The Progress

That Dynamite Gun.

The experiments with the dynamite gun at New York have demonstrated that they can place dynamite in destructive quantities a mile and a quarter off with considerable accuracy. It is probable that the range of the gun may be greatly increased. Also, the quantity of the explosive which may be fired at any charge may be made large enough to destroy any vessel yet built.

In addition to the gun, the projectile is now fitted with an electrical apparatus whereby the dynamite is positively exploded when any substance other than air is encountered during the flight of the shell.

During the recent trials of this gun in New York harbor, a vessel one and a half miles distant was completely destroyed by two or three shots from this gun. The delicacy of the exploding apparatus was well illustrated by one shell, which was exploded by merely striking a portion of the standing rigging of the vessel.

Models of this gun are on exhibition at the Mechanics' Fair, now in progress in this city. It is evident that this method of warfare, should it prove as efficient as it now promises to be, will render harmless the most effective torpedo boat now constructed.

There has been endless talk about the defenceless condition of the United States coast, but it is evident that a few of Lieut. Zalinski's guns, scattered along the coast line, would make it rather warm for any foreign vessel which might visit us with hostile intent.