EXAMINATION QUESTIONS. 
“LONG COURSE,” OFFICERS, SHOEBURYNESS. MARCH, 1865. 
By Colonel W. B. GARDNER, R.A, 
1. Why is gunpowder granulated, and with what view has perforated cate 
powder been proposed ? 
Are there any objections to this particular form of gunpowder? 
2. What arrangements have been adopted in consequence of the imperfect 
decomposition of gunpowder ? 
3. Is the duration and general service of the gun in any manner connected 
with the shape and construction of the cartridge ? 
Make a sectional sketch of a 40-pr. cartridge, and explain how very reduced 
cartridges for 7-in. guns are made up and why? 
4. Describe Rodman’s “ pressure pistons. 5 ’ How were they applied, and what 
deductions were made from their use ? 
5. What practical considerations affect the position of the vent? 
6. Why are tin cups and primers requisite with a certain class of guns? What 
stores are issued in connexion with those two articles ? 
7. What vent implements are considered necessary? How and when are they 
used? 
8. Describe in detail the Boxer time fuze. How has this fuze been improved 
and adapted to breech-loading guns, and what are its special properties ? 
9. Premature bursts of shells are attributed to various causes. Mention some 
of them. 
10. Explain and illustrate by sketch the manner in which, looking from the gun, 
you estimate the point of rupture of shrapnel shell, and the effect produced by 
your fire on targets of different dimensions. 
11. The bursting charge of the 7-in. segment shell is nearly 10 times as much 
as that of the 68-pr. diaphragm. Is the application of these projectiles affected by 
this difference? 
12. Describe Pettman’s and Major Dyer’s fuzes, and mention in general terms 
the difficulties attending the construction of all percussion fuzes. 
13. If elongated projectiles with rifle motion possess the advantages of long- 
range and accuracy, why are large spherical projectiles preferred under certain 
circumstances ? 
14. Why is it probable that in future artillery operations, shell firing will to a 
great extent supersede that of solid shot ? 
15. What do you understand by the term “vertical fire”? Mention the 
varieties of it you have seen here. When would they respectively be applicable, 
and in what manner could you judge of the effects produced by your fire ? 
16. Mention some of the characteristics of cast-iron, wrought-iron, and steel. 
What do you understand by the expression “ coils,” as applied to a gun; and what 
is Bessemer’s process of conversion ? 
