Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/107

four 25-ton guns similar to those of the 'Monarch,' but we had now reached ordnance of 35 tons, and a pair of these 'infants,' as they had been ironically termed, were allotted to each of the 'Devastation's' turrets. She was given twin screws, worked by separate engines, and a coal stowage provided for 1300 tons. This capacity was largely in excess of that of all previous ships, and forms one of the most valuable features of this class. When it is considered what was done with dimensions—9350 tons—just under those of the 'Alexandra,' that the total weight of protection carried was 2950 tons of iron and wood, or an increase of 600 tons over the broadside ship, and that she could present on either side a concentrated fire of four 35-ton guns, while the range ahead or astern was covered by two such pieces, all efficiently protected, it may be conceded that the success of the turret system had been proved. But what a change from the three-decker of 120 guns to the 'Warrior' of forty, and thence to the 'Devastation,' with only four heavy guns. Could the principle of concentration of armament be extended further? The limits were not yet reached. The 'Devastation' was completed in 1873, and any doubts that may have been felt as to her seaworthy qualities were speedily set at rest. She proved able to encounter severe weather, and wonderfully steady in a heavy sea. The sea washed over her like a half-tide rock, but with apertures closed it could not find its way below. There was, of course, discomfort to the crew, who were dependent on artificial ventilation, but for service in the Mediterranean, where bad weather is