The Works Of Messrs. Schneider And Co.

THE PROVING- GROUNDS 177 in order to check the results of the physical tests to which the steel has been previously submitted. Figs. 587 to 589 are illustrations of the Hoc proving grounds. They show respectively gun-carriages and range for depression firing ; the casemate used in firing trials ; and the pit in which high explosives and shells are tested. The Harfleur Long-Range Proving Ground.—Besides the Villedieu and Hoc proving grounds already referred to, Messrs. Schneider and Co. hold on lease a large tract of land between the Tancarville Canal and the open sea, in which they have made the necessary installation for The ground is remarkably level ; it contains three main firing lines, one being used only for high explosive tests. As the south side of the ground is bounded by the sea, a large area is available during ebb tide for executing these tests with every guarantee of safety. The illustrations (Figs. 590 to 593, Plate CIX.) give varions views of this polygon, and show earthworks, ballistic installations, sea ranges, &c. The main firing-line is fitted up with fixed platforms for the testing of guns of all calibres ; at every kilometre distance from the main battery are erected protected sheikers for taking observations. All the shelters are Fig. 589. Protected Pit for Testing High Explosives and Bursting Shells. long-range firing tests. This long-range proving ground forms a natural complément to their recently-acquired extensive oi’dnance works at Havre. The ground is located a few hundred yards distant from the Havre works and the Hoc polygon. The tract of land is about 10 miles in length, so that ballistic trials that require ranges of from to 4J miles can be carried out under the best possible conditions for safety and close observation. This proving ground is employed principally : 1. To compile practice tables for the varions types of guns. 2. To carry out precision-firing trials at long ranges, especially with regard to field, siege, and garrison guns. S. For firing tests with high explosives. 4. For experimental trials of fuzes. united by téléphoné with the central stand near the main battery. A narrow-gauge railway is laid down along the main firing-line. An observatory, 20 metres high, provided with all the required instruments for registering the temperature, barometric pressure, direction and force of wind, &c., facilitâtes observations from one end to the other of the proving ground. A battery in casemate is built at the head of the firing-line for the testing of high explosives. The proving ground was put in use for the first time a few months ago ; it is admirably equipped for ballistic tests and long-range firing trials. The location of the Harfleur polygon is very convenient, as it is not far from Havre, and only three hours’ journey from Paris ; it therefore possesses exceptional facilities to foreign commissioners and inspection officers, who may require to witness trials, or report on completed Orders.