he case where the aeroplane is of the tractive type, that is
to say where the propellers are placed in the forefront of the machine
and in their revolution serve to draw the machine forward. All other
considerations must necessarily be sacrificed to the mounting of the
propeller. Consequently it is by no means easy to allot a position for
the installation of a gun, or if such should be found there is grave
risk of the angle of fire being severely restricted. In fact, in many
instances the mounting of a gun is out of the question: it becomes a
greater menace to the machine than to the enemy.

The French aeronautical section of the military department devoted
considerable study to this subject, but found the problem almost
insurmount able. Monsieur Loiseau met with the greatest measure of
success, and his system is being practised in the present campaign. This
principle is essentially adapted to tractor aeroplanes. Forward of the
pilot a special position is reserved for the gunner. A special mounting
is provided towards the prow, and upon the upper face of the body of the
machine. The gun mounting is disposed in such a manner that it is able
to command a wide arc of fire in the vertical plane over the nose of the
machine and more particularly in the downward direction.

The marksman is provided with a special seat, but when he comes into
action he has to stand to manipulate his weapon. The lower part of his
body is protected by a front shield of steel plate, a fifth of an inch
in thickness, while a light railing extending upon either side and
behind enables the gunner to maintain his position when the aeroplane is
banking and climbing. The machine gun, of the Hotchkiss type, is mounted
upon a swivel attached to a tripod, while the latter is built into the
bracing of the car, so as to ensure a fairly steady gun platform.

While the gun in the hands of a trained marksman may be manipulated with
destructive effect, the drawbacks to the arrangement are obvious. The
gunner occupies a very exposed position, and, although the bullet-proof
shield serves to break the effects of wind when travelling at high
speed which renders the sighting and training of the weapon extremely
difficult, yet he offers a conspicuous target, more particularly when
the enemy is able to assume the upper position in the air as a result of
superior speed in travelling. The gun, however, may be elevated to about
60 degrees, which elevation may be accentua