cannon--except the small 3- and 6-pounder Hotchkiss guns, which have a sliding block--it has been so improved that the locking of the breech is still stronger, and in all but our very big guns it can be opened and closed with just about as much ease as a cupboard door. Of course, in monsters like the 12-, 13·5-, and 15-inch guns, hydraulic machinery is brought into play, by means of which their immense breech-blocks are manipulated with the greatest ease by the movement of various levers. Machine-guns at one period were introduced into the naval service for the special purpose of defence against torpedo-boats, but smaller rifle-calibre weapons were also supplied for use in the tops, boats, and in landing operations. The first-mentioned were "Nordenfeldt" guns, firing steel projectiles of 1 inch diameter in volleys of two or five. These proved too small to deal with the torpedo-boat, which grew bigger and bigger and was superseded by the destroyer; and were replaced successively by 3-, 6-, and 12-pounder rapid-fire guns. But at the present time a 4- or 6-inch shell is required to be really effective against the big destroyers which are now in commission. The rifle-calibre guns were at first Gatlings with revolving barrels, then Gardner and Nordenfeldt volley-firing guns, and lastly the well-known Maxim. Some of these are still carried on board ship but are not now of use in a naval action, though they are most valuable when bluejackets and marines are landed for shore service, and, upon occasion, in the boats. FOOTNOTES: [35] In the Civil War, according to Warburton's _Memoirs of Prince Rupert_, apothecaries' mortars were sometimes used in emergencies. [36] In Henry V's expedition to Harfleur he took with him, among others, two big guns known as the "London" and "the King's Daughter". [37] Sometimes called Hugget. [38] Compiled from five authorities, who differ slightly. [39] Lat., _coluber_, a serpent. [40] In 1586 "gunners were provided with milk and vinegar to cool their pieces". [41] There may have been some 68-pounder _carronades_ in action. CHAPTER XI Evolution of the Ironclad Battleship "Our ironclads and torpedo-boats Have never met the foe, But times of peace don't alter us, Our hearts are right, you know; As right and tight as in the days When glorious fights were won, And if duty call, we'll on them fall With torpedo, ram, and gun, my boys, With torpedo, ram, and gun. They may blow us up, They may blow us down, They may blow us every way; But we'll sink or win, And ne'er give in, Though they blow us right away, my boys, Though they blow us right away!" "Sink or Win" (Joe the Marine). From "Per Mare", Jane's _Naval Annual_, 1895.