SHIELDS IN WAR.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR:1
Sin,---Some time since a description and drawings were shown to me of an infantry shield that had been subjected to a number of severe tests, and had, I was informed, been adopted by the Russian Government in 1898. The idea of this shield, as described to me, had been derived from the well-known fact that the plumage of wild swans will frequently deflect the shot by which the bird is struck when flying directly towards the gun. This infantry shield is made of thick felt, resembling in texture that of the well- known peasant felt "snow-boots," covered with "scales" of steel, and supported by a light elastic steel frame. When placed upon the ground it leans towards, and partly over, the soldier. It is not intended to stop the bullet, but gives way under the impact, bending over the man it protects, and, from its elasticity and impenetrability combined, slightly deflecting the bullet upwards. In the centre of the shield is a small opening to fire through, with a "scale "-protected door that opens outwards when touched by the muzzle of the soldier's rifle, closing again when this is withdrawn. The whole shield, with its stand, weighs only about eight pounds, and can be easily rolled or folded up and transported in ordinary military waggons. When the moment for its employment has arrived, it can be served oat to the men as easily as ammunition. When in use, it is roughly painted the general " ground " colour of the country. It might be desirable to subject this idea to a practical test in this country, as it appears that the Russian military authorities were so well pleased with the results of their experiments that a con- siderable number of these shields has been provided.—I am,
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