176
MESSES. SCHNEIDER AND CO.’S WORKS.
side of the platforms, at a distance from the buildings
in which the charges are made up and fuzes manufactured.
These buildings are of very light construction and are
separated from each other by earthwprks. Messrs. Schneider
and Co. have increased the number of these buildings
The installations of the proving ground are completed
by offices, warehouses, and machine-shops for carrying
out the necessary repairs for the plant.
The varions platforms are served by an 80-ton
traversing erane, which runs the whole length of the
Fig. 587. Platform for Firing Guns at Negative Angles.
Fig. 588. Shelter for the Test Firing of Guns.
rather than their size, in order to localise the the effects
of possible accidents,
The same principle has been followed in arranging
the buildings for the manufacture of primers, which is
a still more delicate operation ; this départaient consists
of a laboratory and charging rooms, of liglit construction,
and each building is isolated one from the other.
pit, in front of the firing platforms, on a track that is
connected with the line connecting the Havre works
with the Hoc proving ground. There is also a pit used
for testing of projectiles by bursting, and for ascertaining
the relative values of varions explosives and fuzes.
Finally, a special installation exists for testing gun tubes
with powder charges, such tests being occasionally required