Scientific American Supplement, No. 711 | Page 2

dyewood extracts, with notes of their adulterations.
11359
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THE DEFENSE OF GIBRALTAR: EXPERIMENTAL NAVAL AND
MILITARY OPERATIONS.
[Illustration: THE DEFENSE OF GIBRALTAR--EXPERIMENTAL
NAVAL AND MILITARY OPERATIONS.]
A novel and interesting series of operations was carried out at Gibraltar
a few weeks ago, with a view to test the promptitude with which the
garrison of the famous Rock could turn out to resist a sudden attack by
a powerful iron-clad fleet. The supposed enemy was represented by the
Channel Squadron, under the command of Vice-Admiral Baird, and
consisting of H.M.S. Northumberland (flag ship), the Agincourt,
Monarch, Iron Duke, and Curlew. The "general idea" of the operations
was that a hostile fleet was known to be cruising in the vicinity, and
that an attack on the Rock might be made. The squadron left Gibraltar
and proceeded to the westward, returning to the eastward through the
Straits under cover of the night.

The Governor of Gibraltar, General the Hon. Sir Arthur Hardinge,
issued orders for the whole garrison to stand to their arms at dawn, and
subsequent days, until the attack should be made; but by his express
command no batteries were to be manned, or any troops moved from
their alarm posts, until the signal was given that an attack was
imminent. The alarm signal ordered was that of three guns fired in
rapid succession from the Upper Signal Station on the summit of the
Rock, to be followed, after a short pause, by two more shots. It was a
matter of complete uncertainty as to the direction from which the attack
would be made.
Every detail was carefully carried out, as if the impending attack was a
real affair. The telegraphic communication between the various parts of
the Rock was supplemented by signalers; arrangements were made for
the ready supply of reserve ammunition for all arms; and the medical
authorities established dressing stations, at numerous points of the
Rock, to render "first aid" to those who might chance to be numbered
among the "wounded." Day broke with a "Levanter," and the heavy
clouds hanging about rendered any distant view a matter of difficulty.
However, before it had become actually daylight the alarm guns gave
notice that the enemy had been sighted. The troops turned out with
great promptitude, being all at their assigned stations in less than a
quarter of an hour, and were shortly ordered to various points
commanding the east side of the Rock. As day broke, the hostile ships
were to be discerned steaming in single line ahead, from the northeast,
along the back of the Rock, and about 5,000 yards from it. The flag
ship, followed by the Monarch and the Agincourt, proceeded toward
Europa Point, while the Iron Duke and the Curlew stood close in to the
eastern beach, so as to engage the northern defenses of the fortress. The
first shot was fired by the flag ship, shortly before six o'clock in the
morning, at the southern defenses. It was replied to, in less than three
minutes, by the Europa batteries, and very shortly the engagement
became general. The plan of tactics employed by the squadron was that
of steaming rapidly up and down, and concentrating their fire in turn on
the various shore batteries. Later on, the whole squadron assembled off
Europa Point, and fired broadsides by electricity as they steamed past at
speed. The spectacle at this moment was a very fine one, the roar of the

heavy guns of the ships being supplemented by the sharp, rapid report
of the quick-firing guns, which were supposed to be sending a storm of
small shell among the defenders of the Rock. The incessant rattle of the
ships' machine guns was also heard in the intervals between the
thundering broadsides of heavy ordnance. All the ships were, of course,
cleared for action, with topmasts and yards sent down, and it is
needless to say they looked exceedingly workmanlike and formidable.
The various batteries on the Rock replied with great vivacity, and the
general effect produced as gun after gun was brought to bear on the
ships, and the white smoke wreathed itself round the many crags and
precipices of the grim old Rock, was a sight long to be remembered.
The exercise afforded to both branches of the service was undoubtedly
most instructive. Our illustration is a sketch by Captain Willoughby
Verner from one of the batteries above the Europa Flats, at which point
the governor took up his position to watch the operations. --_Illustrated
London News._
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GIBRALTAR AND NEIGHBORHOOD.
REPORT BY CONSUL SPRAGUE.
Notwithstanding that the political situation of Europe seems to be less
threatening among its leading powers, still the uncertainty prevalent
among those who are generally considered the arbiters of public affairs