Report of the British naval and military operations in Egypt, 1882 . s andvaried expeditions. The organization of the corps is good. The plan of its equipment is,however, entirely lacking in elasticity, in adaptability to the differentconditions under which it is constantly called upon to work; while itsparts are heavy and cumbersome to such an extent as to seriously im-pair its efficiency. For convenience the wagons are considered first. The general-service wagon is strong and solidly constructed; it weighs,empty, about a ton. When carrying its full allowance of a ton and ahalf of load it req
Report of the British naval and military operations in Egypt, 1882 . s andvaried expeditions. The organization of the corps is good. The plan of its equipment is,however, entirely lacking in elasticity, in adaptability to the differentconditions under which it is constantly called upon to work; while itsparts are heavy and cumbersome to such an extent as to seriously im-pair its efficiency. For convenience the wagons are considered first. The general-service wagon is strong and solidly constructed; it weighs,empty, about a ton. When carrying its full allowance of a ton and ahalf of load it requires an extremely good road and six powerful horsesin excellent condition for its locomotion. Yet upon these wagons de-pend the carefully worked out system of regimental transport and theimportant packing drill. The moment other modes of conveyance areresorted to, a new distribution of the mess equipment, &c, must bedevised, introducing general confusion and discontent. In spite of thelessons of the campaign just concluded, it may be safely predicted that 216. Fi9. 83. the transport corps will continue to adhere to this impracticable andimperishable vehicle. The two-wheeled carts upon which most reliance was placed were ,. the Maltese pattern, Fig. 84. The principal diaiensious areas follows: Diameter ofwheels, 5 feet; length of shaft,10 feet; size of shaft, 2J inchessquare; width of platform atback, 3 feet; width betweenshafts, 18 inches; net load,about 8 cwt. Somewhat different fromthe foregoing, was a smallhand-cart which could be fitted for mule or donkey draught by the addi-tion of removable shafts of bamboo. The ends and sides ofthis cart can be lifted off either for stowage or use. Theprincipal peculiarity was the wheel, the spokes being finchiron rods radiating from a heavy cylindrical hub terminat-ing in iron plates. The spokes pass through these platesand are set up with a nut inside. Fig. 85 gives one spokeand shows the hub of this wheel. The water-cart is
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, bookpublisherwashi, bookyear1883
