Coast Defence.

Coast Defence. The character of the defence provided for the coasts of a state must depend on the nature of the coast and of the attack to be anticipated. In Germany a solution of the problem has been sought mainly by means of submarine mines, associated with a strong flotilla of torpedo-boats, and, in certain spots, with powerful batteries. Italy trusts the defence of her coasts chiefly to her very powerful fleet of ironclads, which can move from place to place as required. In France and England all these methods are employed: mine-fields, which to be effective must be protected by artillery; torpedo-boat flotillas; batteries; and a strong fleet of heavy ships, some of which have been specially designed for this purpose, though their usefulness has been much questioned. In Italy the unusual feature of 120-ton guns mounted in gun-barges, to take part in the defence of certain important harbours, is also to be noticed. As a general defence against an attack in force, strong batteries in connection with mine-fields offer, perhaps, the best security. Against depredations by isolated ships or cruisers, well-placed guns on the disappearing system, with some fast torpedo-boats, would probably be most efficacious. The question of the best system of defence, under the great changes which have taken place in the material of warfare, must probably remain undecided until more experience has been gained.