4 
more uncertain than that produced by the other, because as the bursting interval 
increases the number of hits upon a given target decreases more rapidly in the 
first case than in the second. The shrapnel with the open cone of dispersion 
requires great exactness of fire, and this exactness is difficult to obtain in the 
case of plunging fire, because experience has shown that, on account of the low 
velocity of the projectiles, any error in the burning of the fuzes is more impor¬ 
tant than it is in the case of direct fire. General von Sauer does not seem to 
have considered this established fact. 
There still remains the consideration of the nature of the piece, mortar or 
howitzer, and its calibre. The General does not give any definite opinion upon 
this question. He leaves it to the future to determine. But, with regard to 
calibres, it appears to him that the choice lies between 12 c and 15 c . 
“ If it is thought,” he says, " that the enemy, even when in the field, must be 
crushed in and with his works of shelter, and if it is thought that the resistance 
of these works is equal to that of permanent or provisional ones, then the 
highest calibre must be approached to as nearly as possible; but if on the contrary 
it is thought sufficient to strike the enemy when in the open; if the resistance 
of field works is lightly esteemed ; if, lastly, it is thought that firing at 
invisible works is only a waste of time and ammunition, then the smaller ealibres 
should be used. These are questions which experience only can determine, and 
the solution will come of itself when the weight of projectile corresponding to 
the end in view has been once fixed upon.” 
Here, again, it would have been easy to lay down more precise conclusions. It 
seems as if to propose the question were to answer it, and that the small calibre 
should be preferred for the following reasons. In the first place, the reduction 
in size of the calibre permits the use of a lighter and therefore more portable 
weapon ; secondly, the projectiles weigh less, and consequently a larger supply 
can be carried with the pieces. Besides, with regard to the resistance of field 
works, it is certainly very seldom that such resistance can equal that of per¬ 
manent works, whose thick arches of concrete can resist the fire even of mortars 
of large calibre. 
After these technical considerations, General von Sauer begins another part of 
his subject, and tries to show that, with regard to laying the pieces, a battery of 
mortars or howitzers possesses undoubted advantages over one intended for 
direct fire. 
“ Technical considerations,” he says, “ have less influence upon the tactics of 
combat than the difference which exists between direct and plunging fire. For 
instance, let us suppose a battery of mortars placed behind a wood or an elevated 
crest; in this position it is entirely invisible to the enemy, especially with 
smokeless powder, but cannot judge of the effect produced by its fire. The 
regulation of fire must be carried on from a point from whence the target can 
be well seen, and it is clear that a system of signals must be established to 
communicate the results of the fire as observed from the post of observation. 
The first direction will be given to the pieces by means of the compass, and, as 
the time of flight in the case of plunging fire may run up to 15 or even 30 
seconds, it is evident that the regulation of fire cannot be as rapid as in the case 
of a battery firing directly; nevertheless the rate of fire may be considerable as 
soon as the correct range has been determined. This last operation is very much 
facilitated by the great cloud of smoke made by the bursting of the projectile, 
by the high angle of descent, by the low velocity, and above all by the well- 
defined lines of the enemy’s works of defence.” 
We have faithfully reproduced the opinions of the Bavarian General, and, on 
reading the preceding lines, we cannot but be surprised at his taking as an 
example a kind of fire which is, and can only be, an exception. In theory there 
is no objection to be raised. A battery takes up a position behind a wood, finds 
