For the purpose of a more convenient reference, the following- table is added, the first column of n Melt contains the different angles formed by the lines of fire with the principal axis of the ship; and the second the distances of the points of intersection formed by the same lines of lire with the axis, reckoned from point K, the centre of the circular arc abcffeba, which surrounds the stern.
(laving ascertained the effects capable of being pro duced by the separate actions of the guns, Mr. Harvey next undertook, as in the square stern, the considera tion of the advantages likely to result from their com bined application.
In the first place, Mr. Harvey remarks, that the points of cross lire are much more numerous than in the case of the square stern, and moreover, that they may be increased ad libitum, by varying the bearings of the gnus, and which the very convenient form of the stern will permit to be done with so much ease and convenience.
itt the next place, Mr. Harvey remarks, that the close approximation of the same points to the parts of the vessel from which the lines of fire issue, is worthy of particular observation. The after broad side port. for example, may be made to cross its lire with the gun into the quarter port at the point n, Fig. 2, Plate CCCCXCVII. being little more than two thirds of a fathom from the side of the vessel; there hr subjecting every part of the sectorial space n o p, containing an angle of 66', and consequently the space beyond it, to the galling action .of a cross fire. In like marmer, with the stern and quarter guns, it is possible to make the lines of fire intersect each other at d c, the distance being less than two fathoms fro n the q•arter of the ship; and therefore exposing every part of the sector it i a. whose angle is 31,Y, :tu:1 the space beyond it, to the operation of a cross lire, at all distances between the utmost range of the gun, and the point of intersection last alluded to. The close approach of these points to the side and quarter of the was such as to excite the surprise ul' all v ho witnessed the experiment. lu a cross lire pro ceeding fro n the stern ports, the snperiority was equally app,rent; the point of intersection F, ceing foand within a fathom of the stern frr,me, and the sector in m containing angle of GO', every part of which was completely comm„nded.
A inure striking example of the advantage which the curvilineal stern affords for producing points of cross fire, may, however, be exemplified, when a ship of this khid is attacked on her quarter. In such a case, the lines of fire proceeding front the after broad side port, and from the adjacent quarter and stern ports, may all be brought to bear on the saute pain) 1, less than twelve fathoms of the quarter; tic lines of fire being respectively B y, II y, and E y. Fig. 2. Flute CCC.CXCV1i. In Fig. 2. Plate CCCC\CIX. the gnus al e iepresented in the positions necessary to produce this important t Meet; and where it will be perceived that most ample space is afforded for work ing them. Hence it that the quarter, which, in the oft! form of the stern. was deci.tedly the weakest part of the ship, in the curvilineal stern possesses the most ample means of defence.
A like important defence may also be created, sup posing it should be necessary at any time to concen trate the lines of fire in some point nearer the princi pal axis of the vessel; as the point Z for example, Fig. 2. Plate CCCCNCVII. To accomplish this, the guns at both the stern and quarter ports may be em ployed at the same time, a ith sufficient space for working them; the lines of fire being D z, S the point where they unite being only twelve fathoms front the stern.
Such arc the effects capable of being produced by the extreme bearings of the lines of fire hitherto de scribed; but it is evident that many varieties may be created to meet the diversified circumstances under which ships of war arc liable to be placed. ln the first place, both the stern guns ni.Ly be evidently fJught right aft at the same time, the lines of tire M being in such a case parallel; secondly, One of the last mentioned guns may he fought right aft and the other trained to any angle, between the line of fire M nt, and the F; the sectorial figure r,t w x, contain ing an angle of 30', produced by the first mentioned heating, and the limit just alluded to being swept over in such a case. Ily the bearings of these guns, sectorial spaces may be swept over of any mag nitude, within the limits of the extreme bearings fF,fF.