RANGE (continued)

The second thing to be considered, is,. to know the exact charge of powder necessary to throw a. shell to a given distance.

If the shell, being fired at an elevation of 45�, falls short of the place intended, the charge of powder must be increased. If it reaches the place, or. goes beyond it, it is evident that the charge issufficient. If the shell,. at an elevation under 45� falls short of the place intended, with a given charge, the mortar must be more elevated: if, on the contrary, it falls too far off, it must be more inclined to the horizon: and by these essays the proper degree of inclination. may be easily and speedily discovered.

If the mortar then is raised above 45�, it must be more inclined, so as. to make a more acute angle with the horizon, to increase the range of the shell; and, on the contrary, raised nearer a perpendicular, to diminish it: all of which are consequences. drawn from what has been said on this subject.

It must be observed, first, that the greatest distance to which a shell can be thrown, with. the strongest charge, is little more than about 1800 or 2000 fathoms.

Secondly, that though a mortar may be elevated indifferently, either so much above or below 45� as to carry a shell to a given distance, yet when any building is to be destroyed, it should be raised above because the shell, rising to a greater height when fired according to a greater angle,. falls with greater force, and by consequence will do more damage to the place on which it is thrown. But when the business is to fire on a body of men, the mortar must be pointed below that the shell may not have force enough to enter far into the ground, and that the splinters in the explosion may do more execution.

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