i ,ii , I 111 uUlli'l I'llllilUliJlbillJljU i ' lOr \ I BOUGHT WITH THB INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF iienrg W. Sage X891 .A..Zlh^.£A.^. 4.1/';'/^^.... VPSACES" E96 ""'"""•'' "■'"""' esty's Ship Excell Experiments in Her Ma 3 1924 030 896 975 oiin The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030896975 EXPERIMEIS^TS or HER MAJESTY'S SHIP ^EXCELLENT, VNDXB THE SUPEBINTSITDBNOB 07 CAPTAIN SIR THOMAS HASTINGS, C.B. AND CAPTAIN H. D. CHADS, C.B. From 1832 to 1854. PRINTED BT DIEBCTION OF THE LOBDS COMMISSIONBES GE THB ADMIBALTY. CONTENTS. EXPBEIMENTS FROM 1832, TO 1846, UNDER THE DIRECTION Oi' CAPTAIN SIR THOMAS HASTIfrGS, O.B. On Round, grape, and case shot firing On Double shotting On the efficiency of heavy charges On the recoil of guns Experimental shot practice against the Prince George Experimental shell practice against the Prince George On the necessity of stopping the vent . . On the dimension of ports . . On the efficiency of fighting lanterns On the efficiency of powder magazines . . On the effect of shot against iron plates On the reduction of vrindage FAOIS. 1 4 6 7 8 12 IS 20 22 24 26 29 EXPERIMENTS PROM 1845, TO 1864, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF CAPTAIN H. D. CHADS, C.B. On iron built ships On the destruction of steamers' funnels On the destruction of booms On the destruction of vreecks On the destruction of stockades 31 55 60 75 77 CONTENTS. On the destruction of boats On the destmction of ships On the security of the leather cartridge cases On the security of shells with metal fuzes On the security of powder and shells carried on ships' decks On the effect of a shot striking a shell On the effect of a shot penetrating into a shell magaaine On the efficiency of shells . . On the efficiency of fuzes On the penetration of single and double shot On the penetration of shot and shell On the penetration of shot below the water-line On double shotting On the accuracy of fire of different guns On shot and shell firing On the effect of the explosion of guns on lower deck ports On cork linings for steam sloops On the efficiency of gnimmet wads On spiking and unspiking guns On simultaneous loading On the dress of small arm men On the inconvenience of smoke upon ships' decks On fighting lanterns On eccentric shot and shells . PAGIS. 82 S3 86 89 90 95 104 107 119 128 132 133 140 150 156 160 162 164 166 169 174 175 182 183 ^p$vimtntn in ^*m*3s, %tellent. TTITDEE CAPTAIN SIR THOMAS HASTINGS, Kt. 1833 — Experimental Practice with double shot, and grape and case, at various distances. A butt constructed to resemble the side of a 74-gun ship on the lower deck, measuring 12 feet by 12, with a piece of the lower mast of a similar ship placed behind it, was erected on an old punt, and moored 300 yards from the Excellent ; the planking of the punt was 3^ inch. 1. Two 32prs,, 9ft. 6in., 56cwt., with a charge of 6lbs. of powder, were fired with round shot and grape, the round shot being put in first in one gun, and the grape shot first in the other. They ranged more together when the round shot 2 ON KOUNDj GRAPE, AND was put in first, but required more elevation; the grape shot having less velocity, impedes the other. The guns were again charged, one with double grape, and the other with double case shot ; and although the latter had 4° more elevation than the former, many of the balls grazed the water at about 100 yards from the ship, and a few of them reached the object ; whereas the grape ranged tolerably well together for 300 yards. 45 grape shot were fired — 18 of them struck, some passed through the punt (which was composed of fir 5 inches thick), the others penetrated from 2 to 3 inches into the butt, which was oak. The number of case shot fired was 140 — 21 only struck ; 6 penetrated 1 inch into the fir ; the rest penetrated from I to 1 inch. 2. Two 32-prs., 6ft. 6in., and 5ft. 4in. in length, charges 4 and 3lbs., and of 32 and 25cwt., were fired with double shot — most of these shot took effect. 3. One 32-pr,, 6ft. 6in. in length, 32cwt., charge 4lbs. One 32-pr., 7ft. 6in. „ 39 „ „ 5 „ Two 32-prs. 9ft. 6in. „ 56 „ « 6 „ were used, with double shot, and with grape. The butt on this occasion was placed at 200 yards, and had two pieces of canvas with painted ports stretched out from each end, making it equal in length to three ports and the intervals between them. The wooden or central port was fired at, and 10 round shot passed through, near the side sill. A piece of canvas was afterwards nailed over, and out of 99 CASE SHOT FIRING. 3 grape shot fired, 41 struck the side, but only 7 entered the three ports. The central port was aimed at with round shot — all struck within the breadth of the port. 4. One 32-pr.j 9ft. 6in. in length, 56cwt., charge 6lbs. One 32-pr., 6ft. 6in. „ 32 „ „ 4 „ were fired with double shot, and with grape. Elevations from 1° to P.B. On this occasion, the butt was placed 100 yards from the ship — many of the round shot did not strike, nor did they ricochet in some instances beyond the butt. This was sup- posed to be caused by the loss of velocity from striking the water, and it was doubtful if those which passed over, did so directly, or by ricochet. The sights of the guns were lowered from i to P.B. Several grape shot were picked up on the deck of the punt, not having even lodged in the side. It appeared from this practice, that shot lose much of their velocity when fired from upper decks at short distances, if they strike the water before they hit the object. 5. One 32-.pr., 9ft. 6in., 64cwt., charge 6lbs., was fired with double shot and grape. Butt as before — 100 yards distant. The elevation ^°. AH, the round shot struck the object about the point aimed at ; and it was satisfactorily proved on this occasion, that double shot fired at a short distance, at the above elevation, is advantageous, as the ship's side was entirely destroyed. b2 4 ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. 1836. Second Experiment on double shotting. A butt 14ft. long, 6ft. high, was constructed with timbers 1 foot thick, planking 6in. thick on each side, composed of oak ; a mast behind, a part of a 74-gun ship's foremast, distant 400 yards from the Excellent. Elevation to strike the part aimed at. Eleven 32-prs. of various calibres, were fired with their proper reduced charge and double shot. The result of this practice appeared to lead to the conclu- sion, that double shotting from 100 to 500 yards with 32-pr. guns of 9ft. 6in. to 7ft. 6in. inclusive, may be used as far as 400 or 500 yards ; but 300 yards appeared to be the proper limit. At that distance 26 shot out of 28 were put through a target 10ft. square and 6ft. high ; whilst at 400 yards only 48 out of 164, and at 500 yards only 50 out of 228 struck a block 14ft. by 6. It was considered that 32-pr. guns of 25 and 32cwt,, should not be fired double shotted beyond 200 or 300 yards, and their double shotting distance should be limited to 200 yards In firing with carronades it was found that those of the highest calibre were the steadiest — For example, Sin. and ^2-prs. were the best. ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. 5 1838. Third Experiment on double shotting, A block was placed 400 yards from the ship. A 32-pr. gun of 50cwt., with a charge of 6lbs. of powder. Oaeof 40 „ „ „ 5 One of 32 „ „ „ 4 One of 25 „ „ „ 3 were fired. It was found, with the above charges, that the guns re- coiled with more violence than desirable ; and the following charges were therefore substituted. For the 50cwt. gun 5lbs. of powder. « 40 „ 4 „ „ » 32 J, 3 „ „ » "5 „ 2\ „ „ The result proved that the recoil was easier ; the guns might be fired repeatedly with double shot without injury to their tackling, or the bolts in the ship's side ; and the reduced charge gave sufficient penetration. This practice confirms the foregoing conclusion, that with the two first guns, double shotting may be used eflectively at a distance of 400 yards, and perhaps 500 yards, as they re- quire less elevation. With the other two guns, the distance should not exceed 200 yards. B 3 6 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF HEAVY CHARGES. 1836. — Experiment to ccscertam the range of the 8-moh 65ctot. gun, with 12 and 14ilb. charges. The results were, that the increase of range obtained by the use of 14lbs. of powder was only 65 yards more than with 12lbs. of powder at 16° elevation. Solid shot with a lOlbs. charge, gave a superior range to the hollow shot with charges of 12 and 14lbs, in richochet practice. ON THE RECOIL OF GUNS. 7 1836. Experiments on the Mecoil of guns of different calibre. The result shewed that the 56cwt. 32-pr. guns, with a charge one-third their shot's weight and one shot, recoil more than they do with two shot and a charge 1-llth their double shot's weight. 32-pr8. of 50 and 48cwt. recoil more with two shot and a charge 1-llth their double shot's weight, than with their highest charge of one-fourth the shot's weight and a single shot. The light 32-prs. recoil considerably more, with double shot and a charge l-13th of their -nreight, than with single shot and a charge one-sixth of its tveight. Should the recoil of the 39cwt. 32-pr. gun be considered too great, the charge for double shotting might be reduced to 1-1 5th the double shot's weight ; it would still impart sufficient velocity to the shot to penetrate a line-of-battle ship's side at a distance of 500 or 600 yards ; and double shot should not be used at a greater distance than 400 or 500 yards. The lighter guns, from 12-prs. to 6-prs. inclusive, recoil less with two shot and a charge one-third their double shot's weight, than with a single shot, and a charge one-third their shot's weight. The foregoing experiments led to the conclusion that guns of a lower calibre than 8-inch and 32-prs. were not advisable in the Navy, except in 10-gun brigs, or other smaller vessels ; and if this rule were adopted, it would greatly simplify the Ordnance equipments. Ships of all classes might then more readily afford each other assistance in that department, and the weight of shot in ships increased a fourth, at a very small expense. b EXPERIMENTAL SHOT PRACTICE 1838. — Experimental Shot Practice against the " Prime George," late " Sheer Sulk" in Ports- mouth Sarhowr. This ship was appropriated by the Lords of the Admiralty for the purpose of trying the penetration of shot from guns of different calibres and charges, and also the comparative effect of shot and shell. The Prince George was placed 1200 yards from the Ex- cellent. 1st. An 8ft.j SOcwt.j 32-pr. gun, a 9ft., 50cwt., 24-pr. gun, and a 9ft., 46cwt., 32-pr. gun (which had been a 48cwt. 24-pr.), were compared : the two first-named guns were charged with 8lbs. of powder, and the last with 6lbs. Single shot were used in all cases. Between the time of firing, the shot holes were numbered ; and when the day's firing was finished, the depths to which the shot had penetrated were carefully measured. The wood, though in some parts rotten, was generally in a tough and moist state, consequently few splinters were made. AGAINST THE PRINCE GEORGE. 9 The result of the firing proved, that the 32 and 24-prs. of 50cwt. were equally accurate as to the flight of their shot, and that they penetrated to the same depth. 2nd. A 56cwt., 32-pr., single shotted, with a charge of lOlbs. lloz. of powder was compared with a 65cwt., 8-inch gun, charged with a hollow shot of 48lbs., and 12lbs. of powder. The result proved, that the flight of these shot was generally accurate ; but the penetration of the 32-pr. fired with i of its shot's weight, was greater than that of the 8-inch hollow shot, more especially after bounding on the water. It therefore becomes a question, whether it would be advisable to establish an entire armament of 8-inch guns on the lower decks, even in ships capable of carrying them, since theSe guns are not now deemed capable of bearing a lOlb. charge of powder, with a solid shot. It is most important, that men-of-war should have guns powerful enough to throw solid shot with high charges when laid horizontally, or at elevations not exceeding 1^ degrees, be- cause such ricochet firing (in calm weather and smooth water) would be found most effective against steamers and gun-boats ; and in combination with well-directed shells bursting just over the heads of their uncovered crews, would keep them at too great a distance to admit of their doing any material da- mage to line-of-battle ships or frigates, armed with such guns. 3rd. A 65cwt., and a 50cwt. 8-inch gun were fired with 12lbs. of powder, and the result gave ample penetration for 10 EXPERIMENTAL SHOT PRACTICE all purposes, against ships at upwards of 1200 yards, and even 10, 8, and 71bs. of powder produced efifective penetrations at that distance. Some of the shot entered the ship's side so close together, that the eiFect produced (it would have been ruinous to any ship at sea), cannot be compared with that of any single shot. One shot, the charge being lOlbs., pene- trated 60 inches into good wood, but it was partly a grazing shot : with others, at direct firing (the 50cwt. 8-inch gun being used with a charge of 71bs.), the penetration was effective. Two shot were fired en ricochet, (the charge 71bs.), the pene- trations, after three bounds, were 29 and 18 inches. 4th. The 65cwt. 8-inch gun was fired with solid shot, and lOlb. charge : 3 shot penetrated respectively into perfectly sound wood, from 32 to 46 inches ; the second shot grazed the water once: these penetrations exceeded those of No. 3 practice, with hollow shot and a lOlb. charge, though one was apparently deeper on that occasion, but it was a grazing shot, and only partially resisted by the shock. Three shots were fired from an 8-inch carronade with a charge of 6|lbs. of powder, their penetrations were 30, 31, and 28 inches into fair wood. From these experiments it may be concluded, that the I21b. charge (the only charge allowed when the foregoing practice took place — 1838), is sufficient for the distant charge of the 65cwt. 8-inch gun : and that it should be reduced to lOlbs. for distances within 900 yards, and to 8lbs. for dis- tances within 600 yards : it might be desirable to reduce the charge to 6lbs. for distances within 300 yards, but the shape of the chamber of the gun is such as to render it probable that so smjill a cartridge could not be set home properly. AGAINST THB PRINCE GEORGE. 11 The result of these experiments were, that an opinion was formed, that 40cwt., 32-prs. should be substituted for 18-prs. of 38 and 42cwt. That a combination of 8-inch guns with heavy 32-prs. capable of bearing charges | their shot's weight, might be safely adopted in the Navy, but since the 8-inch gun is not considered strong enough to bear solid shot, with a charge of lOlbs. of powder, it would not be advisable to arm ships entirely with these guns, unless future experiments should shew, that the power of the 8-inch gun, with the proposed new shot of 56lbs. weight, and a charge of lOlbs., should be found equal in range in ricochet firing, to that of the 32-pr., with lOlbs. lloz. ; and a recommendation was made, that the latter should be tried, also the comparative penetration of the 8-inch 65cwt. gun, charged with a 56lb. shot, and lOlbs. of powder, and that of the 32-pr., charged with i its shot's weight, lOlbs. lloz. 12 EXPERIMENTAL SHELL PRACTICE 1838. — Hccpervmental Shell s Fractice agamst the "Prince Qeorge," distant 1200 yards. 1st. With 6-inch, or 32-pr. shells, from 25, 32, 40, and 41cwt. 32-pr. guns, loaded with the established charges for single shot. It appeared that the 6-in. shells produced as much effect in proportion to their size, and the quantity of bursting pow- der they contain, as the 8-inch shells. No doubt can be entertained by those who have seen the effect of them upon the sides of a three-decker on what were the orlop, lower, and middle decks, that any given number of these shells would be much more destructive to the hull of a ship than the same number of solid shot, since those which hit but did not explode, produced equal effects to those of solid shot ; while those which passed through the side and then exploded, did the work of solid shot in the first instance, and then that of grape and canister, to say nothing of the inconvenience which would be caused by the smoke, or the chance there would be of the interior of the ship being fired by the explosion of the powder contained in the shell ; on the other hand, those which might remain in the side and explode, would produce large and irregular fractures which it would be very difl5cult to stop up, and it would then be necessary to send a ship's crew to their pumps, since mere plugging could not stop such holes. AGAINST THE PRINCE GEORGE. 13 It appears that the flight of these shells is not inferior in accuracy to that of shot of the same size ; for on a previous occasion, when there was a strong wind across the range, and a good deal of motion, twelve shells were fired — six of them hit, four of which exploded on board. On another occasion thirty-one were fired — twenty-four of them struck, fourteen of which exploded on board. During these experiments on shells fired with high and medium velocities, one hundred and seventy-five shells, fitted with metal screw fuzes, have been fired, eleven of them with the greatest rapidity : no accident occurred throughout the trial, therefore it may be concluded, that in any well-disci- plined ship, having her officers and crew properly trained to the use of their guns, shells may be fired almost as safely as shot, provided proper precautions are taken for the supply of shells from the shell-rooms to the guns. The late General Millar's admirable invention of the metal screw fuze has left nothing to desire in it, in reference to its security, although it is on other points imperfect, and capable of improvement. It should be considered, that ships carrying only 32-pr. shell guns would rarely be engaged at a greater distance than 1200 yards (the position of the Prince George) ; and for all distances within that point, the shell would be found more eifective than at that distance ; and no doubt the adoption of this projectile in ships not large or strong enough to carry heavier guns, would increase their power very much. 14 EXPERIMENTAL SHELL PRACTICE 2nd. Practice made by the 8-inch gun, fSScwt. (1) Eight 8-inch shells were fired, four with lOlb., and 4 with 8lb. charges — two hit and exploded, three missed, and three took effect as hollow shot. (2) Four 8-inch shells were fired withlOlb. charges — three hit and exploded, one took effect as hollow shot. (3) Nine 8-inch shells were fired with 12lb. charges — five hit and exploded, three burst before they reached the ob- ject, and one at 2100 yards, having missed and made several ricochets. (4) Six 8-inch shells were fired with 5^1b. charges—one hit and exploded, three hit but did not explode, two missed. It appears firom these experiments, that the 5^1b. charge produced a sufficient penetration at 1200 yards though the practice was not so accurate as with the other charges : it also appears, that premature explosions occurred oftener when the 12lb. charge was used, than with the lOlb. charge, and no premature explosions occurred with the 8 or 5|lb. charge ; it also appears, that it would be advisable not to supply any higher charge for the 8-inch shells, than is at present supplied for the 56lbs. hollow shot — that is — lOlbs. : but to leave it to the discretion of captains or commanding officers to add 2lbs. more when the distance of the object may require it. It would not be necessai-y to open the lOlb. charges for this purpose, because the additional 2lb. might be set home in a separate cartridge, since the result produced by 12lbs. of powder inserted in the gun in one or two cartridges would be the same. AGAINST THE PRINCE GEORGE. 15 It was remarked from the practice made with 8 and 6-inch shells, that their introduction into ships-of-war will make it expedient to adopt all possible precautions against fire, to try new methods of stopping the irregular fractures which must be made by these missiles, that it would be advisable, when- ever it could be done, to stow the sheUs as far from the sides as possible, and in all cases to have a strong bulkhead between the side and the shells. This protection will be required still more urgently for ships' magazines, and it is one that will probably prove effi- cacious, because, during the whole practice which took place, it was observed, that only one shell had been fixed in the op- posite side of the Ship, but some had fallen, leaving only a dent in the wood. The 65cwt. 8-inch gun is most formidable, charged with lOlbs. of powder and the 56lbs. hollow shot; it is little in- ferior, in direct firing, to the 56cwt., 32-pr., charged with solid shot, and lO^lbs. of powder, but this may be compensated for by a small increase of elevation, for it was foimd that this gun throws its shot more accurately than the before-mentioned 32-pr., that its range, en ricochet, exceeds that of the 56cwt. 32-pr., and that its penetration is hardly inferior, but that its power of splintering timber and making irregular fractures is much greater. The Carpenter's reports relating to the stopping of the shot holes in the practice at the " Prince George." She had been struck by shot of all calibres, from 8-inch, hollow, and solid, to 18-prs. : of these it was found, those of 16 EXPERIMENTAL SHELL PRACTICE the largest diameters produced holes the most difficult to stop, especially in those instances where the shot buried itself in the timber after tearing open the outside planking. When the shot passes completely through, the splintered wood may generally be cut away, and wood and tallow plugs used from within. But they should always be stopped from without, when it is possible, and secured with caps of wood, felt, fearnought, or with lead or copper tingles, as might be most readily procured. As the orlop beams and shelves in H.M. Ships come nearly in the water-line, shot will frequently take effect so low down as to be extremely difficult to get at, either from within or without. When the pressure of the water, and obstacles in- side, render plugging from within impossible, the only re- sources are, either to fother with a thrummed sail (which every ship should have ready), or to force a tube through from within, containing a hne with a float, by means of which a loose cap with tallow and oakum may be drawn back upon the shot hole. But this method would seldom be effective in the case above referred to of fractures made by large shot not passing completely through, as the outside planking being shattered, the water would force its way inwards through the opening between the timbers; and the ceiling, though it would pre- vent the passing of a tube, would admit the water. AGAINST THE PRINCE GEORGE. 1? In such a situation, it would be necessary to cut away the ceiling, so as to get at the shot hole, caulk the openings above and below it, so as to keep the water from running down or forcing up ; this done, the shot hole might be plugged from within, by means of the tube and float. No exertion must be spared to accomplish this, as a ship with a very few shot of the calibre of 8-inches below her water- line, must, if not stopped, very soon sink. Every enquiry relating to the stopping of the holes leads directly to a conviction of the necessity of such encourage- ment as may secure to the service a competent supply of ship- wrights, who alone are acquainted with the structure of vessels, as, in cases of this vital nature, no energy or activity can com- pensate for the want of the necessary knowledge ; and house- carpenters and joiners would be found rather a hindrance than a help : perhaps the revival of the practice of attaching some of the ship's boys to the carpenter's crew might tend in part to remedy the deficiency now so much felt. It is abso- lutely necessary that the wings of all ships should be kept perfectly clear. 18 ON STOPPING THE VENT. 1840. On the necessity of stopping the vent. 1. A piece of burning slow match was pushed to the bottom of the bore, the vent left open, and the gun care- fully sponged ; the sponge was turned round twice, according to the established exercise. The slow match was put out 6 times out of 12. The vent was then closed, the trial of sponging on the burning slow match was repeated. It was put out 10 times out of 12. 2. The same trial was repeated, burning fragments of flannel instead of slow match, being pushed in to the bottom of the bore. When the vent was open, the burning fragments were put out only once out of three times. When the vent was closed, twice out of three times. 3. A very tight sponge was then thrust to the bottom of the bore, and a candle held over the vent ; as soon as the out- ward motion of the sponge commenced, the flame was drawn in towards the vent, and extinguished by the current of air which entered the vent as the sponge was withdrawn. The candle was then placed on a stand which allowed of its being pushed to the bottom of the bore immediately under the vent, the gun was then sponged with the same tight sponge, a toggle being lashed on the stafi' to prevent it from upsetting the candle. The vent was open, and the candle was put out every time. The experiment was repeated, the vent being closed, and the candle was not put out. ON STOPPING THE VENT. 19 It is clear, that the current of air which extinguished the flame of the candle when the vent was left open, might have revived any burning fragments left at the bottom of the bore. These experiments lead to the conclusion, that the me- chanical action of the sponge, when it is turned round steadily and firmly against the bottom of the bore, tends more than anything else to put out any burning matter left in the gun ; and that the chances of mischief arising from any burning fragments that might remain there, are less with the vent stopped than if it were left open, and the air allowed to pass through it. NoTB. — It should specially be borne in mind, that too much care cannot be taken at the fitting out of ships, or whenever new sponges are drawn from store, that they are properly clipped, so that they may admit of being thrust right home to the bottom of the bore with ease. c2 20 ON THE DIMENSION OF PORTS. 1841-. Hemarks on, and recommendations for the dimensions of Ports. After a careful examination of the ports of different ships with the various guns used in the Service, the following di- mensions were recommended on the lower decks, of ships-of- the-line : — the upper part of the lower portsill should not ex- ceed 2 feet 3 inches in height, from the deck. They should not be less deep (measuring vertically be- tween sill and sill) than 2 feet 10 inches. They should be 3 feet 6 inches wide, for 32-pr. guns of 56cwt., and 8-inch guns. On the middle decks. The upper part of the lower port- sills should not be less than 1 foot 1 1 inches in height, from the deck. In depth 2 feet 10 inches. In width 3 feet 6 inches for the above guns and those of 50cwt. On the main deck. The upper part of the lower port- sills should not be less than I foot 1 1 inches in height, from the deck. In depth 2 feet 10 inches. In width 3 feet 6 inches for the three before named guns, but for 32-prs. of less weight, the width might be reduced to 3 feet 3 inches with advantage. ON THE DIMENSION OP PORTS. 21 On the quarter deck of ships-of-the-line and frigates, car- rying long 32-prs. of 40, 45, andSOcwt., the upper part of the lower sills should not be less than 1 foot 10 inches in height, from the deck. In depth 2 feet 10 inches, measuring vertically. On the quarter deck and forecastle of ships carrying guns and carronades mounted on Hardy's shde and carriage, the upper part of the lower portsills should not exceed 1 foot 8 inches in height, above the deck. In depth 2 feet 8 inches. c3 22 ON FIGHTING LANTERNS. 1842. Experiments on the efficiency of fightvrtg lanterns. The object being to ascertain the position in which to put them, and also the best description of lantern, some lanterns were placed between the gums, midway between deck and deck, and bore the concussion of three rounds of blank car- tridge, quick firing, without being damaged, or shaken so much as to endanger their being displaced from the staples into which they were hooked. A light was placed on a lump moored 400 yards ofi. The captains of guns were desired to set their sights for the required elevation, but it was done with difficulty, the light being thrown so as to plaice the marks on the tangent-sights in the shade. The lights between the guns in use for this exercise were then obscured by the funnels, and the pointing by sights was readily and accurately effected, though the night was dark. On going to the lump, and looking towards the ship, no dis- tinct light could be observed, though the lanterns were un- obscured ; it was undefined and glimmering ; on approaching the ship to 200 yards, it became more marked, but no distinct forms were visible until within 30 yards. The lanterns were then placed amidships close against the stanchions, back to back, and close up to the beams, and the practice with the guns was quicker and easier. On viewing them from the lump, no marked difference in the intensity of light was observed, but on lowering them mid- way between deck and deck, the light was generally in- ON FIGHTING LANTERNS. 23 creased, and several of the lanterns were perceived, which would have made excellent guides for an enemy's fire. They were afterwards fixed against the midship stanchions, close to the beams, and on repeated practice they have sustained but trifling injury from concussion ; and that position was con- sidered the best for night action, as it did not serve as a mark for an enemy's fire, and enabled the crews of the guns to perform all their duties with facility. Fighting-lanterns should have their funnels made to lower and raise, and the power of obscuring the light instantaneously; the candle should be made to slide freely through a tube containing a spring, to keep it as it burns, up to the proper height. 24 ON MAGAZINES. 1842. On the efficiency of powder magazines. In consequence of the introduction of horizontal shell firing;, the magazines in all ships should be effectually pro- tected ; and this can only be done by separating them entirely from the orlop beams, and lowering them in all cases as much as possible. The bulkheads should not be fixed to the ship's sides, so that all casual leakage might pass to the limbers. The bottoms of the magazine up to the lower sills of the en- trance doors, and the openings for light, should be made per- fectly water-tight, that in the event of sudden and dangerous leakage, the water might rise round the magazine without pe- netrating it, and injuring the powder. The form of the magazine, should, if possible, be that of a parallelogram, the head of it should not be less than 6 feet under the load water-line ; the bulkheads splinter proof, nine inches thick, formed in two parts, and lined between with felt instead of mortar. If possible, the handing rooms should be at the after end of the fore magazine ; if not, as close aft on the starboard and port side of it as possible; the inner handing room should not be raised above the head of the ma- gazine, but the outer handing room must be united to the orlop. The light rooms of magazines should be covered by an outer bulkhead, equal in strength to that which surrounds the magazine, to protect the illuminators which transmit the light to it ; the lamps should be fixed in stands, to give the full benefit of light ; a number of holes should be bored through ON MAGAZINES. 25 the bottom of the light rooms to ensure air to the lamps ; and some bored up to the lower deck beams in the upper part of the fore and after bulkheads, to carry off the hot air into the handing store rooms. The coal hole in all ships should be separated from the magazine by a tier of tanks. All openings into the handing or light rooms should have strong and high combings round them, to prevent shells which might have passed through the ship's side from rolling into them ; or they should be fitted with iron gratings under the wooden scuttles where combings cannot be fixed. The spirit rooms need equal protection against the explo- sive effects of shells fired horizontally, or at low angles, and a space for the spirits should be partitioned off in the after hold amidships, before, but separate from, the after magazine, and the beef, pork, and dry provisions stowed on each side, and over the spirits ; these precautions, may, in the event of a ge- neral action, secure a ship from blowing up. 1843 Note — ^Trials were made on board H. M. Ships St. Vin- cent and Powerful to test the rapidity with which powder might be supplied to their guns from the fore magazine. The cartridge cases were all in the magazine, no previous supply being issued to the powdermen, and grummet wads were used to represent cartridges, and placed in the proper cases in the magazine. The average number of cartridges handed up on each deck, and supplied to the guns in ten minutes was 240. 26 SHOT AGAINST IRON PLATES. 1842 and 1843. On the effect of shot agamst iron plates. Several shot were fired from an 8-inch gun, 65cwt.j and a 32-pr., 56cwt.j with lOlb. charges, at a butt equal in thick- ness to the side of a line-of-battle ship at the bends, over part of which 14 iron plates, f of an inch thick were riveted to- gether, one over the other, and firmly fixed ; the butt was placed at the distance of 400 jards from the guns. 1. An 8-inch hollow shot struck the plates very nearly in the centre, and penetrated 3^ inches. The iron plate next the wood- work formed a complete . bowl and was broken off", leaving a deep indenture in the wood, and every plate was split. 2 and 3 were 8-inch hollow shot ; they struck the iron plates full, and nearly in the centa-e, both entering the same hole ; they split open all the iron plates, and many pieces were broken ofi; These two shot were broken into very small pieces, and some went through into the wood-work ; others were picked up on the opposite side, after passing through the wood-work. 4. A 32-pr. shot struck the iron plates full, and close to the upper edge ; it penetrated four inches, and broke all the iron plates ; the plate nearest the wood was very much broken, and the first plate struck by the shot was broken off. 5. A 32-pr. shot struck the upper edge at the left corner; it made a deep groove in all the plates, broke them, and glanced off. SHOT AGAINST IRON SHIPS. 2J 6. A S2-,pr. shot struck the iron plates near the middle of the lower edge, cut its way through every plate, and passed through the wood-work. 7. A 32-pr. shot struck the iron plates close to the left corner of the lower edge ; it cut its way throi\gh every plate, and passed through the wood-work. 8. An 8-inch hollow shot knocked the iron plates down, drawing eight 2-feet 4-inch bolts, which fastened them to the woodwork. One of the 32-pr. shot was broken in pieces. Two pieces of hollow shot were picked up twenty-four yards from the target on the opposite side. In the planking on the side opposite to the iron plates, a large hole 3 feet by 2 feet 6 inches was made, exactly behind where the iron plates were fixed ; the whole of the wood-work to the left, and above the iron plates, was knocked away. Some further experiments were made at a butt, IJ feet thick, over part of which 28 iron plates, making a thickness of iron of 7 inches, were riveted and firmly fixed, and this butt was also placed at a distance of 4U0 yards. The first shot from the 8-inch gun penetrated half-way through the iron plates, leaving a deep indenture in the wood behind them. The second shot struck nearly in the same place, and drove the part of the plates indented by the first shot through the wood, and twenty yards on the opposite side. When picked up, the iron appeared almost solid. 28 SHOT AGAINST IRON PLATES. Ten and 8-inch shells, fitted with Norton's Concussion Fuzes, were then fired at a butt 1^ feet thick, with four tiers of two-ton tanks, filled with water, eight in each tier, placed immediately behind it. Eleven exploded in the butt and tanks, and thirteen of the latter were entirely destroyed. The practice was renewed with the same fuzes fitted to 8- inch shells, and fired with lOlb. charges. 24 shells burst in the butt and tanks, and the whole of the latter were destroyed. ON THE REDUCTION OF WINDAGE. 29 184i3. On the efficiency of guns with reduced windage. Trials were made with a 32-pr. gun of 56cwt., 9 feet 6 inches long, a charge of lOlbs. of powder, and a single shot and with a 32-pr. of 60cwt., 9 feet 7 inches long, and the same charge. Powder taken from the same barrel. The latter gun had no superiority in range. A comparative trial was afterwards made with a 50cwt. 32-pr., and the same 60cwt. 32-pr.; and although the first is 7 inches shorter, and has a charge of 2lbs. of powder less, it was hardly inferior in range. The windage of the 60cwt. gun was .08 less than that of the 56cwt. gun, but the range was not increased thereby, be- cause a sufficient velocity had been generated to produce the maximum effect with that projectile. It appeared that the windage of guns requiring large charges should not be reduced in the same proportion as that of smaller calibre and lower charges, because the current of inflamed gas which rushes through the vent on the ignition of the charge, has always a destructive effect on it, which is hastened by the reduction of windage. The effect of the reduction of the wind- age under such circumstances, was shewn in the 60cwt. gun, which after being fired 280 times, was nearly ruined; whereas other 32-prs. with small charges and the old windage, have been fired from 700 to 800 times. mvpfvimentn in |^. m. Ship ^ctlUnU UNDEE CAPTAIN H. D. CHADS, C.B. The following Bxperimenta have taken place against Iron Bvilt Ships, as well as agamst Ships par- tially so built, to ascertam their fitness for wa/r pwrposes. 1846. First Experiment. — On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of f inch iron. 32 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 1849. Second Experiment. — On the resistance afforded by Iron plates and oak planking against musketry, case, and grape shot. 1850. Third Experiment. — On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of 4 inch iron. 1850. Fourth Experiment. — On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of ^ inch iron, and also filling in timbers between the ribs and planking over all on the inside. 1850, Fifth Experiment. — On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of f inch iron, with planking over all, on the outside only. 1850. Sixth Experiment. — On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of | inch iron, and covered on the inside with a lining of Kamptulicon. 1 85 1 . Seventh Experiment. — On the effect of shot on vessels having plates of either | or f inch iron, but having regular timbers throughout instead of iron ribs. 1851. Eighth and last Experiment. — On the effect of shot on vessels having iron ribs of 4 inch thickness, but with regular planking both outside and inside, instead of iron plates. OlSr IRON BUILT SHIPS. 33 1846. JPt/rst JExperiment. On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of^ inch iron. The Ruby, a small iron steam vessel constructed of \ inch iron ribs and plates, was given over for the above pur- pose, and having been placed broadside on at the distance of 450 yards from this ship, shot were fired at her from 8-inch and 32-pr. guns. All the shot fired passed through both sides ; the holes made on the first side being of the size of the shot, and generally smooth even when striking on a rib, but the damage done to the opposite side of the ship was very different, as in this case when the shot struck on a rib, the efiect was very great ; the iron sheets being torn off and injured to a considerable ex- tent ; and even when the shot passed clean through between the ribs, the holes made were of a difficult nature to stop, from their edges being turned outwards. The splinters from, the first side were few, but very severe,. The Ruby was afterwards placed end on to the guns, but the shot fired so tore the ribs and plates that it was evident that a similar vessel so situated would be in danger of being instantly sunk by one well directed shot. The above experiment clearly proved vessels of the " Ruby'' class unfit for war purposes. 34 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 184i9. Second JEivperiment. On the resistance af- forded by if on plates xmd oak plonks, agavnst musketry, case, and grape shot. A marine's old pattern percussion musket was fired with the usual charge of 4^ drams of powder, at the following plates and planks, distant 40 yards. Iron plate, i inch All the buUets passed through, thick. making holes -^^ of an inch in dia- meter. Iron plate, f inch Four out of six bullets just passed thick. through, making jagged holes on the inner side, two stuck in the plate. Iron plate, f inch Musket proof, thick. Oak plank, 1 inch All the bullets passed through, thick. the holes closing up. Oak plank, 2 inches Four out of six buUets passed thick. through and dropped. The holes closed on the outside, but on the inside small splinters were made. Oak plank, 3 inches Musket proof, thick. ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 35 Case shot were then fired from a 32-pr., 56cwt. gun, with filb. charges, at the following plates and planks, distant 100 yards from the gun. Iron plate, f inch All passed through, making holes thick. of the size of the shot, which were sometimes very jagged within. Iron plate, f inch Not quite through. Plate much thick. cracked at the back. Oak plank, 3 inches Generally passed through, par- thick, tially closing up in the front, but the inner side of the plank was slightly splintered. Oak plank, 4 inches thick. Proof against case shot. Grape shot were lastly fired from a 32-pr. 56cwt. gun, with 6lb. charges, at the following plates and planks, distant 200 yards from the gun. Iron plate, t inch thick. Jron plate, 4 inch thick. Iron plate, f inch thick. All passed through, making holes of the size of the shot, jagged within. All passed through, making holes of the size of the shot, jagged within* All passed through. Open holes which were very jagged within. D 2 36 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. Oak plank, 4 inches All passed through, partially clos- thick. ing in front, small splinters within. Oak plank, 5 inches All passed through, partially clos- thick. ing in front, but splintered within. Oak plank, 6 inches Generally passed through, par- thick, tially closing in front, but the plank was much splintered at the back. The inferences to be drawn from the foregoing practice against iron plates and oak planking, are as follow : 1. The resistance offered to shot by iron and oak is as nearly as possible in the same proportion as their specific gravities, i. e., as 8 is to 1. 2. The holes made in the iron plates were open and some- times very jagged, whereas those made in oak planking always partially closed. 3. As far as this experiment went, it is perhaps doubtful whether iron or oak of the thicknesses used offered the best cover from musketry, case, or grape shot ; the splinters from the iron, though not so many, being more severe than those from the oak planking. ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. Sf 1850. Third Experiment. On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of f inch iron. Two sections of a ship's side (each 10 feet square) were built similar to the Simoom, (a steam frigate of 2000 tons measurement) at the bends, as to plates and ribs, but there were no filling in timbers between the ribs, nor any planking overall on the inside, which that ship has on the main deck. The plates and ribs were of f inch iron, and the ribs were 4| inches wide, and 12 inches apart from one another. These two sections were placed between piles firmly driven at the distance of 450 yards from the guns used, and directly facing them, and at the distance of 35 feet from one another, the one being immediately in the rear of the other, so as to re- present the two sides of the ship. The practice at these sections lasted several days, and during that period round shot, &c. were fired, with the follow- ing charges, from guns directly facing the sections. 32-pr. solid shot, with 10, 6, and a^lb. charges. 68-pr. solid shot, with lOlb. charges. 8-inch, 561b. hollow shot, with 10 and 5lb. charges. 10-inch, 851b. hollow shot, with 12lb. charges. 32-pr. Moorsom's shells, with 6lb. charges. 32-pr. common shells, (but caps kept on) with 6lb. charges. 32-pr. grape shot, with 10 and 6lb. charges. D 3 38 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. And lastly, hollow shot were fired from a 24-pr. howitzer, with 2^1b. charges, from a boat placed 50 yards firom the section, and at an angle of 20 degrees on its bow. This was the only divergence from the direct firing. The result of the practice was as follows : 32-pr. 56cwt. gun. Shot with lOlb. charge. Hit direct between the ribs, making an open hole, 6|in. in diameter. The shot split, and the splinters from it with those from the plate, were very nu- merous. The rear section was much struck and in- jured, two of the splinters having penetrated through, one of which made a hole in one of the plates 10 by 9 inches. 32-pr. 56cwt. gun — shot with 6lb. charge. Hit direct between the ribs, making an open hole, 8 by 9 inches. The shot split, and the splinters from it and the plate were very numerous, spread- ing much. Two ribs were injured in the rear section, a hole made in one of the plates, and it was struck in all by 32 splinters, from this shot. Note. — The rear section will not be further noticed, though it was often struck and penetrated in the following ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 39 32-pr. 56cwt. gun — shot with 6lb. charge. Hit direct on a rib, making an open hole 11 by 9 inches, and cutting away 26 inches of the rib. The shot split, and the splinters from it and the plate were very numerous. 32pr. 56cwt gun — shot with 2^1b. charge. Hit direct between the ribs, making an open hole, 10 by 8 inches, besides bending the plate inwards 5 inches. The shot split, and the splinters spread very much. 8-inch, 65cwt. gun — solid shot of 68lbs. with lOlb. charge. Hit direct between the ribs, making a clear open hole of about 9 inches in diameter. The shot split break- ing up into large pieces. There was also a number of splinters from the iron plate. 8-inch, 65cwt. gun — hollow shot of 56lbs. with 1 Olb. charge. Hit direct close to a rib, making a very ragged hole, 15 by 9 inches, curling up the plate at the back, and very much breaking 1 1 inches of the rib. The shot split, and formed, with those from the plate, a very great number of splinters, much more than with the 68lb. or32lb. solid shot, but ranging to about the same distance of from 100 to 300 yards, and with very considerable velocity. 40 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 8-inch, 65cwt. gun — hollow shot of 56lbs. with 5lb. charge. Hit direct on a rib, near the side of the section, making a hole in the iron 7 by 9| inches, cutting away 20 inches of the rib, and then cutting through a 1 3-inch square pile, (one of the uprights to which the section was fixed) the shot split, and the number of splinters from it and the plate, were very great. 10-inch, 85cwt. gun — hollow shot of 85lbs. with 12lb. charge. Hit from ricochet on a rib, making an open hole 11^ by 13 inches, and cutting away If inches of the rib. The shot split, and the number of splinters from it and the plate were very great indeed, spreading much, and many ranging 200 and 300 yards with very con- siderable velocity. 32-pr. 56cwt. gun — Moorsom's shells, with 6lb. charges. Nine Moorsom's shells were fired, some passing through uninjured, and some through injured portions of the section ; and though it is probable that the greater part of these shells broke upon passing through, yet the bursting charges of the whole ex- ploded, and generally at a distance of not more than 4 feet inside the section. ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 41 32-pr. 56cwt. gun — common shells (but caps kept on) with 61b. charges. Six shells with 3 -inch fuzes, but caps kept on, were then fired, when 4 out of the 6 passed through unin- jured parts of the section and broke up, yet no burst- ing charge was thereby exploded, though it has been since (1853) clearly proved, that sparks are thereby produced, and that if a shot strikes and breaks up a shell, that the powder will frequently explode, though that does not take place untill after the shell has so broken up. 32-pr. 56cwt. gun — grape shot with 10 and 6lb. charges. Five rounds of single grape were fired (2 with 10, and 3 with 6lb. charges) making in all 45 (3lb.) shot, out of which however but 5 struck the 10 foot square iron section, but those 5 penetrated through, though it could not be ascertained whether they split or not. Four hollow shot were fired from a 24-pr. howitzer, with 2|lb. charges, from a boat placed 50 yards from the section, and at an angle of 20° on its bow. Two of these four shot struck on a rib, making holes of 15 by 6 inches, and splitting up into small pieces. The other two shot struck between the ribs, making holes rather larger than the shot, and passed on without splitting. 42 ON mON BUILT SHIPS. It therefore appears. 1. That all shot, whether solid or hollow, and whether fired with high or with low charges always break up when striking on a rib, and that they break up as a very general rule, even when passing through between the ribs. 2. That shot when striking between the ribs make gene- rally a clear open hole, though this hole is always larger than the shot ; but that when striking on a rib, that the hole is miich larger than the shot, and also very ragged and irregular. 3. That hollow shot break up into much smaller pieces than solid shot, and into infinitely more pieces than a shell is broken by the ignition of its bursting charge, and that such splinters, from their form and velocity, must be neces- sarily very destructive. 4. That Moorsom's fuzes ignite the powder of shells passing through 4 inch iron, though the shell may be broken up before that takes place ; but it appears, that the breaking up of the shell does not of itself ignite the powder that was contained in it. IN CONCLUSION. It appears evident, that the large, irregular, and at times very ragged holes that are made by shot in ships thus built of f iron ribs and plates, would be very difficult to stop, and therefore exceedingly dangerous if made near the water-line. And that the number and destructive nature of the splin- ters produced by the breaking up of the shot would cause a few well directed shot to clear away whole guns' crews, and these two facts, more especially the last, must certainly condemn such ships as unfit for war purposes. ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 43 1860. Fourth Experiment. On the effect of shot on vessels hming ribs cmd plates of^ mch iron, and alsofiUvng-im, timbers between the ribs, am,d plank- ing overall on the inside. In the last experiment the effect of shot on an iron section built similar to the Simoom, as to plates and ribs, was tried, but in that experiment, the timbers between the ribs and the planking overall on the inside were omitted. In this experiment, the effect of shot was tried on an iron section built similar to the Simoom, with the filling in timbers and planking complete, forming a mass of iron and timber, even more solid than that ship. This new Section represented a portion of the side of the Simoom, commencing just below the main deck, and ending just above the upper deck. The plates and ribs were of f inch iron, and the ribs were 4 J inches wide, and 12 inches apart from one another. The spaces between the ribs were filled in and made solid, with 5| inch oak timbers, and overall on the inside 4| inch oak planking was placed as high up as the port-sills, and 3-inch fir planking above that. The timbers and planking were strongly secured to the iron plates by bolts passing through all and clinching. This section was placed between piles firmly driven at the distance of 450 yards from, and directly facing the guns, as in the last experiment. 44 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. The following shot were fired : — 32-pr. solid shot, with 10, 6, and 4lb. charges. 68-pr. solid shot, with lOlb. charges. 8-inch, 56lb. hollow shot, with 10 and 5lb. charges. And 10-inch, 85lb. hollow shot, with 12lb charges. The following were the results of this experiment. It was found that the holes made by the shot were not so irregular as on the last trial, but as clear and open ; and that but very few parts of the plate or shot were ever retained by either the timbers or the planking. It was also found that when using low charges, the shot split as often, but not into so many pieces as on the last trial, but that with high charges the splinters were quite or even more numerous and severe, and it was fully confirmed that hollow shot break up into much smaller and more numerous frag- ments than solid shot. It further appeared, that all parts of the shot, with but very few exceptions, not only passed right through all, but that the splinters spread abroad with considerable velocity, those caused by the 8-inch, 56lb. hollow shot, with lOlb. charges, covering a space of 300 yards in length, by 60 in breadth, and being as to number innumerable. Two 10-inch shot were fired, passed through the section and broke up, but not into so many parts as the 8-inch shot, as they both hap- pened to pass through wounded places. The same conclusion was formed as in the last experiment, that shot passing through a ship's side, formed as just stated, must make large holes, difficult to be stopped, and that it would be impossible for men to stand to their guns with any reasonable chance of success, under such circumstances. ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 45 1850. Fifth Experiment. On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of^ inch iron, with pla/nkvng overall on the outside only. In the last experiment but one, the eflfect of shot on an iron section built similar to the Simoom, as to plates and ribs, was tried, but in that experiment the timbers between the ribs and the planking overall on the inside were omitted. In the last experiment, the eflfect of shot was tried on an iron section built similar to the Simoom, with the filling-in timbers and planking complete, forming a mass of iron and timber even more soUd than that ship. In this experiment the eflfect of shot was tried on a section built similar to the Simoom, as to plates and ribs, but having fir planking placed overall on the outside, instead of filling-in timbers and planking overall on the inside. This new section represented the same portion of the Simoom's side, as that built for the last experiment. It was covered on the outside with planking of the diflferent thicknesses of 4, 3, and 2 inches fir, to ascertain the diflferences of eflfect, and the planking was secured to the plates by bolts passing through all and clinching. This section was placed at the distance of 450 yards from, and directly facing the guns, as in the last two experiments. The following shot were fired : 32-pr. solid shot, with lOlb. charges. 8-inch, 56lb. hollow shot, with 10 and 5lb. charges, and 68-pr. solid shot, with lOlb. charges. 46 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. The results of this Experiment were : 1. It was found, that the holes made by the shot were open and regular, whether striking on the 4, 3, or 2-inch planking ; the eflfect produced being much the same as in the last experiment, when the planking was on the inside, and it may be here said that holes made in 4 inch iron covered on the outside or on the inside with planking can be more easily stopped, and are therefore certainly less dangerous than the more open, irregular, and ragged holes that are made in 4 inch iron not so protected. 2. It was also found, that shot when passing through the iron protected on the outside by the 4-inch fir planking, broke up as often, but not into so many pieces as when passing through the iron protected by the 3 or 2-inch planking ; but that the splinters caused by the breaking up of the shot with those from the iron (ship's side) itself were very much more nu- merous and severe in all cases than the splinters caused by shot passing through the side of a timber built ship. That there might be no doubt on this point, shot were fired at the 450 yard butt, which had been built of the scantling of a line- of-battle ship, for proving Moorsom's fuzes, but the number of splinters thereby produced were few, very few in com- parison with those caused by shot passing through a f inch iron ship's side. 3. It was also found as in the last two experiments that hollow shot broke up more readily and into more numerous ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 47 pieces than solid shot, that shot with high charges did so more than the same kind of shot with low charges, and that shot when striking on a rib, broke up more than those that passed through between the ribs. The conclusion must be much the same as that come to in the last experiment ; that the holes made by the shot were more dangerous from being more open than those that would be made in the side of a timber built ship, supposing the shot to strike near the water-line, and that the destruction of men would, under any circumstances, be very much greater, from the great number and velocity of the splinters. 48 ON IRON BUILT SHII*S. 1850. Sixth Experiment. On the effect of shot on vessels having ribs and plates of f inch iron, and covered on the inside with a lining of Kamp- tulicon. This was an experiment very similar to the fourth ; the difference being, that a covering of Kamptulicon was placed over the 4 inch iron section of the Simoom on its inside instead of the planking. The Kamptulicon from its tough but elastic nature, was intended by its inventor, Mr. Walker, to retain all the parts of the shot when broken by passing through the iron plates. The Kamptulicon was a composition, to all appearances, of India rubber and saw dust; there might have been gutta percha in it. A portion (6 feet square) of the undamaged part of the section last used was lined with Kamptulicon 12 inches in thickness ; it was secured to the inside of this section by iron bands, | inch thick by 2| inches wide, passing traversely across, and the bands were each secured to the plates by 4 iron bolts passing through all and clinching. This section was fixed as the others had been, at 450 yards from the guns. 8-inch, 56lb. hollow shot were fired with lOlb. charges. The result of this experiment proved the Kamptulicon an entire failure, but very few parts of the shot being ever re- tained in it, certainly not more than had been retained by the inside oak and fir planking, in the fourth experiment, the ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 49 holes made through the KamptuHcon were also as open as on that oceasionj and this composition is, from its nature, more inflammable, and from its thickness, more cumbersome than a wooden lining. The number of splinters was each time very great, and they tore up the water from 200 to 3Q0 yards in the rear of the section in the same fearful manner as they had done in the fourth and other Experiments. 50 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 1851. Seventh Experiment. On the effect of shot on vessels having plates of either ^ or f mch iron, but having regular timbers throughout instead of iron ribs. This was an experiment to ascertain whether iron could not be used as the chief material in the construction of small vessels of war, and yet be free from the disastrous effects caused by the splitting of the shot. The proposition was, that vessels should be constructed of f inch iron above the bends, or if a larger vessel, of f inch iron, and that she should have regular timbers throughout instead of iron ribs, to guard against the injuries that arise from a shot striking on a rib, as shewn in the previous expe- riments. Through sides thus constructed of |- or 4 inch iron, it was expected that shot might pass without any very evil effect. Below the bends, it was proposed to have | inch iron plates, through which it had already been proved, that shot make, as a general rule, a clear round hole, and though it then breaks up, yet the chances are much against injury being done to the opposite side of the ship. For this experiment, a butt 14 feet long by 6 deep, was constructed, one half of which was of -f inch iron plates, and the other half of ^ inch iron. These plates were bolted to 7-inch square oak timbers, representing those of a sloop-of- war. This butt was then placed as in the other experiments, at a distance of 450 yards from the guns, and was first fired at as representing the first side of a ship, and secondly, as representing the second or opposite side, being then reversed. ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 51 32-pr. solid, and 8-inch hollow shot were fired with their highest charge of lOlbs. at the first side, but with their re- duced charges of 6 and 5lbs. respectively, at the reversed or second side, so as to allow for the reduced velocity that a shot would have after having passed through the first side of the ship, with a lOlb. charge. The following were the general results : First — At the | inch iron. It was found, that both the 32-pr. and 8-inch shot passed through the first side without splitting, and made a clear round hole through the plate ; but that the holes made pn the second side (with the reduced charge) were large and ir- regular ; one 32-pr. being 19 inches by 12, a second (also 32-pr.) 30 inches by 19, and a third (8-inch) 24 inches by 10: the iron was also curled up at the back, and stood out in some instances 5 or 6 inches beyond the plate. Secondly — At the 4 inch iron. All the 32-pr. shot except one, which struck on the join- ing of two plates, passed through the first side without split- ting, but there was only one of the 8-inch shot that did not split, and this was found to be starred at the point of striking, evidently proving, that hollow shot with high charges will very generally split when passing through f inch iron, and that solid shot will do the same with any greater thickness of iron. The holes made in the first side were clear and about the size of the shot, but there were more splinters 52 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. splinters from the 4 than from the | inch iron plates. The effects of the shot on the second side of the f inch iron were much the same as on the f inch, but the holes made in both instances were fully 5 times as large as the shot, and sometimes even larger. The conclusion was, That all shot will pass through |. inch iron without splitting, but that solid shot will sometimes, and hollow shot will very generally split on passing through f inch iron, with high charges. But it appeared that the injury to the opposite side of a ship, built either of f or f inch iron, would be severe, and that the injury to the first side would also be severe, should the shot have small velocities, as in double shotting ; and this, coupled with the greater injury that would be caused should the fire be in an oblique direction, necessarily proves a vessel built according to the foregoing proposition, inferior to a tim- ber built ship. ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. 53 1851. Eighth and last Experiment. On the effect of shot on vessels having iron ribs of^ inch thick- ness, but with regular planhvng both outside and inside, instead of iron plates. This was an experiment to ascertain whether iron ribs could not be used in ships-of-war in place of the present tim- bersj and for this purpose, a butt 10 feet long by 8 in depth, was built, representing a section of the Simoom, but with teak planking instead of plates, thus leaving only the ribs of iron. These ribs of \ inch thickness were A\ inches wide, and 11| inches apart, and they were planked over on the outside with 5-inch teak, and on the inside with 2-inch teak. The butt was then placed as before at 450 yards from the guns, and was fired at, first as representing the first side of a ship, and secondly it was reversed, so as to represent the second or opposite side. 32-pr. and 8-inch shot with lOlb. charges were fired at the first side, but with the reduced charges res- pectively of 4 and 5lbs. at the reversed or second side. The general results were as follow : It was found that neither the 32-pr. nor the 8-inch shot split, but that the splinters when the shot struck on a rib were more numerous and severe than could have been caused by regular timbers. The injury done to the second side with the low charges was however very serious when the shot struck on a rib, the holes through the outside planking being always larger than the shot and much splintered for a consi- E 3 54 ON IRON BUILT SHIPS. derable extent : therefore, not only were the effects of shot with small velocities more disastrous than in a regularly built ship, but such holes would be very dangerous if made near the water-line, from the difficulty of stopping them. The conclusion was therefore very clear, that ships built according to this proposition must be inferior to a regularly timbered ship, and this being the last experiment on iron- built ships, or on ships partially so built, it may be here said, that it has been proved, that the disastrous effects of shot upon iron are so great, that it is not a proper material of which to build ships of war ; and it has also been proved, that these effects are not to be prevented. Thus it has been shown, that when the iron is more than -1^ of an inch in thickness, the shot invariably split, forming with those from the iron side itself, splinters terribly des- tructive and numerous ; and it has been also shown that when the iron is thin, shot with small velocities, tear and rend it in a fearful manner, although the shot itself does not split. A great deal may be said in favour of iron built ships, but they have certainly no advantages as ships-of-war, that can counterbalance the very destructive effect of shot upon them. Lastly, to prove the extent to which the experiments on iron built ships were carried, it may be here stated, that during the last six experiments, which took place in 1850 and 1851, 220 rounds of shot and shell were fired from 32-pr. 8, and 10-inch guns. ON THE DBSTBUCTION OF STEAMERs' FUNNELS. 55 1846. Experiments on the effect of shot tipon a steamer's ftmnel. An old funnel of 3 feet diameter was erected on a butt, and secured with the usual braces. It was placed 600 yards from the ship. The first practice was from a 32-pr. with the full charge of 8lbs. ; the braces were shot away, and re- placed by rope. The next shot went through the centre of the funnel, making a hole no larger than itself; upon this, the charge was reduced, to try the effect of less velocity : a 32-pr. carronade was used, and an 8-inch gun with the reduced charge of 5lbs. The next shot that struck was just above the deck quartering, tearing away one-fourth of the funnel, and draw- ing the rivets of one-fourth more of it : had the vessel been in motion, it might have brought the funnel down. Four other shot struck it, two of which were 8-inch, making ragged holes on the near side, and considerably larger holes on the off side, and drove the splinters of the first side through the back part of the funnel in many places. The funnel was so injured, that though it remained erect, the holes could not have been stopped without great difficulty. A broadside of 14 guns and carronnades, with the lowest charges, was fired simultaneously against the funnel of 3 feet diameter, which had previously been struck six times ; four of the shot struck the funnel at the same time, without materially injuring its stability. Experimental trials with Freeburn's and Norton's shells took place afterwards, when it was struck two or three times more, but was still erect. One shell burst 56 ON THE DESTRUCTION on striking the funnel, but its velocity would not admit of its exploding within it, and consequently it did no more damage than a common shot. Another shell struck the funnel and burst, without more damage than a common shot ; afterwards the braces on the weather side, being shot away, and there being a strong breeze, the funnel fell, breaking at the place where it was cut half-way through on the first day's practice. Further experiments were made on another funnel of 4 feet diameter, with round, bar, and chain shot s the lattar broke to pieces on leaving the gun. Four round shot, 32- prs. and 8-inch, were first fired through the funnel, that the various plans proposed by ofBcers for stopping the holes might be tried ; afterwards 8 bar shot were fired, which weighed about 42lbs. each ; the holes made by the bar shot were far more serious than those made by the round, still the funnel showed no symptoms of falling, although it had an inclination from the manner in which it was placed on the butt, and had its stays shot away. Ten bar shot were then fired, striking the funnel seven times, making a total of 15 bar shot and 4 round shot through it; these were all within 12 feet of each other ; the stays were cut away, but the funnel still continued erect. There were three modes proposed for stopping the holes by the following officers : — Commander Chambers of the Albion ; Mr. Alexander Leys, Engineer of the Retribution ; and Mr. Thomas Brown, Engineer of the Bee, attached to the R. N. College. The first and second plans were upon the same principle ; viz. — a bar dropped into the funnel with a plate outside to screw up to it, and they answered very well. The third 'plan was the most simple, effective, and most easily OF steamers' funnels. 57 applied : it consisted of two spring catches on a plate of iron ; the springs were pushed in through the hole which confined the plate to the funnel ; and the stability of this plan was tested by two shot passing through the plates after they were fixed, without moving them. These experiments appear fully to establish the point, that it will be very difficult to destroy funnels in action, and that the holes may be readily stopped when the steam is not up. It therefore only remained to ascertain what the effect would be on the fires when these holes were made, and whether the heat coming through would be such as to prevent men getting at them for this purpose. In order to test the efiect of holes in a funnel, the Echo, steam tug, had five cut in hers, to represent shot holes of large diameter, two of these being close down to the deck, all of which were covered over with the shield proposed by Mr. Brown, Engineer of the Bee. The holes were uncovered while she was under full steam. No inconvenience was experienced, nor any perceptible difference in the draught up the funnel, force of steam, or consumption of fuel, the rarified air within the funnel causing a powerful indraft. <-. It having been thus shewn that it is very difficult to knock away a steamer's funnel, and that shot passing through do little or no injury, the effect of the total loss of the funnel from any cause was tried on board the Bee on a small scale. Her funnel was taken out, leaving one length to ship and un- ship, and the following experiments were made. 58 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF 1 . A covering was made according to a description taken from a French work, in which it was stated that " if a cone were made, pierced with holes equal to double the surface of the opening, it would create a draught equal to the funnel." This plan was tried, and proved a failure ; it much impeded the draught, filled the vessel with smoke, and the cone with soot. 2. The engines were tried with a smaller piece of fun- nel making with the uptake about six feet ; this answered ex- tremely well, and gave nearly the same speed as with the whole funnel. 3. This piece of funnel was taken away, leaving the " uptake" only, about 2 feet 6 inches ; the upper part of which was six inches behw the deck. Newcastle coal was used, and enabled the vessel to keep up about two-thirds of the full speed, using the steam expansively ; and by " throttling" the steam, and getting it well up, she went at her full speed for about twelve or fifteen minutes. Whilst the steam was run- ning down, which did not go below atmospheric pressure, good weigh was kept on the vessel. The draught being checked by the funnel being away, no flame came up ; the heat and smoke were annoying, but would not have prevented a gun abreast from being worked. 4. The funnel was away altogether, and Welch coal used ; it took about twenty minutes longer to get the steam up than with the funnel ; the fires appeared to draw better, a better steam was kept up, and the rate of going was much greater than before ; there was little inconvenience from the smoke, in comparison with that caused by Newcastle coals. steamers' funnels. 59 5. The experiments of getting up th» steam with the funnel lowered close down, was tried on board H.M. Ship Blenheim, The result was favorable, strong steam was pro- cured, and although the smoke on the quarter-deck was in- convenient, it was not such as to prevent the working of the guns. The practical inferences to be drawn from the foregoing experiments are — 1. That steam vessels having their machinery below the water line are not more vulnerable or liable to injury than sailing vessels. 2. That on going into action the steam should be kept very little above atmospheric pressure, when, should the steam chest, or the boiler be struck, neither the steam nor the water would rush out so violently as to prevent the people in the engine room from saving themselves. 3. That in the event of the funnel being shot away, full speed can be got on the vessel to run her out of fire, or the steam may be worked expansively, and the vessel kept under perfect command, thus giving her a great superiority over a sailing ship that may be supposed to have lost a mast at the same time that the steam vessel did her funnel. 60 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOMS. 1846. First Experiment on the destruction of Booms. An expedition against a piratical settlement in the island of Borneo, having suffered great loss of life from the delay caused whilst cutting through a boom that was placed across the river to prevent their passing, the following experiments were tried to ascertain whether booms could not be more quickly des- troyed by shot from boats' guns, or by fixing a breaker or shells filled with powder under the boom, and there exploding them. Fi/rst. On the destruction of booms by shot from boats^ guns. ' 1. Two large spars a main-topmast, and a sloop's lower mast were frapped together with a chain cable, and a 1 2-pr. carronade in a pinnace, brought down by the bows by fifty 32-pr. shot, was fired six times, at this boom at 10 yards dis- tance ; the chain was broken twice, and the boom shattered a good deal, though far from offering a passage to boats. 2. Fifty more shot were put in the bows of the boat, which enabled the gun to bear at 4 yards, 6 shots were then fired with rather more effect. 3. Fifty more shot were put into the boat, thus making 150, which brought the gun within 2 feet of the boom, the effect was greater, but still the boom was in a state to ON THK DESTRUCTION OF BOOMS. 61 prevent the passage of boats. The bight of the chain cable was then brought up to the muzzle of the carronnade and stopped there ; it was blown into 3 or 4 pieces without any- particular concussion. This experiment was therefore a decided failure, but one point was proved that is of service, namely, that a chain cable may be easily divided if placed across the muzzle of a boat's gun, and the gun then fired. Secondly. On the destruoiion of booms, by blovmig them tip. 1. A large topmast was used as a boom, a case of 35lbs. of powder was placed on it, and exploded without the slightest effect. 2. A common boat's breaker filled with 35lbs. of powder, was fitted with a portfire in th'e head of it, protected fi-om the water by a water-tight copper funnel nailed over it, suflSciently long to be 18 inches out of the water when the breaker was under the spar. A piece of thick wood with a hole in it, was nailed over the funnel as a support, and to ensure its not leaking. To the portfire, a length of quick match was at- tached, with its end at the mouth of the funnel. The breaker had two long beckets, to admit of being lashed together ; one was passed under the boom, the breaker being put in the water on the off side, and hauled under from the boat. The 62 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOMS, operation of fixing it to the boom did not take more than two- and-a-half minutes, from the time the boat got to the boom until the quick match was lighted. The length of the portfire will depend on the time required before the explosion, as it burns about an inch to a minute. The explosion took place with great success, blowing the boom in pieces to a very great height. 3. Two masts secured together and Strengthened by the chain and hempen stream cables of a ship-of-the-line were used for a boom ; common breakers fitted as before, were used in this experiment, excepting two trials with " Saucissons" in- stead of the funnel ; these were made with tarred canvasj but failed both times, being wet from the pressure of the water. The masts were lashed alongside of each other ; two parts of the chain cable were laid along the top, and between the booms, and hitched at both ends; the booms were then frapped firmly together by half-a-dozen turns of a smaller chain, in two places near the centre; these booms were placed across a creek 500 yards from the ship. 56lbs. of pow- der were put into the breaker j but it failed when fixed the first time, owing to the funnel not being water-tight, but this was subsequently remedied by parcelling it with well tarred canvas. The breaker was fixed in the following manner : a small rope with a weight attached to it was let down between the two spars forming the boom, hauled into the boat by a boat-hook and made fast to the becket on the breaker, which was then hauled under and between the spars and made fast to the chain ; ON THE DESTRUCTION OP BOOMS. 63 or it might have been made fast to a nail, if necessary, the buoyancy of the breaker keeping it up in its place. This ope- ration, from the boat touching the boom, until the quick match was lighted, took 2 min. 18 sec. The effect of the explosion was great,- blowing away 14 feet of both booms, but it did not break either chain ; these however, sunk, and boats passed through the opening. At one end there was 14 feet of the spars remaining, and at the other about 35 feet. 4. Another breaker, also containing 561bs. of powder was placed under the smaller pieces of the former spars, at the place where the ends of the chain were hitched over them ; these were blown into the air, and the chain with them ; the latter went up with such force as to break off a piece of the other boom. 5. The two remaining pieces of the boom, 30 and 35 feet long, were frapped together with the chain stream cable, the turns along the boom being IS inches apart, the same with the hempen stream between the other turns; the booms were then moored to anchors of 7cvyt. each, the chain to one end, the hempen cable to the other, being boused as taut as possi- ble against each other. On this occasion 112lb8. of powder were used, and at the mouth of the funnel an empty shell fuze was attached, so that when the cap was screwed on, the quick match was secure from all danger of fire and water until re- quired for service. The breaker was placed in the centre of the boom ; the time occupied in doing so being 2 min. 4 sec. The effect of the explosion was very great, only two pieces of about 15 and 10 feet long being left. Both cables were blown high up in the air, and some of the larger pieces of wood fell at a distance of 250 yards from the boom ; the chain cable was broken in one place, and the hempen in three. 64 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOMS. 6 The two pieces left from the above, of 15 and 10 feet long, were placed alongside each other, and a breaker with 40lbs. of powder was placed in the water alongside of the largest one, floating but just awash, for the purpose of trying the effect of a lateral explosion. The eflfect of this explosion was very successful, breaking both pieces with great violence, not a piece 5 feet long was to be found. 7. Two other spars were used as a boom, a large main topmast, and a sloop's main-mast ; these were frapped to- gether by chain and hempen cables, and moored to an- chors exactly as before, for the purpose of again trying the effect of lateral explosion j a breaker with lOOlbs. of pow- der, fitted as in the last experiment, was sent adrift from the boat, brought up by the boom, and exploded alongside of it with much less effect than expected, only breaking the spars, but not separating them ; this was considered to be caused by the top of the breaker floating 4 or 5 inches out of the water. 8. A similar experiment was tried with 112lbs. of powder, with a weight attached to the breaker to sink it even with the water's edge ; this caused the explosion to be infinitely more effective, destroying one-third of the boom, and breaking another piece off of 7 or 8 feet, the chain and hempen cables were thrown up in the air from the end that was destroyed, and the chain broke near the anchor. It is thus proved that the lower the breaker is in the water, the greater the effect produced, but care must be taken that the breaker is in actual contact with the boom, and but barely awash. ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOMS. 65 It was a principal object on all these occasions to resort to the means only that are to be found in every ship- of- war, and that her resources will furnish in a short space of time, when- ever the Service may require it. It should be observed, that the explosion of gunpowder on a boom has not the slightest effect, and that it has the greatest effect when placed directly under it. The effect produced by the lateral explosions would have destroyed any vessel, and from the facility with which these explosive machines are made, no vessel could ride with security in a tide-way, as any number connected together may be launched against an enemy, and they could not be de- tected by night, as a portfire burning in a funnel will give no light ; and this will be more particularly the case should " Bickford's" fuze be used, which burns under water. Note. — On all occasions, whatever contains the powder must be fixed in immediate contact (touching) with the object to be destroyed. This experiment was therefore perfectly successful, and the plan of blowing up booms was thus proved to be an ex- peditious and successful plan for opening a passage through them, and in all the experiments that have taken place since 1846 on blowing up booms, a detail of which will be given, this method of destroying them has proved invariably suc- cessful. 66 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOMS. Thirdly. On the destruction of booms with shells. 1. The remains of the spars left on the former occasions, wound round with chain cable, were used. A six-inch shell, filled with lib. of powder, was exploded under the boom; it just lifted them without injury. 2. An 8-inch shell, filled with 2ilbs of powder, was ex- ploded under the boom ; this broke and shattered the spars a great deal, but did not break them suflBciently to make an opening. 3. A 10-inch shell, filled with S^lbs. of powder, was ex- ploded under the boom ; this broke and shattered the spars and snapped the chain cable in two places, thus opening a passage for boats. 4. A line-of-battle ship's mast was then used as a boom. A 6-inch shell, filled with lib. of powder, was exploded under the hounds of this mast, which broke it short ofl^ and it floated away. 5. An S'-inch shell, filled with 2ilb8. of powder, was ex- ploded under the remaining part of the mast ; this shattered it a great deal, and broke it in half. 6. A 10-inch shell, filled with 5^1bs. of powder, was ex- ploded under the remaining part of the heel of the mast, and blew it all to pieces. ON THE DESTRUCTION OP BOOMS. 6? These shells were slung fuze downwards, with two long lanyards ; a nail was driven into the boom, and the shells were triced close up under it, and made fast to the nail ; this opera- tion did not take two minutes. The effect produced by shells, was thus proved to be much greater than would be produced by the same quantity of pow- der, not so confined ; but a breaker containing 50lbs. of pow- der, is lighter, more effective, and more easily handled and placed for blowing up a boom than a 10-inch shell; and as it has been proved that a breaker containing lOOlbs. of powder is required for opening a passage through a large boom, shells may be said not to be adapted for this purpose. Lastly. On Bickford^s Fuze, and the method of fitting it to shells or to breakers. Bickford's Fuze was of two descriptions, one for land and the other for water purposes. These Fuzes were in appearance like |-inch rope, well parcelled and paid with pitch, the water fiize having 4 coverings, but the land fuze only 2. Both fuzes burnt about 2 feet in a minute, and answered their respective purposes very fairly ; but the water fuze was often rendered ineffective if kept under water for any length of time, from the water penetrating through the coverings. However, in 1850, an improved water fuze was offered for trial, which has answered exceedingly well for all purposes, and resists the action of water, even when kept immersed for several days. It has two coverings of gutta percha, with a parcelling p 2 68 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOMSi between them, is f of an inch in circumference, and very flex- ible, and with a little caution will very seldom fail. This im- proved fuze burns nearly 3 feet in a minute, but it is advisable always to try a small quantity of every new case, to ascertain how it burns : and these cases should be kept perfectly dry, between the beams in the gunner's storeroom, being oc- casionally examined, that the parts may not adhere together. The efficiency of this water fuze has been since proved in many different experiments, and is now (1853) in general use. When fitting shells with Bickford's fuze, a wooden plug must first be made, to fit the fuze-hole, having a hole through the centre for the fuze, which must be served about 2 inches from the end, with a little oakum or tow, paid with pitch, and then hauled taut through the plug. The fuze must then be secured to the plug at both ends with twine, and the plug having been paid with pitch, must be driven into the fuze-hole, hard enough to support the weight of the shell. The fuze hole is then secured with two plasters of duck or canvas, paid with pitch, which should be mixed with a little soft grease to prevent its cracking. A cork buoy fixed on the end of the fuze prevents the risk of losing it, whilst placing the shell in its intended position. A breaker is fitted in the same manner as a shell, except that the plug must be made to fit the bung-hole, and two separate holes should be bored through it, in order that the breaker may be fitted with two parts of Bickford's fuze, which will prevent failure in case one of the fuzes should be extinguished. The fuze-holes in common shells, are too small to admit of two fuzes, and it is not advisable to use Moorsom's shells for this purpose, as the ON THE DESTRUCTION OP BOOMS. 69 fuze-holes are so large, that a great portion of the effect of the bursting charge would be lost if these shells were used with wooden plugs. When the shell or breaker is fixed, the fuze is ignited by means of a slow match, or by a port fire, but the facility of lighting it will be increased if an inch is cut off" the end of the fuze and the composition loosened. After the fuze has been ignited, it shotild be let go, as it will burn just as well when altogether under water, and the risk of its being seen and detached by the enemy is lessened. Fg 70 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOMS. 1849. Second JElcoperiment on the destruction of booms. First. By blowing them wp with breakers filled with powder. This boom consisted of two parts of the Collingwood's main-mastj from which the hoops had however been removed : these two spars wei^ placed alongside each other, and a length of line-of-battle ship's stream chain having been stretched along the top of each spar, they were secured together with five lashings of chain, the chain used being equal in strength to 8-inch rope, and each lashing had from 6 to 8 turns, and was boused well taut aud frapped. A cask containing lOSlbs. of powder, and fitted with Bickford's fuze, was then placed under the centre of the boom, which was effected in 1 min. and 10 sec. from the time the boat first reached the boom until the fuze was lighted. The explosion completely destroyed 20 feet of the centre of both spars, and broke both the stream chains, thus leaving the passage of the channel across which the boom had been moored, quite free. A breaker containing 50lbs. of powder was then placed alongside one of the remaining portions of the boom, the parts of which had been secured together afresh. This breaker was intended tb float awash with the water, but did not do so by some 3 or 4 inches. The effect of the explosion was not so con- siderate as expected, only one of the spars of which the boom consisted being severed. This was most probably caused by the breaker floating too high out of the water. ON THE DHSTBUGTION OF BOOMS. 71 Secondly. By blowing them up with 10-inch shells. A 10-inch shell containing its proper bursting charge of S^lbs. was placed under one end of the remaining portion of the boom, and exploded, but the effect was slight from the masts being a good deal separated at that point. A 10-inch shell was then placed under another portion of the boom, and exploded, by which the centre of the spars over the shell was much injured, but they were not severed completely through. The conclusion formed from the first experiment on the destruction of booms was thus confirmed, namely, that a breaker filled with lOOlbs. of powder is a certain method for opening a passage when exploded under the boom, and that it is also very effective when exploded alongside the boom, but great care must be taken that the breaker floats but barely awash. It was likewise confirmed, that 10-inch shells are not to be recommended for destroying a large boom, as they are not sufficiently effective. 72 ON THE DESTRUCTION OP BOOMS. 1852. Third Experiment on the destruction of booms. First. In June. This boom consisted of two parts of the Nelson's main- mast, from which the hoops were however removed, and they were secured together in the following manner : First. Part of a line-of-battle ship's stream chain was stretched along the top of each part of the mast, and well se- cured with spike nails. Secondly. Five lashings of f inch round ^linked crane chain (equal to 6-inch hawser laid rope) were passed round the boom equidistant from each other, each turn being boused taut and then nailed to the mast through the links : the lash- ings were further secured by being frapped together between the parts of the mast, with a small chain. Lastly. A frapping chain of f inch iron was passed round all from end to end and boused well taut, the distance between the turns being about 3 feet. This boom which was 60 feet in length was then moored across a channel distant 500 yards from the ship, by the stream chains, to two anchors, one of each of which had been pre- viously laid out and buried, one on each side of the channel. A breaker containing lOSlbs. of powder was placed under ^e boom, near its centre and close to the midship lashing. This was effected in ) J minutes from the time the boat first reached On the destruction of booms. 7^ the boom until it had again left it. The explosion broke away the whole of both parts of the mast which were over the breaker to an extent of 8 feet on each side of it, snapped one of the stream chains, and dragged the other through the lash- ings about 1^ fathoms upon both sides, but did not carry it away. This chain sunk down in the middle so that the gun boats readily pulled through, although the remaining parts of the boom kept their position across the channel. These two remaining parts each having two lashings on them, were not much shaken, but the part of the boom that was destroyed was broken into very numerous fragments, which in falling, covered the sea for 200 yards round. Secondly. In October. This boom consisted of the longest remaining portion of the last constructed boom, and was 26 feet in length. It was lashed afresh, as follows : The two spars were secured together with 3 lashings of f inch chain of 8 parts each, boused well taut and frapped, and were further secured by snaking turns of f inch chain, passed both ways from end to end and well secured down to the spars. A line-of-battle ship's stream chain had been pre- viously stretched along the top of each spar before the lash- ings were passed, and they formed a span at each end, by which the boom was moored in the same manner, and in the same position as the preceding. This boom was therefore much stronger than the pre- ceding one, the distance between the lashings being less, the snaking turns being passed both ways, and the length of the boom being so much reduced. 74 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BOOM9. A breaker containing lOSlbs. of powder was placed under the centre of this boom close to the centre lashing : this was effected in 1 minute and 40 seconds from the time the boat arrived at the boom until it had again left it. The explosion forced the whole boom into the air, breaking away from its lashings the whole of the centre and right hand end of both spars, and leaving only some 6 feet of the left hand end of them, and which were retained in their position by one of the mooring chains ; but when that was cleared they fell to pieces, proving that they had been all but destroyed by the explosion. The other mooring chain was broken in two placesj and the sea was covered for some 200 yards round by the wreck of the spars, some pieces being of large ,size. Thus it will be observed, that the experiments in 1846, 1849, and 1852, were equally satisfactory, and fully establish the point, that a passage through a boom may be easily ob- tained by fixing a breaker containing lOOlbs, of powder under the boom and there exploding it by means of Bickford's fuze. ON THE DESTRUCTION OF WRECKS. 'J5 1847. A wreck destroyed at Wmterton, on the coast of Norfolk, hy a party of divers Jrom H.M. Ship JExcellent tmder Lieut. Wolrige, M.N. The wreck was that of a collier brig of 180 tons, partly imbedded in the sand, in from two to three fathoms water, and it interrupted the fishing on the coast. The operation was commenced by placing several 10-inch shells under the bows, which blew away a considerable portion of them. Bickford's fuze was used to ignite some of these shells, and answered well ; others were ignited by a galvanic battery, but it was found that on the whole, the former method was most convenient. The effect of shells not being suflBciently destructive to the body of the wreck, a charge of 245lbs. of powder was en- closed in a tin case, and exploded under the fore chains, which destroyed the fore part of the vessel, 10 and 8-inch shells were then exploded under the stern, three or four at a time, which cut away some of the timbers, and a considerable portion of that part of the wreck. A tin case, containing 1251bs. of powder was then exploded under the starboard main-chains, which destroyed the greater part of the starboard side; another charge of SOlbs. cleared away the remaining part : and one of 18lbs. cleared away the remaining portion of the port side, with the exception of several stumps of timber, which, by means of 10 and 8-inch shells, were separately cut off even with the ground, so that fishermen could drag their net over them. 76 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF WRECKS. 1849. To destroy piles or stakes tmder water, with shells. Piles twelve inches square were driven firmly in the mud, and 6, 8 and 10-inch shells were separately placed at their foot and exploded by means of Bickford's fuze, when they were from 7 to 8 feet under water. The effect was, that With 6-inch shells. . . . The piles were not much in- jured. With 8-inch shells, . . . The piles were spUt, but never broken off. and with 1 0-inch shells, . . . The piles were in some cases thrown back and in others broken clean off, just below where the shells were placed. It was proved in the preceding experiment, that smaller piles can be more easily displaced, and that against a large body of timber under water, a suflScient force can always be used, which it would however be impossible to effect with shells. ON THE DESTRUCTION OF STOCKADES. 77 1849. Bxperiment on the destruction of stockades. A stockade was constructed of sound oak timbers, which were 14 feet in length, and 9 inches wide, by 4 in thickness. These timbers were placed close together, set upright and planted 3 feet in the ground, and secured both above and below the ground by strong ribands. The ground was well rammed round the timbers, and there was a banquette of earth 3 feet in height, thrown up on the inside. Tttie height of this stockade, which was loop-holed for musketry, was therefore 8 feet on the inside and 11 feet on the outside. The following charges of powder, all of which were contained in flannel cartridge bags, were then fired by means of Bickford's fuze. 1st — A charge of 5lbs. was placed on the ground at the foot of the stockade, and exploded, j)ut with- out any effect whatever. 2nd — A charge of lOlbs. was hung against the stock- ade, at 3ft. 6in. from the ground, and exploded, but also without effect. 3rd — A charge of 25lb8. was placed on the ground at the foot of the stockade, and exploded, but the effect was very trifling. 4th — A charge of 5lbs. was placed at the foot of the stockade and tamped with 20lbs. of earth. The effect of the explosion was slight, but greater than with the 25lbs. of powder without any tamp- ing. 78 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF STOCKADES. 5th — A charge of 5lbs. was again placed at the foot of the stockade and tamped with 20lbs. of earth, but the banquette was cleared away this time, so that the ground was upon the same level on both sides. By this explosion, the lower end of one timber was broken, and one of the ribands blown down, but no further damage was done to the stockade. 6th — A charge of 5lbs. was a third time placed at the foot of the stockade, but it was covered or tamped this time by a canvass bag, containing 1 1 2lbs. of earth ; the banquette was also cleared away as in the last experiment. By the ex- plosion, 3 timbers were broken off close to the ground and blown away, some of the splinters being thrown considerable distances. A breach 2ft. 6in. in width was thus made, but the ribands not being destroyed, would have formed a serious obstacle to the advance of a storming party. 7th — A charge of 5lbs. was put inside a canvass bag, and 25lbs. of earth placed all round the charge, except the side next the stockade. It was hung 5 feet from the ground, and by the explosion, one timber and a small riband were blown away. 8th — A charge of lOlbs. was placed at the foot of the stockade, and tamped with two canvass bags, each containing 56lbs. of earth. By the explo- sion, 3 of the timbers were broken close to the ground, but not blown down, so that no pract- ticable breach was made. ON THE DESTRUCTION OP STOCKADES. 79 9th — ^A charge of lOlbs. was put inside a canvass bag, and 50lbs of earth placed all round the charge excepting on the side that would be next the stockade. It was hung 3ft. 6in. from the ground, and by the explosion, a breach suflScient for one man at a time to pass through was made ; several ribands were also blown down, and some splinters thrown to the distance of 200 yards. These experiments which were repeated with very similar results in the year 1851, clearly shew, that a charge of even 251bs. of powder would be of no service against a stockade without being weighted or covered with bags of sand or earth, and that the proportion of sand or earth for this purpose to that of powder, should not be less than as 10 to 1, to produce good effects. It must be also borne in mind that although 10 and even Slbs. of powder, by being weighted, produced considerable results in this experiment, yet that a charge of not less than 50lbs. should be used against any substantially-built stockade and not less than lOOlbs. should there be a banquette within. 80 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF STOCKADES. 1849. On the destruction of a double stockade, built to resist Field Artillery, with shells. Each stockade consisted of fir planking 8 inches in width by 3i in thickness, placed close together, set upright and planted 3 feet in the ground, and also secured both above and below the ground, with strong ribands. These stockades were placed 6 feet from each other, and earth well rammed was filled in between them to the level of the outer stockade which was 9 feet in height ; the inner stockade was 2 feet higher to allow a row of loop-holes for musketry to be made. The length of the stockade was not more than 10 feet, but the ends were strengthened with strong planking placed hori- zontally and well secured. As guns could not be used against this stockade, in con- sequence of its position on an island in Portsmouth Harbour, the following shells were buried in it to the depth of 4 feet, and exploded by means of Bickford's fuze. 1st — A 6-pr. spherical case-shot, from which the mus- ket balls had been removed, was loaded with 5oz. of powder, and buried 4 feet under ground, in the centre of the parapet. The explosion pro- duced but little efiect, the earth being only slightly disturbed on the outside, and a crater formed where the shell had exploded some 18 in- ches in diameter. 2nd — The stockade having been repaired, a 12-pr. common shell, loaded with 7oz. of powder, was buried 4 feet under ground in the centre of the O.V THE DESTRUCTION OF STOCKADES. 81 parapet as the last one had been. The explosion disturbed the earth all round the top of the stockade ; one of the cross-pieces and one plank in the front were started, and a crater was formed 2 feet in depth by 3 feet 6 inches in diameter. 3rd. — ^The Stockade having been again repaired, a 24-pr. common shell, loaded with 15oz. of powder, was buried exactly as the last two had been. By the explosion, the whole of the horizontal plank- ing at one end was started out 16 inches at the top, and 10 inches at the bottom ; four planks in the outer row were also started, and the inner row of planks were much shaken, and inclined inwards 1 6 inches : a crater was formed 2 feet deep by 4 feet in diameter. 4th. — An 8-inch shell, loaded with 2 lbs. of powder, was buried 4 feet under ground, near the end of the stockade that had been least disturbed. By the explosion the whole was blown down, so that it would have been no longer tenable as a defen- sive work ; the front and rear planking falling outwards and the earth being also thrown out, an easy ascent was formed for a storming party. A crater was formed 4 feet in depth, by 6 feet in diameter. From this experiment it may be concluded, that if a few 24-pr. shells had been fired, so as to have exploded after lodging in the parapet, a practicable breach would have been made, so as to have admitted 6 or 8 men abreast, and the same result might be expected from two or three S-inch shells. a 82 ON THE DESTRUCTION OP BOATS. 1846. — On the destruction of Boats by blowing them up. For this experiment, a Launch and a large Pinnace, with timhers doubled were used, and the following charges of powder, in common tin canisters, were exploded against them by means of Bickford's Fuze. 1st. — A charge of 8 ounces was exploded under the bows of the launch, without effect. 2nd. — A canister containing a charge of 2lbs., floating just level with the water's edge, was drifted under her bows, and exploded, by which her bows were blown into the air. 3rd. — A charge of lib. was placed under the bottom of the pinnace, and exploded, by which four of her timbers were blown into the air, and a hole made in her bottom 3 feet long by 2 feet in width. 4th.— A similar charge to the last was exploded alongside the boat when she was fuU of water, but without effect. 5th. — A charge of 3lbs. was then exploded under her bows, just below the water's edge, whilst the boat was still full of water, by which they were destroyed. ON THE DESTRUCTION OP SHIPS. 83 1853.— ^Experiment to ascertain the effect of Shells, or of Breakers filled with powder, when placed in contact with a Ship's side, below the surface of the water. The York, an old 74 gun ship, having been given up for various experimental purposes, was placed on the mud at high water, in Portchester Lake, at 1250 yards distance from the Excellent, and in that position she was scuttled in carrying out the above experiment. An 8-inch shell, containing its regular bursting charge of 2 Jibs, of powder, a 1 0-inch shell, containing its regular bursting charge of Sflbs., and a small breaker containing 25lbs. were placed against the off side of the ship, below the surface of the water, and exploded by means of Bickford's fuze, with the following results. — First. — The 8-inch shell, containing 2jlbs. of powder was ex- ploded when just awash, and touching the port side of the ship, immediately under the gangway. The explosion gave a smart shock to the ship, and made an open hole in the outside planking of 1 foot long, by 1^ feet deep, besides partially starting one plank for an extent of 6 feet. The timbers were uninjured, but the inside planking was broken through. The water entered the ship in con- siderable quantities. e2 84 ON THE DESTRUCTION OP SHIPS. Secondly. — The 10-inch shell, containing 5^1bs. of powder, was exploded, when its upper "surface was about 12 inches under the water, the shell itself touching the ship's side. It was 12 feet before the 8-inch shell. The explosion gave a very severe shock to the ship, forced out three outside planks, and started the 4th, making an open hole in the outside planking of 10 feet in length by 4 feet in depth. The timber immediately opposite the shell was broken, and the inside planking much broken and injured. The water rushed in with much force, and in large quantities. Thirdly. — A small breaker, containing 25lbs. of powder, was exploded when the top of it was about 6 inches below the water, the breaker itself touching the ship's side. The breaker was 12 feet before the 10-inch shell. The shock received by the ship, from the explosion, was very violent, much surpassing that of the shells, and its force was so great, that it broke right through the ship's side into the hold, through the outside planking, the timbers and the inside planking, making an open hole through all of 5 feet in width, by 7 feet in depth, through which the water entered in such quantities, that the ship was quickly filled, and settled down on the mud. In judging of the foregoing experiment, it must be borne in mind, that many of the bolts had been removed from the timbers and planking of the York, including that part where ON THE DESTRUCTION OF SHIPS. 85 the explosions took effect, before she was placed on the mud, and that the whole frame of the ship was in a decayed state, the port side more especially so, otherwise so much injury could not have been expected. It is, however, proved, that should it be advisable to scuttle vessels that are irremediably on fire, or from any other reason, that a small breaker filled with powder, and fitted with Bickford's fuze, would have that effect, if exploded against the vessel's side, just below the surface of the water ; whereas the practice of firing shot into a ship low down, to accomplish such an object has generally failed. It may also be stated, that it requires but little time or trouble, either to fit a breaker for this purpose, or to fix it in its position. Two breakers thus fitted and connected by a line some 30 or 40 yards long, might be used with effect against booms or ships at anchor in rivers or strong tide ways. G 3 86 ON THE SECURITY OF THE LEATHER CARTRIDGE CASES 1847. Mrst Experiment to test the secmity of the leather cartridge cases. Three cartridge cases, each containing 8lb. charges, were suspended to the beams of the Leviathan, at the same height from the deck the powder boys usually carry them, and the cartridge contained in the centre case, distant 12 feet from the one, and 9 feet from the other case, was exploded by meanq of Bickford's fuze, but without any eflfect whatever. Two cartridge cases, each containing 8lb. charges, were then suspended in the same manner, and only 4 feet from each other, but the explosion of the one charge did not commu- nicate with the other. The same result occurred when the two cartridge cases were 2 feet; and even when only 18 inches apart ; but upon the next trial, when the cases were placed within 12 inches of each other, the explosion of the one charge communicated with the other, and exploded it also. One pound of powder was then scattered on the deck on the one side of a fire screen, such as that usually hung round hatchways, and an 8lb. charge in a cartridge case exploded on the other side ; the result was, that the screen was blown away, and the powder scattered about the deck exploded. From the above experiment it is shown, that the ac- cidental ignition of a cartridge on a ship's deck, wiU not ne- cessarily communicate with another charge in its case 18in. distant, and that probably a cartridge might explode when in the powder boy's hands, and not ignite the one hung over his shoulder. The risk of explosions of this kind will be much lessened when care is taken in the magazine to cover the cartridge cases properly before they are handed up. ON THE SECURITY OF THE LEATHER CARTRIDGE CASES 87 1852. Second experiment to test the security of the leather cartridge cases. During experiments on board the Menai, to ascertain the ravages caused respectively by 8 and 1 0-inch and cyhndro- conical 8-inch shells, cartridge cases containing 8lb. charges were placed at various distances from the shell to be exploded, to ascertain their security. First. — With an 8-inch shell, containing its regular bursting charge of 25lbs. Three cartridge cases, each containing 8lb. charges, were suspended to the beams at the respective distances of 4, 8, and 10 feet from the shell. By the explosion, the charge in the case at 4 feet distance was also exploded, but the case at 8 feet, though blown down, had the charge uninjured ; the case at 10 feet distance retained its place unhurt in any way ; the reason that the charge at 4 feet distance was exploded, may have been that it was first broken through by a splinter, the case being much torn. Secondly. With a 10-inch shell, containing its regular bursting charge of 5^1bs. Two cases, with 8lb. charges, were suspended to the beams at 10 feet distance from the shell. The explosion blew both cases down (having carried away their handles) but neither charge was ignited. 88 ON THE SECURITY OF LEATHER CARTRIDGE CASES. Thirdly. — ^With cylindro-conical 8-incli shells, similar to shells tried in Sweden, in 1 846, containing a bursting charge of 12lbs. Three cases with 8lb. charges were suspended to the beams, at the respective distances of 12, 14, and 16 feet from the shell, but all kept their places uninjured when it was exploded. On another of these shells being exploded, one case at 10 feet distance, the only one used on the occasion, also kept its place uninjured. On a third occasion, a cartridge case, the only one used, was suspended at 6 feet distance, and a screen (a worn wadmiltilt) was also hung up at the same distance ; by the explosion the screen was blown to pieces, but the case, though blown down, had the charge contained in it uninjured. These two experiments certainly prove the great security of the present leather cartridge cases. A third experiment to test their security took place on board the " York," in 1853, and will be found under the heading of experiment On the security of powder and shells carried on ship's decks. ON THE SECURITY OF SHELL WITH METAL FUZES. 89 1847. ^Experiment to test the security of shells with metal time fuzes. First. — A 6-inch shell, covered with eight other 6 and 8-inch shells, placed as they would be in a shell room, was ex- ploded, but without effect on the other shells. Secondly. — ^An 8-inch shell was covered in a similar manner, with the same eight shells, and exploded, but also with- out effect on the other shells. Thirdly. — ^A 10-inch shell was covered with the same shells, and exploded, by which an 8-inch shell that was imme- diately over it, had the fuze driven in, and was likewise exploded, but the remaining shells were uninjured. These experiments were repeated with similar results, but when Moosom's shells were established, the same kind of ex- periments proved those shells to be even safer than shells with the common time fiizes. In the following experiment on the security of the powder and shells carried on ship's decks when going into action, as well as in other experiments, will be found satisfactory evidence of the security of shells with metal fuzes. 90 ON THE SECURITY OF POWDER AND SHELLS 1853. On the secv/rity of the 'powder and shells carried on ships' decks when going into action. The York, an old 74 gun ship having been given up for various experimental purposes, was placed on the mud in Portchester Lake at 1250 yards distance from the Excellent, and for this experiment, her several decks were fitted up with the established three spare broadsides of powder ; the orlop deck, which was well out of the water, being fitted up as the lower deck, the lower deck as the middle, and the main and upper decks as usual, so that the York represented a three- decked ship. The cartridges were in the proper leather cases, and were placed in the rear of the ports at the same distance from them, and at the same height from the deck as the powder boys would carry them, the two cartridge cases being separated from each other by bags stuffed with junk to represent the bodies of the powder boys. The York having her starboard side to the Excellent, the three broadsides of powder were placed on that side of the deck, it being of course the supposed engaged side. The cartridge cases had 4lb. charges in them, but the lower part of them was filled up with oakum or wood shavings, so that the cartridges were close up to the top of the cases. The established proportion of two shells for each gun on one broadside were triced up between the beams as much pro- tected and as nearly amidships as possible, as at present di- rected ; besides these, there was also a tier of 20 shells placed CAKBIEP ON ships' DECKS. Si on each deck at the distance of 5 feet from the ship's side : the foregoing shells were composed of equal proportions of 6 and 8-inch, and one half of them were fitted with Moorsom's Percussion fuzes, and the other half with the common 4, 3, and Ij-inch time fuzes. In addition to these shells, there were two piles of 40 shells each placed on the orlop and lower decks between two ports in that part of the ship at which the fire was for the day directed, the lower deck pile consisting wholly of time fiized shells, and that on the orlop deck of Moorsom's shells, and half of each pile consisted of 6-in. and the other half of S-inch shells ; thus the number of shells about the decks of the York was more than double the present estabhshed number that are directed to be carried on ships' decks, and as the York heeled over some 10 or 12° from the Excellent, and as the fire at her was directly abeam, the shells that were triced up between the beams were more exposed than shells so placed would be upon ordinary occasions on service. The efficiency of shells with the following fiizes was tried. Moorsom's and the French pattern percussion fuzes. Quartermaster Freebum's and Moore's concussion fiizes. The common service 3-inch fuzes (fitted and unfitted) The practice against the York lasted 3 days, and the days on which the firing took place, and the part of the ship at which the fire was directed for that day, are as follow : First day Friday, May 13th Amidships Second day. . Saturday, May 14th. . Forward Third day . . Monday, May 16th. . Aft 92 ON THE SECURITY OF POWDER AND SHELLS During this practice, 98 shot and shell (21 shot and 77 shell) were fired, out of which 92 shot and shell (20 shot and 72 shell) struck the ship, and out of the 72 shell, 47 burst on board, and 5 broke and the powder exploded also on board ; so that the York was struck 92 times, and 52 shell exploded on board that ship out of the 98 shot and shell that were fired. It must be borne in mind, that these 98 shot and shell were separately and very carefully fired, otherwise so good a per centage of hits could not possibly have been obtained. The York was examined after every four or five rounds, to ascertain the amount of damage done to the ship. The following were the general results of the experiment. Although upwards of 50 explosions from shells and car- tridge cases took place on board the York during the firing, yet upon no one occasion was that ship set on fire. This fact ought not however to induce officers to suppose that this will not be the frequent result firom the effect of shells, as the butts and ships that have been on former occasions placed as targets for the Excellent, upon which to try the efficiency of shells, have been repeatedly set on fire from the shells lodg- ing and bursting in them ; but the York was so weak and generally decayed, that many shells passed through her sides that would have lodged and burst in those of a sound service- able ship. The cartridge cases were firequently struck by splinters, and knocked down by the concussion of shells bursting ; but CARRIED ON SHIPS DECKS. 93 out of upwards of 150 powder cases that were about the decks of the York, only 5 were exploded. Two of these cases were exploded at different times, when the second case which was separated from the other by the canvas bag was not exploded ; the other 3 cases were found exploded at the same time, but whether they were all 3 exploded by the same shell, or whether the third case had been exploded by a previous shell, there was no means of properly determining, as the smoke from the charge in a shell mixed with that from the powder in a case when they were exploded, so that the difference could not be observed from a distance, and there was not time to have inspected the ship after every round. The fore- going statement shews the great security of the leather pow- der cases; but as such explosions when they did occur might be disastrous, particularly so if occurring whilst the powder boys were serving the guns : it was proposed either to lessen the present amount of 3 broadsides of powder that are at present carried on ships' decks, to 2 broadsides, or to lessen the danger, and at the same time to retain the present amount of powder by directing that the stationary powdermen should hang the cases containing the reserved cartridges to the mid- stanchions, instead of carrying them over the shoulder as here- tofore, thus preventing the chance of a double explosion at any time : this latter proposal has been adopted. Many shells during the firing were struck by the splinters caused by shells bursting in the ship, as well as by splinters comino- from the ship's side, and some of the shells so struck were thrown considerable distances, and others from one deck to another, but they were all picked up uninjured; however, there were two shells (Moorsom's 6-inch) struck directly by 94 ON THE SECURITY OF SHELLS AND POWDER CARRIED ON SHIPS' DECKS. two 10-inch shells, though they were the only shells so struck during the whole of the firing. These two shells were broken by the concussion, but into only 4 or 5 pieces, all of which were found close at hand, thus proving that they were broken up without violence. One of the 10-inch shells just spoken of, was itself broken by the concussion with the 6-inch shell, and there were 4 other shells, all 6-inch, broken by coming into contact with iron knees, but the whole 5 were broken into only a few pieces, and although the powder was afterwards exploded, yet the danger of these shells, as well as of the two that were struck, was gone. The explosion of the bursting charges of these shells caused, however, all the inconvenience arising from smoke on ships' decks, the result of experiments upon which, will be found elsewhere. A further trial, and a more lengthened report on the effect of a shot striking a shell, will also be found elsewhere, all tending to show that shells may be carried between the beams, or on ships' decks, with nearly perfect impunity, and that the greatest evil will be that caused by the smoke arising from the ignition of the powder that was contained in the shell, after the shell itself has broken up. ON THE BFFECT OF A SHOT STRIKING A SHELL. 95 The followmg experiments m 1847 and 1853, have taken place m order to ascertain the effect of a shot striking a shell. 1847. First experiment on the effect of a shot striking a shell. Sixteen shells were piled on the top of each other on the mud, about 40 yards from the Excellent, and a 32-pr. shot was fired at them from the 56cwt, gun, with the 6lb. charge : the result was, that the shot on striking the pile broke one of the shells, and elicited a spark, which exploded the powder and scattered the other sheUs : it did not appear, however, to ex- plode with the same force as when burst in the usual manner j the pieces also were not thrown so far, and were much larger than usual. This experiment was repeated with a similar result. A shell was then placed on the mud and exploded by Bickford's fuze, to compare its explosion with that of the shells: struck by the shot : it was found to explode with much greater violence, the report of explosion being much sharper, the number of pieces into which the shell was broken being mucb more numerous, and many of them thrown to considerable distances. It follows from this experiment, that a shell is broken by a shot striking it, and that although the powder contained in it is ignited, yet that most probably takes place after the shell has broken up, consequently, the pieces having only the force 96 ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT STRIKING A SHELL. received from the shot striking the shell, [will do com- paratively but very little damage if the shells are kept in the rear of the guns, as the pieces would be driven to the opposite or unengaged side of the deck. As it is necessary that a supply of shells should be on deck when going into action, the chance of their being'struck by shot will be very much lessened if they are triced close up between the beams amidships, inside a fore-and-aft carline, or on a plank placed across the hatchways, inside the com- ings, on a level with the deck, or between the knees of the bitts; thus placed, shells may be considered very secure, as only a shot directly at right angles with the side could strike them, and then only after having passed through the side at the shelf-piece. ON THE Bft-BCT OF A SHOT STRIKING A SHELL. 97 1853. Second experiment on the effect of a shot strikmg a shell. Shot were fired from a 56-cwt. 32-pr. gun, with 101b. charges, from the lower deck of the Excellent at 32-pr. shells, fitted with time fuzes, and at 8-inch hollow shot, as it was considerd unadvisable to fire at 8-inch shells, from the close- ness of the ship to the Dockyard. These shells and hollow shot, were placed on the mud abreast the ship, at 60 yards distance irom the gun, and in the manner that will be stated. First. — Sixteen 32-pr. shells, filled with the regular bursting charge of lib., and fitted indiscriminately with 3-inch and short range fuzes, were piled in their boxes in 4 tiers of 4 each (the one tier above the other), so as to present a surface of 16 boxes, and a thickness of one box to the gun. The first shot on being fired, broke the shell to pieces that it came into immediate contact with, and the powder contained in it exploded, but with little or no report, and all the parts of this shell ranged onwards, apparently unaffected by the explosion of the bursting charge.. The pile of shells was scattered, many boxes were broken up, and several of the shells forced out of their tin strappings. About | of a second after the dislodgement of the shells, a second shell exploded on the mud, and a J of a second still later, a third shell ex- ploded also on the mud, the 2nd and the 3rd shells bursting in the usual manner. One of the remaining 13 shells had the cap of its fuze knocked off, but the others were uninjured. H 98 ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT STRIKING A SHELL. A second shot was fired with a similar result as to break- ing the shell it came into immediate contact with, the ex- ploding of the powder without force, and the ranging onwards of all the pieces of the broken shell ; but this time only one shell other than the one that was broken to pieces, burst after the dislodgement of the pile. The remaining 14 shells were uninjured further than that some of them were forced out of their tin strappings. The closeness with which the sixteen shells^ were placed together, most probably gives the reason that two shells burst after the first one had been broken by the first shot, and also that one shell burst after the first one had been broken by the second shot ; but such a case as this could not happen in a ship, as the shells that are kept overhead between the beams are stowed separately. In order to prove the foregoing statement, a number of 32-pr. shells, fitted with the same fuzes, and 32-pr. empty shell boxes were piled together at the same distance from the gun as before, in such a manner that between every two full boxes, there was an empty one : a 32-pr. shot with a lOlb. charge was then fired, so as to strike a full box, and the result was, that although the shell so struck was broken, and the powder contained in it exploded, yet that the other shells were uninjured. Secondly. — Nine 8-inch 56lb. hollow shot, were then piled in 8-inch shell boxes, in 3 tiers of 3 each, in the same manner as the 32-pr. shells had been piled before. ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT STRIKING A SHELL. 99 The first shot on being fired, broke two of the hollow shot to pieces, and all those pieces were observed to range on- wards, some of them as far as 500 yards. The other shot were scattered but not injured. A second shot was fired, when only one 8-inch shot was broken to pieces, the other results being the same as before. In the preceding experiments, it could not be ascertained whether the 32-pr. shot that were fired, were themselves broken by the concussion, but it was proved, that the efiect of a shot striking a shell with a high velocity is, that the shell so struck is invariably broken to pieces, and that although the powder is thereby ignited, certainly causing, if between decks, all the inconvenience of the smoke, yet that the danger, of the shell from the pieces all ranging onwards, is all but gone. h2 100 ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT STBIKING A SHELL. 1853. Third Experiment on the effect of a shot striking a shell. During the experimental shot and shell firing at the York, distant 1250 yards ftom the Excellent, two 6-ineh Moorsom's shells were struck, one of them by a Moorsom's 10-inch shell, and the other by a 10-inch shell fitted with a 3-inch uncut metal fuze. Both these 10-inch shells were fired with the regular 12lb. charge, and with the following result: First. — The 10-inch Moorsom's shell. Passed through the 12th port on the main deck, cutting half its diameter through the lower port-sill, struck a beam on the opposite side of the deck, exactly where a 6-inch Moorsom's shell was triced up, much injuring the beam; it then passed through the opposite side and burst some 5 yards - beyond the ship. The 6-inch shell struck was found on the deck broken into large pieces, and although the powder con- tained in it had exploded, yet from the large size and cold state of those pieces, the shell must have broken up before that explosion took place. Secondly. — The 10-inch shell fitted with a 3-inch uncut metal fuze. Passed through the side on the orlop deck, struck a 32-pr. Moorsom's shell from off the top of the pile of shells placed on that deck, broke, and then the powder exploded, smoke being seen but no report of explosion heard; and as this 10-inch shell broke into but 5 pieces, it may safely be de- cided that it was broken before the powder exploded. The ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT STRIKING A SHELL. 101 32-pr. shell struck was also broken, and into only 6 pieces, but the powder contained in it was not exploded, as powder was found in one of the parts of the broken shell. This part weighed 13lbs., and contained the fuze, which is another proof that this shell was broken by being struck, as shells bursting in the usual manner always break up at the fuze hole. The conclusion to be drawn from this experiment is, that shells struck by shot having only small velocities will be broken thereby, in the same manner as they have already been proved to do when struck by shot having high velocities, and that their power as shells is equally gone. In order to shew more clearly that shells which are struck by shot or shells, or which themselves strike against iron knees, are broken before the explosion of the powder con- tained in them takes place, the following extracts have been made from various experiments to shew the difference between shells so broken and shells that burst in the usual manner. The difference of effect is thus shewn with the 6, 8, and 10- inch shells, one of each of which had been burst on board the York, in an enclosed place, and the pieces carefully collected. First. — ^With 6-inch shells which contain a bursting charge of lib., and whose weight when empty is 22ilbs. H.J 102 ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT STRIKING A SHELL. A SHELL, BURST IN THE A MOORSOm's SHELL BROKEN USUAL MANNER. BY A 10-INCH SHOT Largest piece weighed 2 fibs. 2nd }> }} 2^ 3, 2nd 33 3rd }} 33 li 3, 3rd )3 4th )) 33 li33 4th 33 5th » 33 U33 5th 3> and so on smaller, and allow- ing one splinter for the ^Ib. of iron that was missing, and one for the fuze made a TOTAL 24 SPLINTERS Largest piece weighed 13lbs. 33 5 33 33 2-1 „ 33 1 33 33 a 33 The above makes 22lbs., and allowing one splinter for the missing ^Ib. of iron, and one for the fuze makes a TOTAL 7 SPLINTERS. Secondly. — With 8-inch shells which contain a bursting charge of 2^1bs., and whose weight when empty is 48lbs. A SHELL BURST IN THE USUAL MANNER. Largest piece weighed 5lbs. 2nd „ „ 4i „ 3rd „ „ 4i „ 4th „ „ 4 „ 5th „ „ 3f „ 6th „ „ 3^ „ and so on smaller, and allow- ing one splinter for the 2lbs. of iron that was missing, and one for the fuze, made a TOTAL 22 SPLINTERS. A SHELL BROKEN BY A 32-PR. SHOT. Largest piece weighed 21^1bs. 2nd „ „ 10 „ orcl ,9 9, "2 4th 33 33 33 33 33 33 '2 33 &2 S3 The above 4 pieces make 46|lbs. ; therefore, allowing one splinter for the missing l^lbs. of iron, and one for the fuze, makes a TOTAL 6 SPLINTERS. OK THE EFFECT OF A SHOT BTBIKING A SHELL. 103 Thirdly. — ^With 1 0-inch shells, which contain a bursting charge of S^ibs., and whose weight when empty is 80lbs. A SHELL BURST IN THE A SHELL BROKEN BY STRIK- USUAL MANNER, ING A 6-INCH SHELL. The larger portions of Largest piece weighed 38lbs. this shell 2nd „ „ 23^ „ were not' weighed. 3rd „ „ 16^ „ 34 pieces of this shellj weigh- The above 3 pieces left only ing together 74lbs., also the 2lbs.' wanting of the whole fuze, were found, and allow- shell, and which formed appa- ing 3 splinters for the 6lbs. rently two portions of it, and of iron missing, made a allowing a third for the fuze, makes a TOTAL 38 SPLINTERS. TOTAL 6 SPLINTERS. These and other experiments substantiate most satisfac- torily, that when a shell breaks up fi:om being struck by a shot or shell fired into the ship, or by striking against an iron knee, that it is broken into but 6 or 7 splinters, the largest consisting generally of about half the shell, and that it is broken up without violence, as the pieces of the shell are always to be found close at hand. Whereas on the contrary : When a shell is burst in the usual manner, it breaks up with great violence into many pieces, varying in number from 20 to 40, some of which are thrown to distances varying from 300 to 500 yards, according to the size of the shell. 104 ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT PENETRATING INTO 1853. The followmg experiments were carried out to ascertain the effect of a shot penetrating into a shell magazine. For this purpose the following solid masses of Moorsom's and time-fuzed shells were fired into by a shot with a small charge, to allow for the reduced velocity that a shot would have after having passed through the side of a ship with a high charge, which it certainly must do before it could by any possibility reach the shell magazine. These masses each consisted of 82 shells, of which 32 were (8-inch), and 50 (6-inch) shells, and they were piled in the following manner : 1st tier — 16 (S-incli) shells in 4 tiers of i each — the one above the other. 2nd tier — 25 (6-inch) shells in 5 tiers of 5 each — the one above the other. 3rd tier — 16 (8 -inch) shells in 4 tiers of 4 each — the one above the other. 4th tier — 25 (6-inch shells in 5 tiers of 5 each — the one above the other. These four tiers of shells were placed the one in the rear of the other, and as close together as the boxes would allow, the 1st tier (8-inch shells) being nearest the gun upon each oc- casion. Mrst experiment. Moorsom's shells. 82 Moorsom's shells were piled in the manner just stated, on the orlop deck of the Yorlc, and fired into by a 32-pr. shot A SHELL MAGAZINE. 105 with a 4lb. charge, from a distance of- 25 yards. The shells were on the fore part of the deck, and the gun, a 25cwt. 32-pr., was aft. The result was, that the shot, 2 (S-inch) and 2 (6-inch) shells were broken, and the powder contained in them ex- ploded, but that the remaining 78 shells, 7 of which were how- ever out of their strappings, were uninjured. There was, as might be expected, a great destruction of boxes, as the whole mass of shells was overthrown. This experiment with Moorsom's shells, was repeated in the presence of Prince Albert, with precisely similar results j the shot, 2 (8-inch) and 2 (6-inch) shells being broken, and the powder contained in them exploded, but the remaining 78 shells being uninjured. Second experwient. Shells with time fuzes. 82 shells fitted indiscriminately with 3-inch and short range fuzes, were piled on the shingle beach near Stokes' Bay, and fired into in the same manner exactly as the two piles of Moorsom's shells had been on board the York. The result was, that the shot, one 8-inch and one 6-inch shell were broken, and the powder contained in them exploded, and that one 8-inch and one 6-inch shell burst in the usual manner. 106 ON THE EFFECT OF A SHOT PENETRATING INTO A SHELL MAGAZINE. These last two shells, the first of which (8-inch) burst about 8 seconds, and the second (6-inch) about 2 seconds after the dislodgement of the pile of shells, must have had the caps of their fuzes knocked off on the first concussion of the shot, and their fuzes ignited by the explosion of the bursting charges of the two shells that were broken. One other 8-inch shell had the cap of its fuze struck off, but the remaining 77 shells were uninjured. The conclusion to be drawn from the preceding experi- ments is, that should a shot penetrate into a ship's shell maga- zine, which is most improbable, that comparatively small damage would result therefrom, and it is clearly shewn, that Moorsom's shells would be safer in such a case than shells fitted with time fuzes. ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. 10/ 1847. To ascertain the comparative efficiency of shells fitted with wooden and metal fuzea. First. — ^The quantity of powder required to burst 6 and 8-inch shells, fitted with these fuzes, was taken as a fair test of the resistance afforded by them, the diameter of the wooden fuze being 1*2 inches, and that of the metal fuze "9 of an inch. The following were the results. The 6-inch shell with the wooden fiize, required 14ozs. of powder to burst it, but the shell with the metal fuze burst with 5ozs., the regular bursting charge of 6-inch shells being lib. The 8-inch shell with the wooden fuze, required 22ozs. of powder to burst it, but the shell with the metal fuze burst with 16ozs., the regular bursting charge of 8-inch shells at this time being 2lbs. Secondly. — Shells with wooden and metal fuzes were exploded when imbedded in timber, to ascertain the comparative damage likely to be caused b'jr them ; the following were the results. 1. A 6-inch shell of each The shell with the wooden kind was placed between two fuze did not burst, tonse- 5-inch ship timbers, bolted to^ quently no injury was done gether with two bolts, and to the timbers. cHnched, one bolt on each side The shell with the metal fuze of the shell. burst, shivering the timbers to pieces. 108 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS, 2. A 6-inch shell of each kind was placed between two small timbers, secured to- gether as before, being, in fact, a repetition of the last trial. The shell with the wooden fuze this time burst, blew a piece of timber off at the scarph, and partiallj drew the bolts. The shell with the metal fuze burst with great violence, breaking the timbers into se- veral pieces. 3. A 6-inch shell of each The shell with the wooden kind was placed between two 5-inch oak planks, secured to- gether with three bolts. fiize burst but did not separate the planks. The shell with the metal fuze burst with great violence, shi- vering the planks to pieces. 4. A 6-inch shell of each kind was placed between two large oak beams, well secured together, with four bolts. The shell with the wooden fuze did not burst, but the explosion from the fuze-hole carried away a small portion of timber, and just started the bolts. The shell with the metal fuze burst with great vio- lence, shivering the timbers to pieces. ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. 109 5. A 6-inch shell of each The shell with the wooden kind was placed between two oak lower deck beams of a line- of-battle ship, well secured to- gether, with four bolts. fuze did not burst, but the explosion from the fuze hole split part of one beam, and started the bolts. The shell with the metal fuze burst with great violence, and tore both beams to pieces. 6. An 8-iuch shell with a wooden fiize, and a6-inch shell with a metal fuze, were placed between two large beams very strongly secured together with four bolts of one-inch iron. The 8-inch shell with the wooden fuze did not burst, consequently no injury was done to the beams. The 6-inch shell with the metal fuze burst with great violence, much breaking both timbers. 7. A second 8-inch shell with wooden fuze was tried when secured as in the last case. The 8-inch shell burst this time, and broke the timbers, to the same extent as the 6-in. shell did in the last instance. These experiments prove the superiority of shells with inetal fiizes over those fitted with wooden ones. It is further to be observed, that 4 shells with wooden fuzes failed alto- gether, out of 7} which is to be attributed to their offering so little resistance, the aperture being so large, the explosion escapes through it. 110 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. 1853. Experiments to ascertain whether the present Naval Service Shells mil burst into a greater Tvmnber of pieces, and consequently with greater force when close filled with powder, than when only contammg their present bursting charges. For this experiment, the following shells were exploded on board the York, and the pieces carefiiUy collected ; each of these shells were fitted with an empty 3-inch fuze, from which the bottom had been removed, and through which the Bickford's fuze was led. Timber and planking were placed round each shell, to retain the pieces on its bursting, being careful at the same time to leave some 30 cubic feet clear space for it to burst in, but both the timber and planking were scattered upon each explosion, though of considerable size and weight ; so much so, that upon no one occasion were all the portions of the shell recovered. The established bursting charge of the 6-inch shell is lib. „ „ 8-inch „ 2i „ „ 1 0-inch „ 5| The 6-inch shell wiQ contain lib. 2oz. when close filled. The 8-inch shell „ 2ilb8 „ „ The 10-inch shell „ 6lbs. „ „ ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. Ill Nature of shell. Num- ber. Burst- ing Charge Num- ber of Splin- ters found. Missing portions of the Shell. 32-pounder or 6-inch shells. 1 2 3 4 lOoz. 14 16 18 11 14 23 20 2lbs of Iron. 2 m m i » » 6i >} jj 8-inch Shells. 1 2 3 4 Hlbs. 24 24 21 26 31 lib. of Iron 2 „ „ 14 „ „ 11 Jibs, of Iron, and the Fuze. 10-inch Shells 1 2 3 4lbs. H 6 20 35 37 lllbs. of Iron, and the Fuze. 6f lbs. of Iron. These experiments clearly shew that shells will burst into a greater number of pieces when close filled with powder, than when only containing their present bursting charges. It there- fore follows, that this practice may be resorted to in some cases with advantage, for not only will shells when close filled burst 112 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. into a greater number of pieces, but their flight will be more ac- curate, and the amount of smoke caused by their bursting will also be greater, an inconvenience which has been proved to be of no small magnitude. However, great care must be taken when close flUing shells to leave sufficient room for the fiize to be screwed taut down, otherwise there may be risk of the shell bursting when the fuze is screwed in, from the fric- tion caused by powder being forced up into the worm of the bushing. ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. 113 1862. Experiments to ascertain the relative value of the present 8 and 10-*»cA, and the Swedish cylmdro-conical 8-inch shells. The relative value of these three shells was shewn in the three following experiments which took place on board the 3fenai, an old 28 gun frigate that had been given up for ex- perimental purposes. The following is the weight and burst- ing charges of the shells under trial. 8-inch shells weigh 5 libs., and their bursting charge is 2^1b8. 10 „ „ 85lbs. „ „ „ 5^1bs. The cylindro-conical 8-inch shells weigh lOOlbs., and their bursting charge is 12lbs. First Experiment. The three shells (one of each kind) were placed in holes cut in the soundest part of the bends of the Menai, which were 18 inches in thickness, and 5-inch oak planking was then strongly bolted over them, both on the outside and on the inside. These shells were then exploded by Bickford's fuze, with the following results : First. — ^The 8-inch shell containing 2^1b8. bursting charge, placed 12 feet before the gangway, and just below the main deck beams, caused the following damage. An open hole nearly o^r li-.r Outside planking and of 10 inches in diam; i :•, 7 inch Oak. and the wood injured to an extent of 3 feet in all. 114 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLSr The timbers between which the shell was placed, were uninjured. An open hole similar to the Inside planking one in the outside planking, 5-inch oak. but otherwise not much in- jured. The shelf piece was cut through and injured to an extent of 4 feet in all. Secondly. — ^The 10-inch shell containing 5^1bs. bursting charge, placed in the side abreast the fore hatchway, and just below the main deck beams, was exploded. Depth 2 feet open, and 3| Outside planking feet in all, much injured. 7-inch oak. Length 1 foot open, and 4 feet in all, much injured. The timbers between which the shell was placed were uninjured. Depth 2 feet open, and 3| Inside planking feet in all, much injured. 5-inch oak. Length 2 feet open, and 4 feet in all, much injured. The shelf-piece was uninjured. ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. 115 Thirdly. — ^The cylindro-conical 8-inch shell containing 12lbs. bursting charge, placed (point inwards) abreast the after bitts, and very nearly on a level with the main deck beams, was exploded. From 3 to 6 feet in depth, Outside planking and from 4 to 7 feet in length, 7-inch oak. an irregular hole, but the planking nearly wholly gone to this extent. The timbers between which the shell was placed, were broken. From 2 to 4 feet in depth, and Inside planking from 4 to 6 feet in length, 5-inch oak. very much broken, the greater part had in fact disappeared. Four feet of the shelf-piece, and 4 feet of the end of one of the main deck beams, were also broken away. The water- ways and the two outer planks, were likewise much torn and injured. Second Experiment. A 10-inch and a cylindro-conical 8-inch shell, were sus- pended on the lower deck of the Menai, to the beams, at the x2 116 ON TBS EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. height of 3 feet from the deck, the 10-inch shell on the star- board side, and the cylindro-conical shell on the port side abreast the fore hatchway, and exactly opposite each other. In this position they were exploded with the following results. First. — the 10-inch shell, 5^1bs. bursting charge. Half cut through the beam to which it had been sus- pended, and blew up the main deck planking (3-inch fir), so that an open hole 3 feet wide by 9 in length was made, and the deck in all much broken for an extent of 4 feet in width by 12 in length. The deck under the shell, was not in- jured, although the shell was suspended as nearly midway between the deck above and the deck below, as possible. Secondly. — The cylindro-conical 8-inch shell I2lbs. bursting charge. Half cut through the beam to which it had been suspended, and blew up the main deck planking (3-inch fir), so that an open hole 4^ feet wide by 9 in length was made, and the deck in all much broken for an extent of 5 J feet in width by 15 in length. On this occasion also, the deck under the shell was uninjured. Third experiment. A 10-inch and a cylindro-conical 8-inch shell, were placed on the deck (5-inch oak) on the outside of the foremost bitts, ON THE EPFICIKNCY OF SHELLS. Il7 and touching them and the standard to the bitts (8-inch oak by 13) at the same time. The 10-inch shell was upon one side, and the cylmdro-conical shell on the opposite side of the main deck, and in this position they were exploded, with the following results. First.— The 10-inch shell, S^lbs. bursting charge. Broke through the deck underneath, making an open hole 2 feet in width by 3 in length, and shook the deck overhead, starting the planking. The standard to the bitts was half broken off. Secondly. — The cylindro-conical 8-inch shell, 12lbs. bursting charge. Broke through the deck underneath, making an open hole one foot in width by 2| in length, and one part of the shell went through the lower deck, making a hole about one foot in diameter. Two of the forecastle beams overhead were half broken through, and the deck much torn up and injured for an extent of 8 feet in width by 12 in length. The standard to the bitts was broken off. From the preceding experiments which have been since repeated (1853) on board the York, with very similar results, it appears that the amount of damage done to ships by shells, i3 118 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SHELLS. 1 depends altogether upon their bursting charges of powder, the cylindro-conical shell with I2lbs of powder, being more effective than two 10-inch shells, one 1 0-inch shell more effective than two 8-inch shells, and one 8-inch shell more effective than two 6-inch shells. During these experiments, fighting lanterns were placed amidships along the decks of the Menai, and cartridge cases containing 81b. charges hung to the beams, near to where the shells were burst, the results of which will be foimd under the head of experiments " On fighting lanterns," and " On the security of the leather cartridge cases." The parts of the Menai where the preceding experiments were carried out, were in good condition, but from her other- wise shattered state &om other experiments, it was not pos- sible to form a correct judgment of the relative damage done by the splinters of the different shells, but the cylindro-conical shells certainly break up into much larger fragments than the other shells, being in fact, in number, less than those of the common 8-inch shell, and consequently much less than those of the 10-inch shell. ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FUZES. 119 1850. Experiment to ascertain the time required to fit fuzes. For this purpose^ the common saw and drill and a vice were used, and the fuzes were first fitted by the blacksmith and then by seaman gunners unpractised to such work, to shew the difference of time required. First — Time required to cut Blacksmith-^18 seconds, oj^ a 4-inch fuze at the Ij Seaman gunner — 1 min. and inches mark. 48 seconds. Secondly — ^Time required to Blacksmith — 8 seconds. cut into a 3-inch fuze, so Seaman gunner — 18 seconds, as just to touch the com- position. Thirdly — ^Time required to Blacksmith — 16 seconds. bare into a 3-inch fiize, so Seaman gunner — 1 min. and as just to touch the com- 3 seconds, position. Fourthly — Time required to bore out one inch of fuze composition. Blacksmith — 8 seconds. Seaman gunner — 11 seconds. Fifthly — ^Time required to bore out one inch of mealed powder. Blacksmith — 12 seconds. Seaman gunner — 18 seconds. 120 ON THE EFFICIEMCY OF FUZES. From this experiment it appears, that a fuze may be fitted in less than half a minute, but that an inexperienced person will certainly take longer. It is also shewn, that the 3-inch fuzes may be cut info quicker than they can be bored into, and as the drills have been frequently broken in the fuzes through inexperience, the plan of cutting into them has been generally preferred; but care must be taken not to cut deeper than just to touch the composition, otherwise the fuze is liable to break off at that point, from the concussion on firing, and the composition being thereby disturbed, the shell will burst pre- maturely. ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FUZES. 121 1852.. Uxperimenton the ignition of faxes. In consequence of the report that shells fired by the Foos, during the Burmese war, had failed from the fuzes not igniting, a number of 4 and 3-inch fuzes equally selected from the fol- lowing ships, were screwed into 6 and 8-inch shells, and fired with various charges from the guns of this ship. Growler from the Mediterranean station. Encounter, Home station, Channel squadron. Arrogant, Home station, Channel squadron. Archer from the Coast of Africa. The result proved the 4-inch fuzes with the priming un- touched, to be all good, but of the 3-inch fuzes with the priming untouched, 8 failed out of 16. To obviate this evil, it was proposed that the caps of fuzes should be fitted with a pricker, so as to disturb the priming on its being taken off, and the caps of sixteen 3-inch fuzes having been thus fitted, 1 5 proved good out of the 1 6. Further experiments were carried out with a like satis- factory result, fully establishing the efficiency of the cap with the pricker, and they have been, accordingly, ordered to be fitted to all fuzes. 122 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FUZES. In order to show more clearly that the shells failed from the fuzes not igniting, a well-lighted match was passed over a number of 4 and 3-inch fuzes that had the priming un- touched, when several of them failed to ignite ; a number of fuzes that had their caps fitted with the pricker were then put to the same test, and all ignited instantly. During the experiments it was found that some of the fiizes burnt longer than they should have done, and as fuzes that have been long on board ship are well known to be liable to be affected in this manner, it suggests the propriety, in such cases, of burning out 3 or 4 fuzes before hand, to ascertain how they burn, more especially should accurate shell firing be required to ensure success. It is to be remarked, that although the 4-inch fuzes acted well without having the priming disturbed in the Eaicellenfs experiments, yet in those at Woolwich they failed as often as the 3-inch fuzes. ox THE EFFICIENCY OF FU2S8. 123 1853. On the efficiency of shells with Z-mch fuzes. During the experiments at the Ym-k distant 1200 yards from the Excellent, 14 shells with 3-inch unfitted fuzes were fired to ascertain their efficiency. These shells were 10, 8, and 6-inch, and they were fired with 12, 10, and 8lb. charges respectively. The time of flight at 1200 yards with the charges mentioned, is much about the same for all these shells, i.e. 4 seconds, whereas a 3-inch fuze when unfitted burns 7i seconds. The following was the result of this experiment : 7 shells Lodged in the ship and burst after an interval of firom 2 to 6 seconds. 1 shell. Passed through the side and struck another shell, which caused both to break, and the powder contained in them to explode. 3 shells. Lodged in the ship but did not burst, although the fuzes were found to have burnt right through. 3 shells. Passed through both sides and lodged in the water just beyond the ship, and did not ^^"~~'~~"^~"^~~~ burst. TOTAL 14 SHELLS. Ii24 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FUZES. From this experiment it appears, that 7 shells (omitting the one that broke) burst out of 13, which gives an average of 54 per cent, but as 3 shells did not burst after having lodged in the ship, although their fuzes burnt right through, it follows, that the number of bursts should have been 10 instead of 7 out of 13, which would have given 77 instead of 54 per cent. The following are the principal causes of failure of shells with time fuzes. Ist — In the hurry of loading the cap of the fuze may not be taken off. 2nd — The fuze may not ignite. 3rd — The fuze may be extinguished on striking the water. 4th — The fuze may be extinguished by being plugged up on passing through a ship's side. 5th — The shell may not burst although the fuze is burnt right through. But with all these chances of failure, shells with time fuzes are effective and useful, and although inferior to Moorsom's shells for firing against ships, yet time fuzes are still supplied for firing against troops, or for such cases where it may be desirable to burst a shell short of the object. ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FUZES. 125 From experiments it appeared, that the reason the 3 sheila did not burst, although the fuzes had burnt right through, was, that the holes in the lower end of the fuzes were not of sufficient size to ensure the passing through of the flame into the shell, from dross accumulating at the bottom, and as these holes in many of the time fuzes are at present of the same small size, it has been ordered that they shall be increased in in all fiizes to '22 of an ineh in diameter, and it has been further ordered, that 3-inch fuzes are for the future to be graduated in the same manner as the 4-iuch fuzes are at present. When 3-inch fuzes are fitted for the distance of the object they act with great certainty, but both time and care are re- quired in the fitting, and as the length of fuze depends alto- gether on the distance of the object, it follows, that these fuzes could be but in very rare instances prepared before going into action, and they must therefore be generally used as they are supplied in the shells without any fitting, and the shells left to burst after lodging. The 4-inch fuzps may also be used both fitted and un- fitted for the distance of the object, but the 3-inch fuzes should be preferred when their time of flight of 71 seconds will admit, as they burn more correctly, and are less liable to be put out on striking the water, as the mealed powder with which they are driven burns more fiercely than the fuze com- position. 126 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FUZES. 1851. On the efficiency of Moorsom's percussion fuzes. Shells fitted with Moorsom's percussion fuzes after a very extensive series of experiments were finally established in H. M. Service in the year 1851. The following observations and instructions for the use of shells fitted with these fuzes, commonly called Moorsom's shells, have been laid down for general guidance. First. — Moorsom's shells are quite safe in the handling, being perfectly secure against any accidental fall, even though out of its box and upon iron, but should any of these shells be recovered after having been fired from a gun great care must then be taken that they do not fall, as their explosion would be thereby risked. Secondly. — ^They can be used when firing against a hard sub- stance such as a ship's side, and at all distances, but they will not answer for mortar or any vertical shell firing as the terminal velocity is not great enough to ensure their bursting upon striking the ground. Thirdly. — In direct firing, they burst generally about 3 or 4 feet inside the ship, after having passed through, her side, but they will sometimes burst even whilst passing through the side itself. Fourthly. — The per centage of bursts on striking a ship with these shells is on an average 85, but they act more cer- tainly and more rapidly when fired with high charges, than with low ones. ON THK EFFICIBNCY OF FITZES. 127 Fifthly, — ^They will stand ricochet firing in smooth water (in {(U weathers when such practice ought to be resorted to), but when there is any sea, or when fired with depression, (below the horizon) such as from a large ship's upper deck at a near object, they will occasionally burst upon striking the water. 1853. Expermient to prove the efficiency of MoorsorrCs fuzes. In this year the efficiency of 6, 8, and 10-inch shells, with various fuzes, was tried against the Yorh, an old 74 gun ship that had been given over for various experimental pur- poses, distant 1 200 yards from the Mxcellent, and amongst these shells were 35 fitted with Moorsom's fuzes, of which 2 missed the object, and 3 were broken by striking against iron knees, thus leaving 30 that regularly struck the ship. Of these 30 shells, 19 burst, thus giving an average of only 64 per cent ; but as the object fired at was in a bad and de- cayed state, not offering the hard resisting substance necessary for Moorsom's shells to act with proper effect, the experiment was considered perfectly satisfactory. This experiment with Moorsom's shells is here given as it is the latest that has taken place against a ship ; but all the experiments with these shells since their first establishment in 1851, have been also perfectly satisfactory: the latest trial took place against the chalk cliffs forming the Needle Rocks, distant 700 yards, when 30 shells fired with high charges, all burst on striking ; and out of 20 shells with low charges 15 burst; 3 broke and then the powder exploded; and the other 2 broke but the powder did not explode. 128 ON THE PENETRATION OF The foUowmg experiments m 1847 and 1849 were cmrried out to ascertam the penetration of si/agle shot from carronades, and of double shot from long gims. 1847. — Experiments on the Penetration af single cmd double shot. A double section butt, each side of which was of oak, and ji4 inches in thickness, was built for this purpose, and having been placed at the distance of 470 yards from the Excellent, was fired at with the following results. 1st. — A shot fired from a 32-pr. carronade, charge 2lbs. lOoz. penetrated the first side, and buried itself to the d6pth of 4 inches in the opposite side, making a total penetration of 28 inches. 2nd. — A 56lb. hollow shot, fired from an 8-inch carronade, charge 5lbs., penetrated the first side, and buried itself to the depth of 8 inches in the opposite side, making a total penetration of 32 inches. 3rd. — Double shot were fired from a 25cwt. 32-pr, gun, charge 2 jibs. One shot penetrated through the first side, and dropped, and the other buried itself in the first side. 4th. — Double shot were fired from a 42-cwt. 32-pr. gun, charge 4lbs. Both shot passed through the first side, and one indented the opposite side, but the other dropped down. SINGLE AND DOUBLE SHOT. 129 5th. — Double shot were fired from a 56cwt. 32-pr, gun, charge 6lbs. One shot passed through both sides, and the other after passing through the first side, buried itself in the second. This experiment shows, that the 56cwt. 32-pr. gun, with the 6lb. charge may be double shotted, as far as 400 yards,* with a certainty of penetration, but that the 42cwt. 32-pr. gun, with the 4lb. ' charge, should not be double shotted farther than 300 yards, nor the 25cwt. 32-pr. gun, with the 2^1b. charge, farther than 200 yards. 130 ON THE PENETRATION OF 1849. — On the penetration of Double Shot. This was an experiment to ascertain whether double shot fired from the 65cwt. 8-in. gun, with the small charge of 5lbs. its regular reduced charge, would penetrate the side of a line- of-battle ship, the weight of the two shot being 112lbs. A butt, 8 feet in length, by 6 feet in height, of the same thickness as a line-of-battle ship on the lower deck, was built for this purpose, of good oak timber, strongly bolted together, and it was placed at the distance of 200 yards from the Excellent. The following four rounds, double shotted, were then fired from the 65cwt. 8-in. gun. 1st. — Both shot passed through, and only 18 inches apart, and ranged on ; one to 280, and the other to 300 yards beyond the butt. 2nd. — One shot passed through, and ranged 50 yards beyond the butt : the other shot missed. 3rd. — One shot passed through, and ranged 60 yards be- yond the butt: the other shot missed. 4th, — Both shot passed through, and ranged on ; one to 150 and the other to 300 yards beyond the butt. Three portions of the lower mast of a line-of-battle ship, of three feet in diameter, were then firmly fixed, side by side. SINGL£ AND DOUBLE SHOT. 131 on a platform which was placed at the same distance from the Excellent (200 yards,) as the butt had been. The following practice then took place :— 1st. — Double shot were fired from a 65cwt. 8-inch gun, charge 5lbs. One of the shot missed, but the other struck about the centre of the centre mast, grazed a bolt, which turned it in a diagonal direction, and pene- trated in all to a depth of 28 inches, bursting two of the hoops, and driving a large portion of the mast off in the opposite direction. The mast was so injured that it must have fallen. 2nd. — ^A shell, fitted with a short range fuze, was fired from a 32-pr. carronade, with the small charge of l^lbs., so as to lodge it in the mast. It penetrated to the centre of the right hand mast, and instantly- exploded, blowing a large' portion of the mast out- wards, and rending it at the sides, by which it was so injured, that it must have fallen ; in fact, the effect produced by the 6-inch shell, was much the same as that produced by the 8-inch shot. The experiment against the butt, with double shot, from the 65cwt. 8-in. gun, satisfactorily proved, that two 8-inch shot, fired with the 5lb. charge, will penetrate a line-of-battle ship's side, at a distance of 200 yards. An experiment as to the safely of "double shotting" the 60 and 65cwt. 8-inch guns, and on the penetration of shot and shell when fired together from those guns, was tried at Woolwich, shortly after this experiment, and will be found under the head of experiments " On double shotting." k2 132 ON THE PEWETRATION OF SHOT AND SHELL. 1853. — On the penetration of shot and shell with different charges, at the distance of 1200 yards. During the experimental firing from the Excellent at the York, an old 'J4 gun ship, distant 1200 yards, the following 110 rounds of shot and shell struck that ship. — 10 68-pr. solid shot, with 16lb. charges. 10 32-pr. soKd shot with lOlb. „ 10 10-inch shell with 12lb. „ 34 8-inch shell with lOlb. „ 7 8-inch shell with 5lb. „ 31 6-inch shell with 8lb. „ 8 6-inch shell with 6lb. „ The result of a careful examination of the practice with the different guns, gives the following as the average pene- tration of shot and shell into good oak timber, at 1200 yards distance, with direct firing. 68-pr. solid shot, with 16lb. charges 45 inches. 32-pr. solid shot, with lOlb. charges 30 10-inch shell, with 12lb. charges 35 8-inch shell, with lOlb. charges 30 8-inch shell, with 5lb. charges 20 6-inch shell, with 8lb. charges 25 6-inch shell, with 6lb. charges 20 ON THE PENETBATtON OF SHOT 133 BELOW THE WATER-LINE. The following eosperiments m 1848 and 1853, have taken place to ascertain whether shot will pene- trate a ship's side below the water line. 184i8. First experiment on the penetration of shot below the water line. Three targets were placed between piles driven in the mud at the distance of 8 feet from each other, the first being 37 yards from the muzzle of the gun. The first and second targets were of one-inch fir planking, and the third was of canvas. 32-pr. shot with lOlb. charges from the 56cwt. gun, were used throughout these experiments, and for the following three shot, the second target was so placed that the axis of the gun pointed for the foot of it when it had 7° depression, and the shot were fired when the water had risen one, two, and three feet respectively above that pfiint. First shot at 7° depression ; the water risen one foot. Struck the first target at the water's edge, but passed through the second a foot above, and through the third 18 inches above the water. Second shot at 7° de.pression ; the water risen two feet. Struck the water about 8 feet short of the first target, but rose and passed through it 6 inches above the water, through the second at 19 inches, and through the third at 33 inches above the water. k 3 134 ON THE PENETRATION OF SHOT Third shot at 7° depression ; the water risen three feet. Struck the water about 17 feet short of the first target, rose and passed through it 3 feet above the water, through the second at 3ft. 9in., and through the third at 4ft. 6in. above the water. Neither of these three shot ricochetted more than once after rising from the water, and that at about 800 yards, with a time of flight of from 7 to 9 seconds, thus proving the great loss of velocity. The gun was afterwards fired with a depression of 9°, but the shot did not again rise above the surface ; it was found to have passed through the first target two feet below the water, to have grazed along the mud, and then to have rebounded from the second target, having en- tirely lost its force. Shot were then fired at 7° depression at the mud, when covered with water to different depths. First. — When covered with one foot of water. The shot grazed along the mud for about 8 feet, then rose, and fell again at a distance of 400 yards. Second. — When covered with eighteen inches of water. The shot did not rise but buried itself in the mud. Third. — When covered with two feet of water. The shot did not reach the bottom, but rose and fell about 600 yards off*. A second shot was fired with a similar result ; thus proving that shot at 7° depression, do not penetrate to a greater depth than 2 feet below the surface of the water. BELOW THE WATER-LINK. 135 1848. Second, experiment on the penetration of shot below the water line. During the experiments against the Leviathan, an old 74. gun ship, the following shot were fired with lOlb. charges, from a 56cwt. 32-pr. gun, mounted in a lump, made fast close to that ship, to ascertain the penetration of shot below the water line, at 5° and 7° depression. The parts of the Leviathan fired at during this experiment were much decayed. First. — Four shot were fired at 5° depression ; the distance fi:om the gun to the ship being about 24 yards. 1. Struck the water 10 feet from the ship, and penetrated through her side two feet above the water line. 2. Struck the water 6 feet from the ship, and penetrated through her side one foot above the water line. 3. Struck the water 3 or 4 feet from the ship, and penetrated through her side four inches above the water line. 4. Struck the water 2 or 3 feet from the ship, and penetrated through her side two or three inches above the water line, Secondly. — Two shot were fired at 7° depression ; the distance firom the gun to the ship being about 20 yards. 1. Struck the water 16 or 17 feet from the ship, and passed through the decayed wood of the cutwater 3 feet above the water line. 136 ON THE PENETRATION OP SHOT 2. Struck the water 15 feet from the ship, and passed through the decayed wood of the cutwater 3 feet above the water line. Thirdly. — ^Three shot were fired at 7° depression ; the distance from the gun to the ship being 16 yards. 1. Struck the water 4 feet from the ship, and passed into her through the orlop port, the lower part of which, was just level with the water. 2. Struck the water 4 feet from the ship, and penetrated the cutwater ^ its diameter, 18 inches below the water-line. 3. Struck the water 4 feet from the ship, and only indented the wood though that was at the distance of 1 8 inches below the water-line. BELOW THE WATEB-LINK. 137 1853. Third experiment on the penetration of shot below the water line. A target of 4f-inch oak, was placed between two 14-inch piles firmly driven in the mud at the distance of 33 yards from a 32-pr. 56cwt. gun. The following shot were then fired with lOlb. charges, at 5°, 7°i and 9° depression ; and when the water had risen one and two feet above the point for which the axis of the gun was directed. First. — ^Two shot were fired at 5° depression ; both when the water had risen one foot. Struck the water 8 or 9 feet short of the target, and passed through it 5 inches above the water line ; the second graze of the shot was at 900 yards, and it finally lodged at its fourth graze at 1300 yards. 2. Struck the water 6 or 7 feet short of the target, and passed through it at the water-line (half its diameter being above, and the other half below the water) : the second graze of the shot was at 700 yards, with a time of flight of 3 seconds ; and it finally lodged at its sixth graze at 1050 yards. Secondly. — ^Two shot were fired at 7° depres- sion, the first when the water had risen one foot, and the second when it had risen two feet. 138 ON THE PENETRATION OF SHOT 1. Struck the water about 5 feet short of the target, passed through it 6 inches below the water line, and after- wards ranged to 800 yards in two grazes. 2. Struck the water 15 feet short of the target, passed through it 3 inches above the water-line, and afterwards ranged to 700 yards, in two grazes. Thirdly. — Two shot were fired at 9° depression j both when the water had risen two feet. 1. Struck the water about 12 feet short of the target, and passed through it 5 inches below the water-line ; it then rose and lodged some 15 yards in the rear, its force being expended. 2. Struck the water about 13 feet short of the target, and passed through it 9 inches below the water-line ; it then rose and lodged some 15 yards in the rear, as the last one had done. The holes made in the target were about the size of the shot, whether made above or below the water-line, or whether fired at 5°, 7°j or 9° depression. From these experiments it appears, that shot fired at 5°, 7°, or even 9° depression, do little more than bury themselves in the water, from which they rise at uncertain angles with very great loss of force. BELOW THE WATER-LINE. 139 These experiments fully prove the impossibility of in- juring a ship below the water-line, for although it appears that shot will penetrate a short distance below the water, yet that its loss of force is then so great that it will not penetrate a ship's side, and this accounts, in a great measure, for the rare occurrence of a ship having been sunk in action. During the experiments at the York, (1853) distant 1200 yards from the Excellent, 1 1 shot and shell struck that ship, and yet but one at all below the water-line, though many struck near it. This one, was however, a 10-inch Moorsom's shell, which penetrated at the water-line, ^ of its diameter being below the water, and burst after entering the ship : conse- quently, had this happened to a sound serviceable ship, the shell might have burst in the eide itself, and the ship would certainly in such a case have been endangered. 140 ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. 1848. Experiment to ascertavn whether ajimle wad between the two shot is necessary when double shotting gtms. m Many solid shot, during a trial with new 42-pr. guns in the year 1846, were split when those guns were fired double shotted, although a junk wad was upon every occasion placed between the two shot, as per order, the proportion of shot split being one in every three rounds fired ; but as the 42-pr. shot appeared of a more brittle material than the 32-pr. shot then on board the Excellent, and as the shot from 32-pr. guns did not split very often when fired double shotted, the conclu- sion at that time come to was, that the 42-pr. shot were cast of metal of an inferior nature. In the year 1848, when proving the capability of the 60 and 65cwt. 8-inch hollow shot guns to bear double shotting, it was found that one shot split out of every two rounds fired, a junk wad being between the shot; and in consequence, the following experiments with those two guns was carried out to ascertain whether the shot would split if no wads were used. First. — With junk wads between the shot as heretofore. Out of 30 rounds fired from the 60 and 65cwt, 8-inch guns, 14 shot spHt, in one instance both shot. Secondly. — ^With no junk wad between the shot. 30 rounds were fired from the same guns, without any shot whatever splitting. ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. 141 Thirdly. — Two rounds double shotted were then fired from an 8-inch 65cwt. gun, when the two shot were respectively 2 and 5 inches apart, and in each of these instances both shot split. Experiments were likewise carried out with 42 and 32-pr. guns, with the same favorable results. These experiments clearly proved, that the practice of placing a junk wad between the two shot when firing guns double shotted, more especially with hollow shot, is not only unnecessary, but causes the evil it was intended to remedy ; and it was as clearly shewn, that shot should be in close and immediate contact with each other, to prevent their splitting. It was therefore ordered, that for the future no wad was to be placed between the shot, but that they should be in close contact with each other, and to ensure this, care must be taken when loading to ram the two shot well home, and when running out, care must also be taken that it is done steadily, in order that the gun may not be brought up with a jerk against the sweep piece, otherwise the shot may get separated, and they will in such a case certainly split. This order has now (1853) been carried out for 5 years, and out of very many rounds that have been fired " double shotted" from the guns of this ship, in very few instances have any shot split, and in those instances, it has been clearly traceable either to carelessness in loading or in running out. 142 ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. 1849. Experiment to ascertain whether the shell when firing shot and shell together is liable to split. In 1848 and 1849, various experiments were carried out with 6 and 8-inch shells, to ascertain their efficiency when combined with shot, and the results, as regards the splitting of the shell, were as follows. First. — Out of upwards of 100 rounds of shot and shell that were fired from 56cwt. 32-pr. guns, with 6lb. charges, no shell whatever was split. Secondly. — Out of 35 rounds of shot and shell that were fired from the 60 and 65cwt. 8-inch guns, with 5lb. charges, 3 shells were split. From these experiments it appears, that as the shells are liable to be sometimes split when the guns are loaded with shot and shell, therefore the same care should be taken in load- ing and working them, as has been shewn is necessary when guns are double shotted. See last experiment. When guns are loaded with shot and shell, the time fuzes ignite as readily as when loaded with shell only. When there is motion, and guns are loaded with shot and shell, a grummet wad should be rammed home over the shell, as this will prevent its separation from the shot, and its con- sequent splitting : at other times a wad over the shell is un- necessary. If a junk wad is placed overall on the outside, it is not only less eflfective than a grummet wad, but it may prevent the fuze from igniting. ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. 143 1849. The foUowmg experiments took place at Woolwich, to ascertam whether the 60 and G5cw{. 8-inch guns may be double shotted with safety, also to ascertam the effect of such practice, as well as of firing shot and shell combined. Mrst JSxperiment. To ascertain the capability of the 66cwt. 8-inch gun to bear " double shotting." A 65cwt. 8-inch gun was taken, without selection, from the tier in the Royal Arsenal, mounted on a naval gun car- riage on the platform, in front of the proof butt, and the fol- lowing number of rounds " double shotted" fired from it. Sixty rounds were first fired with the regular reduced charge of 5lbs., and 2 hollow 56lb shot ; the charge was then increased by one pound every 10 rounds, until it amounted to 23lbs. of powder, but the gun resisted the 10 rounds even with this charge. The charge was then reduced to 20lbs,, but instead of the 2 hollow 56lb. shot, 2 solid 68-pr. shot were used ; the gun resisted 2 rounds when thus loaded, but it burst on being fired the third time, being the 243rd round. The last examination of the vent was after the 220th round, when it was found to have enlarged to .28 of an inch at the top, and to 1.13 inches at the bottom. 144 ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. The recoil upon the wooden platform (which was in- clined 2|° towards the butt) was 14| feet with the 5lb. charge and double shot ; 15 feet with a lOlb. charge and a single shot ; and 24 feet with the lOlb. charge and double shot. The gun was laid horizontal, and a junk wad was placed over the shot throughout ; the shot themselves being in cloSe contact. This severe trial established the safety of the 65cwt. 8-inch guns, when fired with the reduced charge of 5lbs. and twc hollow 56lb. shot, and it was decided without further trial that the 60cwt. 8-inch guns may also be safely "double shotted," but that the 52cwt. 8-inch guns ought never to be « double shotted." Second experiment. To ascertain the effect of" dou- ble shotting" amd of firing "shot and shell" combined, from the 60 and 65cwt. 8-inch gums. A double section butt, each side of which was 30 feet long, 10 feet high, and 2 feet in thickness, was built of sound ship timber, to represent the two sides of a ship-of-the-line, and it was placed in Plumstead Marshes, 200 yards in front of a battery of one 60cwt, and two 65cwt. 8-inch guns ; the dis- tance between the sections being 45 feet. One round single shotted, one round double shotted, and four rounds with shot and shell combined were then fired with 5lb. charges from each of these three guns ; the shells being fitted with short range fuzes. ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. 145 The following were the results of the 33 shot and shell fired (21 shot and 12 shell). 2 (one shot and one shell) missed, and 31 (20 shot and II shell) passed through the front section. Of the 31 shot and shell that passed through the front section : — 9 shot passed through both sides. 3 shot were found imbedded in the second side. 8 shot rebounded from the second side. 1 shell passed through both sides, but did not burst, as the fuze though good, had not ignited. 2 shells passed through both sides, and burst immediately afterwards. 8 shells burst between decks. A junk wad was placed over the shot j but when firing shot and shell combined, no junk wad was used : the projec- tiles themselves, were placed in close contact throughout, and the separation between them on the front face of the butt, was from 3 to 5 feet. 146 ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. It is to be observed, that there were no premature explo- sions of the shells, nor was any shot or shell observed to be broken in flight. The shattered state of the butt from this experiment, more especially of the first side, was such as to recommend the practice of firing " double shot," or " shot and shell" combined, from the 60 and 65cwt. 8-inch guns, as being most destructive ; but the distance of 200 yards for such practice, must not be exceeded, as the penetration would be very doubtful. ON DOCBLE SHOTTING. 14? 1853. The following table shews the greatest dis- tance at which the different naval service guns may be "double shotted," with a certainty of penetration through one side of a ship. From various experiments that have taken place in the Excellent, and at Woolwich, the following rule as to the greatest efiFective distance of double shot, or of shot and shell, has been laid down for general guidance, and this rule has now been in force for several years, on board this ship. 68-pr. 95cwt. guns, lOlb. charges. "N 32-pr. 56cwt. guns, 6lb. charges. / May be "double shotted" 32-pr. 50cwt. guns, 5lb. charges, f as far as 400 yards. 32-pr. 45cwt. guns, 5lb. charges. J 32-pr. 42cwt. guns, 4lb. charges. "J 32-pr. 40cwt. guns, 4lb. charges. - ^ As far as 300 yards. 32-pr. 39cwt. guns, 4lb. charges, j 8-inch 65cwt. guns, 5lb. charges. "N 8-inch 60cwt. guns, 5lb. charges. { 32-pr. 32cwt. guns, 3lb. charges. X As far as 200 yards. 32-pr. 25cwt. guns, 2pb. charges. J All these guns may be " double shotted" as often as re- quired, with perfect safety; but 10-inch guns, 8-inch 52cwt. guns, and carronades of all sizes, are never to be " double shotted," as they have not sufficient metal at the breech to withstand the increased force of explosion, and their recoil would be very much too violent. 148 ON DOUBLE SHOTTING. The 32-pr. 56cwt. guns may be "treble shotted," for two or three rounds, at a distance not exceeding 200 yards ; but with all other guns this is not only useless, as the shot would not penetrate the ship's side, but it would also bring a greater strain on the guns, bolts, and breechings, than they can properly bear, and in confirmation of this, it must be borne in mind, that the 32-pr. 56cwt guns have more windage than any of the other guns, being the only old pattern guns now used in the service. The spread of "double shot" at 200 yards is, on the average, from 3 to 5 feet, and at 400 yards, from 12 to 16 feet, but that of " shot and shell" is greater ; and as this spread is generally in nearly a vertical direction, it gives another reason why guns should not be " double shotted" beyond 400 yards. By experiments that have been carried out for this pur- pose, it has been proved, that the outer shot, i.e. the last one entered, is the uppermost of the two, and that it always has the greatest velocity, and ranges the farthest. When loading guns with " shot and shell," the shell must be entered after the shot, and fuze outwards, otherwise it will certainly burst in the gun, and although this will not hurt either the gun or the men at the gun, as the pieces would all be driven forwards, yet the shell will be thrown away. ON DOUBLK SHOTTING. 149 Experiments have been tried with a 56cwt. 32pr, gun, to ascertain the effect of a shell bursting half way along the bore, a 6lb. charge having been in each case previously rammed home : the result was, that the bursting of the shell ignited the 6lb charges, by which all the pieces were driven out of the gun like so much grape shot, and the gun itself was found to be uninjured ; the shells were ignited by means of Bickford's fuze : brass guns will not stand so severe a test without some injury. 150 ON TllE ACCURACY OF FIRE OF DIFFERENT GUNS. 1847. On the accuracy of fire of different gims at long ranges, nnder the most favorable circumstances. From numerous experiments against the Leviathan, an old 74-gun ship, as well as from experiments against canvas screens, which were triced up to poles fixed in the mud, at 3000 yards distance from the Excellent, so as to present the same extent of surface as the Zeria^AaWj the following results as to the accuracy of fire of the different Naval Service guns, at long ranges, have been obtained. At 1 500 and 2000 yards the practice took place, against the Leviathan, from a lump, and at 2500 yards, from the Excellent ; but the practice at 3000 yards took place from the Excellent against the distant screens, and it must not be forgotten that all the firing took place under the most favor- able circumstances : namely, the weather, fine and clear ; the wind, light ; the water, smooth ; and the ship and lump having but slight motion at any time. Table giving the average number of direct hits, at the different distances. Weight Charge Hits per cent. Nature of Gun. yds. yds. yds. yds. 1500 2000 2500 3000 68-pr. 1 91cwt. 15lbs. ] 68-pr. 1 Sohd 56-pr. j shot 87 87 14 14 Us 11 or 12 32-pr. ^ 56 10 >75 45 J 10-inch \ Hollow 85 12 8-inch J shot. 65 10 32-pr. a1 Solid 50 8 U2 8 or 9 32-pr. B J shot 45 7 - ON THE ACCURACY OP FIRE OP DIFFERENT GUNS. 151 The practice with shells from all these guns was more un- certain at all distances than that with shot ; the per centage of direct hits being on the average one-fourth less ; this is probably occasioned by their more imperfect casting, by th powder revolving within them, and by the projection of the fuze. The bursting charges of 8-inch shells have been increased since 1847, from 2 to 2^1bs., and that of 10-inch, shells from 5 to S^lbs., and this has been found also to increase the ac- curacy of fire with those shells. Moorsom's shells have the further advantage that the fuzes project but little, which has been clearly proved to afiect the flight of shells considerably. One of the principal causes of the variation in the accu- racy of fire with shot and shell, arises from their being, in nearly all instances, more or less eccentric, that is, having the centre of gravity more or less removed from the centre of the figure, and this is caused by defective casting. During the experiments, it was observed that diflerent states of the atmosphere affected the ranges considerably, but no good opinion could be formed on this subject, as on several occasions when the atmosphere appeared the same, and the barometer was at the same height, there was a marked difference in the ranges. From these and many other experiments that have taken place for the express purpose, it is judged that ricochet firing should never be practised against ships, beyond 1500 yards. 152 ON THE ACCURACY OF FIRE OF DIFFERENT GUNS. from any guns, and then only in smooth water; as although the object may be struck more frequently than when firing direct, yet the penetration will be very doubtful, shot at 2000 yards distance having often rebounded from a ship's side. For ricochet firing, distant charges, and |° elevation, should be used, the object being pointed at as in direct firing, and it must be remembered, that as such a system of firing can only be used with efiect in very smooth water, it can rarely be practised at sea. Shot fired " en ricochet" from 68-pr. 95cwt. guns, with 16lb. charges, will range 3000 yards in smooth water, but shot from other guns will seldom range so far, and with but a slight ripple will fall short of even 2500 yards ; it is there- fore considered that 2500 yards is the extreme distance at which ricochet firing can be practised with success against boats ; but at shorter distances when firing against boats, it may in some cases be advisable to fire at P.B., and with full or even reduced charges, so as to increase the chances of striking, as the shot will then graze oftener and closer to the water, although it will neither range so far nor have so great a velocity. ON THR ACCURACY OP FIRE OF DIFFERENT GUNS. 153 1851, 1852j cmd 1853. On the accuracy of fire of the 66cwt. 8-mch, and the hQcwt. 32-^r. gtms, with shells, at 1200 yards distance. During the above-named years, many 8-inch and 6-inch shells were fired when trying the eflGiciency of Moorsom's and other fuzes, and as these shells were fired under similar cir- cumstances, as to wind and weather, which was generally favor- able, a very good judgment may be formed of the relative ac- curacy of fire of these guns with shells, as they were used throughout the experiments. These experiments took place at the following different objects, each distant 1200 yards; first, against a butt 42 feet long by 24 feet high, built to represent a section of a line-of- battle ship ; secondly, against the Menai, an old 28-gun frigate, 160 feet in length, but only 14 in height, from the height of the tide at the time of firing, and thirdly, against the York, an old 74-gun ship, 100 feet in length (as the fire was directed at different points for the day's firing) and 30 feet in height, which corresponds to about the height and half the length of a three-decked ship when broadside on. The practice took place with 10 and 81b. charges from both guns, and in the following abstract, the direct hits with these two charges are joined together, as no difference of accuracy was found beween them. 32-pr. shells are however not now fired with lOlb. charges, as they were sometimes found to burst in the gun, from the concussion of firing. 154 ON THE ACCURACY OF FIRE OF DIFFERENT GUNS. First. — ^The following shells were fired with 10 and 8lb. charges, from 65cwt. 8-inch guns, of '125 of an inch windage. 1851.— At butt 58 direct hits out of 82. 1852.— At butt 18 « " 34. 1S52.— At Menai 13 « « 28. 1853.— At York 28 " " 38. Total number of direct hits, 1 17 out of 182, or 64 per cent. Secondly. — ^The following shells were fired with 10 and 8lb. charges from 56cwt. 32-pr. guns of .233 of an inch windage. 1851. — At butt 28 direct hits out of 70. 1852.— At butt 7 " " 18. 1852.- At Memi 17 " " 32. 1853.— At York 25 " " 32. Total number of direct hits, 77 out of 152, or 50 per cent. The foregoing abstract gives a decided advantage to the 65cwt S-inch gun, over the 56cwt. 32-pr. gun when firing shells, and this may be attributed to the reduction of windage in the 8-inch gun, as both 8-inch and 6-inch shells are liable to the same defects in the casting. Many shells have been fired from the other naval service guns, but not often enough at 1200 yards distance to form a correct opinion of their accuracy for comparison with the above mentioned two guns. Note. — If the Richochet hits had been taken into account, as well as the Direct hits, in the above comparison of the ac- curacy of fire with shells from the 65-cwt. 8-inch and 56-cwt. 32-pr. guns, the average number of hits would have been con- ON THE ACCURACY OF FIRE OF DIFFERENT GUNS. 155 1847. Hxperiment to ascertam the allowance that should be made for the deflection of shot from the direction and force of the wind. This experiment took place from a 56cwt. 32pr. gun, with 8lb. charges, but is an approximation for all guns. The following rules were formed from this practice. 1. When firing with a moderate breeze (force 4) across the range, an allowance of one foot for every hundred yards of distance should be made, and for a moderate gale (force 7) an allowance of two feet for every hundred yards. 2. At 1000 yards distance with a moderate gale (force 7) against the range, \° more elevation should be given, and when with tbe range, ^° less elevation than that shewn in the range tables. No rule can be given for firing during fine or dull weather, as it has been found that there has been a marked difierence in the ranges upon days that have been apparently the same in every respect. 156 EXPERIMENTAL SHOT ANI1 SHELL FIRING. 1846 to 1863. Experimental shot and shell firmg, from the S2-pr. and S-inch guns. From many experiments that have taken place during these years with round shot, shell, grape and case, to ascertain their general eflBciency at various distances, the following selection has been made, shewing the greatest distance at which such practice is recommended, as well as the result of the practice at that distance : the elevations which will be found to agree with the rules laid down in the 6th instruction, are also given. First. — From the 56cwt. 32pr. guns. Nature of Projectile. 1 a; GO o 1 I Result of the Practice. Treble shot. 200 6 t Very good. Two shot and shell. 200 6 f Very good (faze .3 mealedpowder) Double shot. 600 6 2i Separate and lose velocity. Double shot. 400 6 1* Very good. Shot and shell. 400 6 H Very good (faze .46 mealed powder) Bound and grape. 200 6 1 Very good. Double grape. 200 6 H Very good. Single grape. 400 8 1 Fair. Scattered much. Single grape. 400 6 H Very good. Single grape. 400 4 H Good. Double case. 200 6 2 Good. Single case. 300 6 H Good. EXPERIMENTAL SHOT AND SHELL FIRING. Secoudly. — From the 65cwt. 8-inch guns. 157 1 Nature of projectile. .s ^ 6 1 Result of the practice. Double shot 200 1 5 Very good. Shot and shell 200 1 5 Very good (fuze .3 mealed powder) Round and grape 100 i 5 Very good. Single grape 400 u 8 Fair, scattered much Single grape 300 n 5 Very good. Single case 300 If 5 Good. With respect to the preceding practice with the 32-pr. and 8-inch guns, it is to be observed : 1. That grape and case shot always range closer together when fired with reduced charges, consequently, although an increase of velocity is obtained with high charges, yet the shot are thereby much scattered. 2. Grape and case shot are considered of very little use against ships, as they will not penetrate through a ship's side, consequently, double shot is generally preferred to round and grape : shot and shell is undoubtedly superior to either. 158 EXPERIMENTAL SHOT AND SHELL FIRING. 3. Various experiments on double shotting guns have taken place, an account of which will be found under its proper head, but it may be here repeated as a caution, that the 56cwt. 32-pr. guns are the only guns that can be treble shotted with either safety or effect. A system of shell firing from ships' guns, with low charges and at high elevations, commonly called " parapet firing," is strongly recommended for practice against batteries or for clearing broken ground. A table for this practice will be found in the book of Gunnery Instructions, and the following precautions are stated for general guidance. The cartridge being very small requires to be set home by itself, but as the method of loading the 32-pr. and the 8-inch and 10-inch guns is somewhat different, from the 32-pr. having cylindrical chambers, and the 8-inch and 10-inch guns conical chambers, the two methods will be separately stated. For the 32-pr. guns, the charge is first set home, and afterwards the shell, but care must be taken not to force the shell hard home, otherwise it may force the cartridge past the vent, and the gun would in such a case " miss fire;" to prevent this, the shell should be set home with the priming wire remaining in the vent, and only so far as just to touch it. EXPERIMENTAL SHOT AND SHELL FIBINQ. 159 3. For the 8 and 10-inch guns, the charge is first set home with a 32-pr. rammer, their own being too large on account of the conical chamber, but the shell can afterwards be forced home as usual, as the conical chambers will always bring the shell up before it can reach the charge. 4. Before guns are loaded for this practice, they should re- ceive the required elevation, as it prevents the chance of the charge getting from under the vent, though in such a case it would only require a musket cartridge of powder poured down the vent to ensure the gun being fired. 5. Shells in this practice can be fired from upper deck guns, when the hammock nettings can be removed, quicker than in direct firing, as the guns need not be run either " in" or "out." 160 ON THE EFFECT OF THE EXPLOSION 1846. Experiment to ascertain at what angle the ex- plosion from a gwn mil affect lower deck ports, or the sides of ports or overhanging bows and sterns. First. — The sides of a lower deck port having been lined with thin wood, the following charges of powder were fired from a 32-pr. 56cwt. gun (without shot), when the angle from the axis of the gun at the muzzle to the sides of the port was 45°. 1. With lib. of powder. Little or no effect. 2. With 2lb8. of powder. The wood was blown away by the explosion, leaving only a small strip on one side. 3. With 3lbs. of powder. The remaining strip was blown away, but no other damage was effected by the explosion. Secondly. — ^A 32-pr. 56cwt. gun was loaded with the follow- ing charges of powder, but without shot, run out until the angle from the axis of the gun at the muzzle to the outer edge of the port was 38°, and then fired. The port was square in both trials, but when the 8lb. charge was fired, it was lashed down with four parts of inch rope. 1 . With 4lbs. of powder. The port was lifted about one foot, and the marks of the explosion were left on the outer edge of the port, which was heated. 2. With Hlbs. of powder. The port was much heated, and its outer edge much marked by the explosion. FROM GUNS ON LOWER DECK PORTS. 161 Thirdly. — ^Three shot were fired from a 32-pr. 56cwt. gun, with Sib. charges, when it had been run out, so that the angle from the axis of the gun at the muzzle, to the outer edge of the port was 38°. The port was square in these three trials, but was lashed down with 6 parts of inch rope. 1. — The port became very much heated from the explo- sion ; indeed, quite hot. 2. — ^The port became as before, quite hot, and one of the lashings carried away. 3. — ^The port became quite hot, and the lashing which had been replaced was again^arried away. These experiments prove that the angle from the axis of the gun at the muzzle, to whatever the explosion comes into contact with, should not, at all events, be less than 40°, and if the part is in close contact with the gun, 45° is recom- mended. As the lower deck port chain pendants are in danger of unreeving on the port falling, should even but one part of the chain be broken or cut through by a shot, it is recommended that all chain pendants should be fitted with toggles on that part of them which is inboard, when the ports {ire down, so that a ready means may be at hand for tricing them up again : in fine weather the ports could be effectually secured from falling in action, by lashing them up. M 162 ON CORK LININGS FOR STEAM SLOOPS. 1848. — Experiment to ascertain the resistance made by cork linings for steam sloops' topsides, and that made hy hammoch nettings when stowed with a single and a double row of ham/mochs. For this purpose four butts, or sections, were prepared similar to the sides of steam sloops-of-war, with outer plank- ing of 3-inch, and inner planking of 2|-inch fir, but without the timbers, though the space for them (6-inches) was left. The first of these butts consisted of the outer and inner planking only, but the other three had the 6-inch space filled in, as will be stated. Over these butts hammock net- tings were fitted, part containining a single, and part a double row of hammocks. The result of the practice at these butts, with a marine's percussion musket, from a distance of 40 yards, with the usual charge of 4| drams, was as follows. 1st butt. — Outer and inner |Every shot passed planking only. j through 2nd butt, — With cork shavings ") Every shot passed pressed in, j through. 3rd butt. — With cork cuttings ) pressed in. j Resisted half the shot. ON COBK LININGS FOR STBAM SLOOPS. 163 4th butt. — With sheet cork "} pressed in. ^Resisted every shot. Hammock netting with a single *) Every shot passed row of hammocks. ) through. Hammock netting with a double ") row of hammocks. jResisted every shot. The butt with sheet cork pressed in, and the hammock nettings with a double row of hammocks were then tried as to their resistance against musketry at 25 yards, and were found effective ; but at 200 yards, case shot fired from a 32-pr. gun with a 6lb. charge ; and at 400 yards, grape shot from the same gun, and with the same charge, penetrated through both these targets in all parts. A butt was afterwards constructed similar to the side of a steam sloop, in every respect, i.e. 3-inoh outer planking, 6-inch timbers, and 2^-inch inner planking, making a total thickness of 11^ inches fir timber, and the following practice then took place to ascertain the penetration of musketry, case, and grape shot, for comparison with that shown in the pre- vious experiments. 1. — With musketry, "^No ball passed through, except at 25 yards. j between the timbers, 3 out of 1 3. 2. — With case shot, "i No shot passed through, except at 200 yards. ) between the timbers 2 out of 7. 3. — ^With grape shot, ") at 400 yards. T ^^ ^^°^ ^^^^^^ through aU parts. m2 164 ON THE EFFICIENCY OF GRUMMET WADS. 1849. — Experiment to ascertain the efficiency of grum- met and junk wads, as to retaming the shot in their places, when the guns are run out with a strong jerk. The following table gives the average distance of many rounds that shot in 32-pr. 8-inch and 10-inch guns were started out, when those guns were run out with a strong jerk against the sweep piece ; the guns being loaded with distant charges and single shot. 32-pr. 56cwt. guns with Grammet wads the shot started out 1 inch „ „ „ with Junk wads „ „ „ 1$ inches 8-inch 65cwt. guns with Grummet wads the shot started out 1^ inches „ „ „ with Junk wads „ „ „ 2 inches 10-inch 85cwt. gxms with Grummet wads the shot started out li inches „ „ „ with Junk wads „ „ „ 7 inches This experiment clearly shows the advantage of grummet- wads over junk wads, particularly with 10-inch guns, and although grummet wads have been used in the Naval Ser- vice for many years, yet it was not till this year (1849) that an inch was cut out of their circumference, which has been found to be a great improvement, as there is now never any diiBculty in entering them when swelled by wet or from being made too large ; and when rammed home, they expand in the gun and secure the shot well in their places : care must be ON THE EFFICIENCY OP GRUMMET WADS. 165 taken that the grummet wads are entered in the gun with the crossing outside, otherwise they are not only less efficient in securing the shot from shifting, but they are also liable to be drawn out again with the rammer. The following is the established rule for fitting grummet wads. For 10-inch guns they are to be made of S^-inch rope, and crossed with 2^ inch. For 8-inch guns they are to be made of 3-inch rope, and crossed with 2-inch. For 32-pr. guns they are to be made of 2^-inch rope, and crossed with 1^-inch. One inch of the grummet is to be cut out when the wad is completed, or they may be made of a piece of rope one inch shorter than the length required to make a complete grummet. In conclusion it may be stated, that grummet wads are more quickly made, require less room to stow them, and less rope to make them, than junk wads : junk wads are now only used for placing between the cartridge and the shot, and over the shot when guns are to be kept loaded, so as to preserve the cartridge from damp, and from the chance of ignition, should the shot get loose in the gun ; the vent should at the same time be stopped with a little soft grease pressed into it : junk wads are however also required when firing red hot shot. m3 166 ON SPIKING AND UNSPIKING GUNS. On spiking gtms. For spiking guns ; the common steel spikes, which are to be driven as far as possible into the vent and then broken short ofiF, are recommended as being the most eflFective ; but a nail driven in and broken off in the same manner, or the ram- rod of a musket, broken off so that it shall fall just below the vent, and then clinched by ramming a shot home upon it, are very fair substitutes. The spring spikes are not recom- mended, as the thickness of metal at the breech, even of guns of the same caUbre, varies so considerably, and as they can be easily cleared even when properly fixed. It must always be borne in mind, that a gun may be easily burst by loading with a heavy charge, wedging a shot with spike nails about half way down the bore, and then firing it : the trunnions of a gun may be readily broken ofi^ if the gun is dismounted, with a few smart blows from a heavy hammer. On unspiking guns. If spiked with a common spike or nail, the gun should be loaded with as heavy a charge of powder and shot as it can safely bear, aad fired from the muzzle by means of a portfire or Bickford's fuze, powder having been previously scattered along the bore : this method though repeated several times, is not always successful, but in such cases a , new vent can be drilled, or if the gun has been spiked with a nail, the nail itself may be drilled through. ON SPIKING AND UNSPIKING GUNS, 167 If the gun is spiked with a spring spike, the rammer should be pressed gently home to the bottom of the bore and the spike turned round until the rammer head bears on the spring, when by forcing upon it, and at the same time draw- ing the spike up, you may relieve the spring, and thus clear the vent. In 1848, a vent bit was broken short off whilst clearing the vent of a 32-pr. 56cwt. gun, and repeated attempts to force it through into the bore tended only to fix it more firmly; the gun thus became regularly spiked, but was cleared in the following manner. 1. The gun was loaded with a 2lb. charge and one shot, and fired by means of Bickford's fuze, from the muzzle, powder having been previously scattered along the bore, but without effect. 2. The gun was loaded with a 4lb. charge and one shot, and fired in the same manner, but also without effect, 3. The gun was loaded with a 61b. charge and two shot, fired in the same manner, and the vent was cleared. In 1851, a 32-pr. 56cwt. gun was purposely spiked with a steel spike well driven into the vent, which was then cleared in the following manner. 168 ON SPIKING AND UNSPIKING GUNS. 1. The gun was loaded with a 6lb. charge and two shot, and fired from the muzzle by means of a portfire in- serted through a junk wad, powder having been pre- viously scattered along the bore, but without efiect. 2. The gun was reloaded in the same manner, and again fired, when one inch and a half of the upper part of the spike was broken off, but without starting the remainder. 3. The gun was reloaded as before, and again fired, but without effect; and a fourth round. was fired with a 6lb. charge and three shot, also without effect, but the vent was then cleared by driving the remaining portion of the spike down the vent by means of part of a musket ramrod and a heavy hammer. ON SIMULTANEOUS LOADING. 169 1850 to 1853. On simultaneous loadmg. After a very extensive series of trials in the year 1850, un- der every variety of circumstance, both in the Excellent and in sea-going ships, the present system of " simultaneous load- ing" for heavy guns, i.e., forcing the cartridge, shot, and wad, all home together, was finally adopted in the Naval Service early in the year 1851. The increased rapidity with which guns can be loaded by this system, forms its chief advantage, and as this is done aa effectively as by the old system, and at the same time with a considerable saving of labor to the loaders, the advantages are obvious, more especially for " close action," when the quicker one broadside can be deUvered after the other, the greater the chance of success. The time gained in " quick firing" by the present system, with 8-inch 65cwt. and 32-pr. 56cwt. guns, is, on the average, six seconds'in every round, whether " single" or " double shotted." Thus, 25 rounds " single shotted" were fired from an 8-inch 65cwt. gun with 5lb. charges, by the new system, in lOmin. 55sec., which gave an interval of 26sec. between each round, whereas, by the old sys- tem, the 25 rounds occupied ISmin. 25sec., which gave an interval of 32 seconds between each round. 170 ON SIMULTANEOUS LOADING. Again, 25 rounds " double shotted" were fired from a 32pr. 56cwt. gun, with 6lb. charges, by the new system, in 1 Imin. 37sec., which gave an interval of 28 seconds between each round, whereas, by the old system, the 25 rounds occupied 14min. fisec, which gave an interval of 34 seconds between each round. From these experiments, each of which commenced at the the word "Sponge," and were fired by the same crew, after proper intervals of rest, it is evident, that in " quick firing," 5 rounds " single shotted" can be fired by the new system in the same time that 4 rounds could be by the old system, and 6' rounds "double shotted" by the new sys- tem, in the same time as 5 by the old system, and although but few broadsides may be required to decide an action, still, the ship that can first fire her second broadside must have an important advantage over her adversary. With 32 and 25cwt. 32-pr. guns, and 32-pr. carronades, the time gained by the new system is not more than 4 seconds in each round, which is caused by the diflferences of length of bore between those guns and the 8-inch 65cwt., and 32pr. 56cwt. guns; but the 95cwt. 68pr., and the 10-inch 85cwt. guns are loaded with the same gain, as to time, and with the same saving of labor to the loaders as the 8-inch 65cwt., and 32-pr. 56cwt. guns. No difiBculty has been experieticed on board the Excellent in loading any guns by the new system, even when " double ON SIMULTANEOUS LOADING. I?! shotted," and " extreme trained," as, although the loading is then more difficult, from coming altogether upon one man, still it can be done more quickly than by the old system, and does not require more exertion for the loader. During the 100 rounds that were fired from the 8-inch 65cwt., and 32-pr. 56cwt. guns, on no one occasion was there a " Miss fire," which shews that not only were the tubes all good, but also that the cartridges were set properly home equally well upon the new as upon the old system ; at the same time great care must always be taken to force the car- tridge and shot close home, and then to give them two hard blows, to ensure their remaining so. The only difficulty that has been experienced in any ship, has been when loading 8-inch guns with the 5lb. charges, and this was occasioned by the conical chambers of those guns stopping the shot before it had forced the cartridge home, the length of the conical chamber exceeding that of the 5lb. charge : to obviate this difficulty, it was ordered that the 8-inch 5lb. charges should be fitted with a spherical cork top 5^ inches in diameter, and 2i inches deep, placed over the powder with- in the cartridge, and that the cartridges themselves should be of a more conical shape than heretofore, so that the shot might force the cartridge close home, and without difficulty : it has however been since found, that many of the old cartridges were not altered as to shape, and that when loading with them on the new system, they sometimes doubled up at the entrance of the conical chamber, and in such cases extra blows seldom 172 ON SIMULTANEOUS LOADING. sent them home, but would often burst them : these 8-inch 5lb. cartridges were found to double up more frequently when forced home by themselves, sometimes even when properly made ; but it is contrary to the regulations to use them for ex- ercising " blank cartridge," or for saluting, without having^r«/ removed the cork tops from them, as otherwise they may not only fail to go home, but accidents might happen. The 8-inch 5lb. charges are now (1853) all made accord- ing to the proper form, and all the old cartridges have been altered ; the worsted hoop also is now passed round these car- tridges, close to the cork wads, so as to keep them from shift- ing; and it has been further ordered, that only 14 of them are to be stowed in a magazine case, instead of 15 as here- tofore, so as to prevent their being forced out of shape when packed. No difficulties with the 8-inch 5lb. charges have been ex- perienced in the Excellent, as the cartridges having been made on board the ship as wanted, were always of the proper shape, and it is considered that no difficulties can now occur in any ship ; but care should always be taken when 8-inch 5lb. charges are returned to the magazine, after having been handed up for exercise or otherwise, that they are re-choked, should the worsted hoops have become slack, and that care is taken when restowing them in the magazine cases not to force them out of shape. The 8 and 10-lb. charges for 8-inch guns, and the 12lb. charges for 10-inch guns, go close home without cork tops. ON SIMULTANEOUS LOADING. 173 as they fill the chamber of the gjm ; but when using a 6lb. charge for the 10-inch gun, which should only be for salu- ting or exercise with blank cartridge, it should be set home by itself, and with a 32-pr. rammer, as the proper rammer for the 10-inch gun would be very liable to jam in the conical chamber, as well as not to force such a small charge properly home. When filling flannel cartridges for any gun whatever, great care must be taken that the tye of the cartridge does not pro- ject more than one inch ; otherwise it would be liable to get under the shot, which would jam it in the bore, and prevent its being rammed home. The present system of simultaneous loading for heavy guns having now been practised throughout the Naval Service for nearly two years, and on board the Excellent for nearly three years, and all objections to the system having been overcome, it may be confidently stated that its efficiency is fully estab- lished. 174 ON THE DRESS OF SMALL-ARM MEN. 1851. Experiment to ascertain whether the milita/ry or naval dress presents the most distinct ob- ject Jbr an enemy's f/re. For this purpose, a marine fiilly accoutered, and a seaman dressed in a blue frock, blue trowsers, and a black hat, were stationed on Southsea Common, at different distances, and in various positions, on a gloomy dull day in November, 1851, and the following observations were then made. At 200 yards distance, with open country in the rear, the seaman presented the most distinct object, being of one uni- form dark color ; but at the same distance, with a red building in the rear, the marine was the most distinct, standing out in strong relief. At 300 yards distance, with open country in the rear, the marine was best seen, the scarlet coat and white belts being good objects to aim at, whilst the seaman presented only a dark form ; with a red building in the rear at this distance the marine was also best seen, being very conspicuous, whilst the seaman was but indistinctly seen. At all greater distances the marine presented the most distinct object, till they were at the distance of from 800 to 900 yards, when they became but small objects to aim at : beyond 900 yards no difference could be observed between the uniforms of the marine and seaman, but they then pre- sented objects too small for taking aim at. ON THE INCONVENIENCE OF SMOKE 175 UPON ships' decks. 1851. Experiment to ascertain the amotmt ofi/ncort' venience likely to a/rise from the smoTee that will be caused by the bursting of shells vpon ships' decks. The following charges of powder, corresponding to the bursting charges of English and French shells, were placed amidships on the lower deck of H. M. Ship Excellent abreast the third gun, and exploded by means of Bickford's fuze ; the fore-hatchway screen for handing up powder was spread during the experiments, the foremost part of the screen being just abaft the fourth gun ; and strands of large rope, some covered with horsehair, and others with oakum were at the same time hung up at the height of 4 feet from the deck, and at various distances from the powder to be exploded, in order to ascertain the amount of personal injury likely to be sus- tained from the flame of the bursting charge of a shell. First. — A charge of lib. of powder, corresponding to the bursting charge of the English 32-pr., and the French 30-pr. shells, was exploded. The four foremost guns upon each side of the lower deck were inconvenienced by the explosion, to the extent that they could have been only occasionally laid for an object by the sights till from 30 to 40 seconds after the explosion: the strands covered with horsehair and oakum placed 6 feet from the powder exploded, were singed, but not to such an extent as to lead to the supposition that a man would be injured thereby, unless he happened to be facing the explosion at the time. 176 ON THE INCONVENIENCE OF SMOKE Secondly. — A charge of 2|lbs. of powder, corresponding to the bursting charge of the English 8-inch shells, was exploded. The four foremost guns upon each side were inconvenienced by this explosion, oftener and for longer periods than they were by the smaller charge of lib. of powder, but still, objects could occasionally be seen through the ports, though not often for a sufficient length of time to lay any of these guns, till about 50 seconds after the explosion, and one or two of the gunsi could not have been laid even then : the smoke was very annoying to the men ; the strands covered with horse- hair and oakum, which were at the distance of 6 feet from the powder exploded, were much singed, and those at 10 feet distance were also singed, but it is probable that a man at that distance would have escaped with slight injury, unless he chanced to have been facing the explosion at the moment. Thirdly. — A charge of S^lbs. of powder, corresponding to the bursting charge of the French 8-inch shells, was ex- ploded. The four foremost guns upon each side of the lower deck, were more inconvenienced by the smoke this time than by the last explosion of 2^1bs. of powder, but stiU, objects could occasionally be seen through the ports, though very seldom for such a length of time that the guns could have been laid by the sights for an object till about one minute after the explosion ; the smoke was also denser, and was therefore 177 more annopng, and the strands covered with horse hair and oakum were more singed than by the last explosion ; the in- jury to men would consequently have been greater. Fourthly. — A charge of 5^1bs. of powder, corresponding to the bursting charge of the English 10-inch shells, was exploded. The four foremost guns upon each side were more in- convenienced this time, and the smoke, generally, was more dense than upon either of the previous occasions ; objects could occasionally be seen through the ports, but neither of the above mentioned guns could have been properly laid by the sights for an object until more than a minute had elapsed from the time of explosion ; the smoke hung about the deck for some minutes afterwards, and although it did not impede the laying of the guns much over the minute, yet it was very distressing to the men. The strands covered with horse hair and oakum proved that any man within 10 feet distance would have been much hurt by the explosion, and have been in- jured at a greater distance, had he been facing it at the time. During these experiments, which were repeated with similar results, there was a moderate breeze right a-head. From these and other experiments, it appears that the in- convenience and annoyance arising from the smoke caused by the bursting of shells, or the explosion of cartridges upon ship's decks, increases in proportion to the amount of powder N 178 ON THB INCONVENIENCE OP SMOKE exploded : as double the quantity of powder not only causes double the quantity of smoke and inconvenience in laying the guns by the sights, but is in itself more dense and distressing. It was also observed, that the smoke, hung very much to the beams overhead, although the charges were exploded on a plank not more than one foot from the deck, and that the amount of smoke close down to the deck was small in comparison. It was further proved, that the personal distress caused by the smoke, was greatly avoided by laying down, face to the deck, and it is consequently recommended that men should be taught to lay down at their quarters, to avoid the smoke, rather than that they should ever, even temporarily, quit their quarters from such a cause. UPON ships' decks. 179 1852. Experiment on the efficiency of the French AspMxiomt Shells. Many experiments having been of late years carried out by the French Government, to perfect the asphixiant shells, for the purpose of introducing them into naval warfare, counter experiments took place at Portsmouth, in 1852, to ascertain their efficiency. Asphixiant shells are cast of a metal which readily breaks when it strikes against any hard substance, or upon passing through a ship's side, and they are filled with a peculiar com- position, which ignites instantly upon contact with the atmos- pheric air, and creates a dense and distressing kind of smoke, phosphorus being one of the ingredients ; these shells break up without violence, as the composition with which they are filled contains no explosive compound whatever, but it is of such a nature, that water appears to have little power over it. The asphixiant shells used in the experiments at Ports- mouth, were prepared for 32-pr. guns ; they were spherical in form, and of the same weight as the common 32-pr. shot, and the only visible difierence between them was, that they appeared to be cast of lead instead of iron. The following was the general result of the experiments. Ist. — The asphixiant shells are not liable to injury from ac- cident, as they will stand heavy falls without breaking, 180 ON THE INCONVENIENCE OF SMOKE consequently they are perfectly safe to handle ; more es- pecially as the only danger that could arise from their break- ing, would be that caused by the smoke, as the flame, though very bright, is of so thin and weak a nature, that it could be scarcely made to ignite dry chips of wood. 2nd. — These shells require no precautions whatever in the loading, and are to be treated exactly as a shot, which, in appearance, they resemble. 3rd. — ^They will not break in the gun, or upon striking the water, even should the gun be loaded with two of them at the same time. 4th. — ^With high charges, or in " close action," it is probable that 85 of these shells would break and ignite out of every 100 that struck a ship. 5 th. — They break into more numerous pieces than a common shell, and the splinters would probably do considerable exe- cution, although the velocity of such splinters will be much less than those of a common shell, as the composition con- tains no explosive compound. 6th. — The smoke caused by the burning of the composition with which these shells are filled, and which forms their chief advantage, is of a dense and distressing nature, con- UPON ships' decks. 181 siderably more so than that caused by the explosion of gunpowder, but it was decided, that it contains actually no dangerous qualities, more especially as fowls and rabbits remained in the thickest part of it apparently unaffected in any way, consequently it does not follow that men are necessarily to be driven from their guns, and this seems to be the present opinion of French officers, who, however, hope to make these shells yet more destructive. 7th. — The duration of the smoke depends upon the part of the ship in which the shells take effect, and whether they are much broken, but it was judged that those tried, which were for 32-pr. guns, produced at least three times the quantity of smoke as would be caused by the ignition of the bursting charges of 32-pr. shells. The conclusion formed from these experiments was, that the asphixiant shells are of a formidable nature ; still, that it is doubtful whether they would be found really more effective than the common shells, as they cannot injure a ship more than a shot would, and as the smoke may, it is believed, be endured ; in fact, the smoke was endured to a considerable ex- tent, during the experiments, and although it left an unpleasant copperas taste in the mouth for several hours afterwards, yet it was attended with no ill consequences ; the flame, during the burning of the composition, is, however, very bright, and though all but harmless, would be very apt to create confusion and panic in a raw ship's company. 182 ON FIGHTING LANTERNS. 1853. &periment to ascertain to what extent lights in fighting lanterns will be liable to be extingmshed by shells bursting upon ships' decks. For this purpose, fighting lanterns were placed amidships, along the decks of the Menai, an old 28 gun frigate, during experiments that took place on board that ship, to ascertain the ravages caused respectively by 8 and 1 0-inch and cylindro- conical 8-inch shells (see experiments " On the efficiency of shells," page 113). The bursting charge of the 8-inch shell is 25lb8. „ „ 10-inch shell is 5|lbs. „ „ cylindro-cpnical shell is 12lbs. The following was the result of this experiment. — The 8-inch shell extinguished all lights within a radius of 1 5 feet. The 10-inch shell extinguished all lights within a radius of 20 feet. The cylindro-conical shell extinguished all lights-within a radius of 30 feet. ON ECCENTRIC SHOT AND SHELLS. 183 1850 to 1854. Hxperwnents with Eccentric shot and shells. In the year 1850, experiments took place on board the Excellent, and at Shoebury Ness, at the suggestion of Sir Howard Douglas, to asbertain the truth of the theory, that eccentric shot, i.e., shot having the centre of gravity removed from the centre of figure do not follow the same path through the air as concentric shot, i.e., shot having the centre of gravity in the centre of figure, but deflect to that side upon which the centre of gravity happens to be placed. The experiments proved the correctness of the theory, for it was found that by boring holes in 32 and 68-pr. shot (there- by determining the centre of gravity in a known direction) and firing them, when placed in the gun, with the centre of gravity in different positions, that the shot invariably turned in that direction. The shot were strapped to wooden bottoms in the same manner as shells, to ensure the centre of gravity being in the required direction. Thus, with 32-pr. shot in which holes had been bored so as to remove lib. of metal, when fired with lOlb. charges, and 3^° elevation, at a target 1600 yards distant, it was found, on the average of several rounds, — That when the centre of gravity was placed to the right in the bore of the gun, the shot passed the target at 184 ON ECCENTRIC SHOT AND SHELLS. the distance of 22 yards on its right, and when to the left, at the distance of 25 yards on its left. When directly up- wards, the shot ranged 2000 yards, but when downwards only 1500 yards, common shot ranging 1630 yards ; when the centre of gravity was placed directly inwards or out- wards, there was no marked variation in any direction. Again, with 68-pr. shot, in which holes had been bored, so as to remove 3lbs. of metal, when fired with lOlb. charges, and 5° elevation, at a target ) 700 yards distant, it was found on the average of several rounds, — That when the centre of gravity was placed to the right in the bore of the gun, the shot passed the target at the distance of 15 yards on its right, and when to the left, at the distance of 17 yards on its left. When directly upwards, the shot ranged 1940 yards, but when down- wards, only 1560 yards, common shot ranging 1690 yards. It was also found, as with with the 32-pr. shot, that when the centre of gravity was placed directly inwards or out- wards, that there was no marked variation in any direction. 32 and 68-pr. shot prepared in the same manner, and 10-inch shell also made eccentric, were afterwards fired at high elevations, to ascertain the increase and loss of range. The 10-inch shell were made eccentric by boring two holes in them ; the one cylindrical, the other conical (the large end of the cone being on the outside of the shell) and the two holes being immediately opposite each other, and then ON ECCENTRIC SHOT AND SHELLS. L85 through the upper or cylindrical hole, 5lbs. of molten lead was poured, which filled the conical cavity on the opposite side, then formed a segment on the inside of the shell, and thus fixed the 5lbs. of lead in that position, and consequently made the shell eccentric ; the cylindrical holes were plugged with wood, or they might have been fitted with a brass plate to screw in as was done with some of the 32 and 63-pr. shot. The following were the results. — First. — 32-pr. shot, with lOlb. charges, and at 12° elevation, with centre of gravity upwards 3600 yds. Common shot 3050 „ with centre of gravity downwards 2670 „ /Secondly. — 68-pr. shot, with lOlb. charges, and at 10° elevation, with centre of gravity upwards 3160 yds. Common shot 2760 „ with centre of gravity downwards 2480 „ Thirdly. — 10-in. shell, with 1 2lb. charges, and at 15° elevation, with centre of gravity upwards 3550 yds. Common shell 3070 „ No 10-inch shell were fired with the centre of gravity downwards. Similar experiments, at diflierent elevations, clearly showed that the variations in the ranges and direction of eccentric shot increased as the elevations used became greater. It was thus proved beyond doubt, that one of the principal causes of the variation in the ranges and direction of shot and 186 ON ECCENTRIC SHOT AND SHELLS. shell, arises from their being, in nearly all instances, more or less eccentric, and clearly shows that great care should be taken to cast shot and shell not only perfectly spherical, but also as concentric as possible. .,. These experiments and others that took place in 1851, 1852, and 1853, fully established the theory, that eccentric shot and shells will range considerably farther than common shot and shells, without increasing either the charge or the elevation of the gun ; and although their deflections are greater, yet it was evident that they might be used with effect against widely extended objects, when common shot and shells would not range the required distance. Shells are made eccentric by casting them with a solid segment (see fig.), thus cutting off a portion of the interior cavity or sphere, and slightly increasing their weight. The figure also shews the position of the shell when placed in the gun with the centre of gravity upwards. ON ECCENTRIC SHOT AND SHELLS. 18/ Eccentric shot and shells may be fired from any gun, but care must be taken to use neither too great a charge nor too great an elevation, otherwise there will be danger of the gun bursting. FINIS. 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