=59.= =Mortar Batteries.=--The introduction of rifled mortars of all calibres, with the corresponding increase in accuracy of fire, together with the destructive effects of shells charged with high explosives, will doubtless lead to the extensive use of mortars in future sieges. In a distant attack the requirements of a mortar battery are very simple, consisting principally of a stable platform, magazines for ammunition, and bomb-proof covers for the gunners; since the battery as a rule will be concealed from the view of the work by intervening obstacles, and will in consequence not be subject to direct fire. When the soil is favorable, cover against plunging fire will be most easily obtained by sinking pits for the mortars to such depth as may be necessary to furnish earth for a splinter-proof parapet surrounding the pit, and for cover for the bomb-proof shelters for the men and the magazines. When ample space exists which is well concealed, and in which the soil is good, a separate emplacement should be made for each mortar. When necessary, however, two or more mortars may be placed in each pit. The magazines, splinter and bomb proofs are similar to those elsewhere described. When no natural mask exists, the battery may be constructed behind an artificial screen, and be made of the general type of the “exposed siege battery,” the gun portions being made with front enough to accommodate one or two mortars as may be preferred, and of such length only as is needed for working the mortar employed. The terre-plein may be placed at any convenient depth below the surface of the ground, and the revetment of the interior slope, if any be used, will not ordinarily be carried higher than the muzzle of the mortar. As the traverses are not subject to gun-fire, the splinter-proofs afforded by the central passage may be added to by building others along both sides of the traverse; and by deepening the mortar emplacement sufficiently, they may be given enough cover to make them true bomb-proofs. A mortar battery fulfilling these conditions can hardly be silenced by hostile fire. The conditions under which the batteries may be constructed are, however, so varied that detailed dimensions will not be given. No difficulty will exist in making the battery of a size suitable for the pieces to be employed. The U. S. rifled siege mortar is of 7-inch calibre, about 5 feet long, weighs 1715 lbs., and is designed to throw a 125-lb. shell with a charge of 5½ lbs. of powder, giving an initial velocity of 685 f.s. and a range of about 4000 yards. With reduced charges the range may be reduced to about 650 yards without undue sacrifice of accuracy.