horse-power, &c. as above 
* In the target this was only carried out in rear of one plate. The stringers did not touch the 
rear of the upper armour plate. I am not aware which arrangement has been adopted in the 
“ Bellerophon ” ship, 
t Vide p. 31. 
