RECORD TARGETS. 30 
Richardson, laid down as his opinion, that the use of Record targets, 
which Coast Artillery should be encouraged to hit, is the best training 
for actual warfare, when every hit can alone be effective, and every 
miss but serve to encourage an enterprising enemy. 
On one occasion only has the writer seen the Richardson target dis- 
abled. It was struck 8 times in 12 rounds, being hit repeatedly on 
the angles of cross-pieces, and having the ridge twice cut through. 
The sea was rough, and it was blowing a whole gale of wind in squalls; 
the target gradually opened out, collapsed and turned over, the only 
portion which was saved being the two floats. 
It was as severe a test, from wind, waves and fire effect, as could 
possibly occur to any target. Its final disappearance was almost inevit- 
able, and few targets could have lived as long under the circumstances. 
An indestructible Record target remains still to be invented. 
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