A critical analysis of the inefficiency of heavy ordnance, including the widely used Parrott and other hooped guns, in both the United States and throughout the world. Norman Wiard draws on his expertise in artillery design to provide a unique perspective on the limitations of these weapons. This book is a must-read for military historians and enthusiasts alike. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.