Since writing this about the Mauser, Captain
Cowper of the Queen's tells me that on the whole he considers
the Lee-Metford superior, and that the Boers he has met have
told him they hold it to be a harder shooter at long ranges.
However, it seems to me that the better balance and magazine
of the Mauser counteract this and give it the preference.]

I believe that I am right in saying that pouches for carrying the
rifle ammunition are universally condemned in favour of a bandolier,
with flaps over every ten cartridges or so. In our Naval bandoliers
the want of these flaps was especially noticeable, and the wastage of
ammunition dropped out was, I am sure, excessive, besides leaving
loose ammunition lying about for Boer or Kaffir to pick up, as they
are reported to be doing. The web bandolier is lighter than the
leather, and better, so I recommend it, if fitted with flaps, to the
notice of the Naval authorities.

APPENDIX II

EXTRACTS FROM SOME OF THE DESPATCHES, REPORTS, AND TELEGRAMS,
REGARDING OPERATIONS MENTIONED IN THIS JOURNAL

[_London Gazette_, January 26th, 1900.]

_From General Sir Redvers Buller, V.C., G.C.B._

Chieveley Camp,
_December 17th, 1899._

[_Extract._]

I enclose a reconnaissance sketch of the Colenso position. All visible
defences had been shelled by eight naval guns on the 13th and 14th.
During all this time and throughout the day, the two 4.7 and four
12-pounder Naval guns of the Naval Brigade and Durban Naval
Volunteers, under Captain E. P. Jones, R.N., were being admirably
served, and succeeded in silencing every one of the enemy's guns they
could locate.

* * * * *

[_London Gazette_, March 30th, 1900.]

_From Captain E. P. Jones, R.N., Commanding Naval Brigade._

Chieveley Camp,
_December 16th, 1899._

[_Extract._]

The whole force under Sir Redvers Buller advanced at 4 a.m. yesterday,
intending to take the positions of the enemy on the other side of the
Tugela. The Brigade under my command was disposed as follows:--Two 4.7
guns and four 12-pounders which were on the outpost line in a position
10,000 yards from the main works of the enemy, from which place we had
been shelling them on the previous day, advanced to a small rise about
5,00