Put  in  loop  bolt  and  elevator ;  hook  on  drag  rope,
and  ship  trail  handspike  in  socket.
Q, — Explain  the  operations  at  the  fourth  com-
mand,  "land?"

A. — Nos.  5,  6,  7,  8  jump  out  of  boat,  and  with


GUNNERY    CATECHISM.  145

Nos.  3,  4  divide  to  each  skid,  keeping  outside  of
them.
Stroke  oarsmen  wheel  the  piece  up  to  gunwale  by
the  spokes,  the  quarter-gunner  guiding  the  trail  by
the  handspike ;  rest  of  crew  take  hold  of  drag  rope
to  ease  gun  down  from  the  bow,  the  quarter-gunner
guiding  it  down  the  skids.
Q. —  When  down  on  the  bottom  and  off  the  skids  f
A. — Hook  drag  rope  round  axle,  and  haul  gun  up
on  the  beach.     Then  put  rammers  and  sponges  on
the  trail,  and  fill  transporting  boxes  with  ammuni-
tion.
Exercise  of  Howitzer  on  Field  Carriage.
Q. —  Give  the  stations  and  duties  in  this  exercise  ?

A. — Quarter-gunner,  charge  of  ammunition  and
spare  articles.
No.  1,  Captain,  rear  of  breech  to  the  right;  is
captain  of  the  piece,  points  and  fires,  superintends
orders,  and  gives  orders  in  absence  of  officer.
No.  2,  rear  of  breech  to  left;  closes  vent,  puts  in
primer.
No.  3,  right  side  of  muzzle ;  sponges  and  rams
home.
No.  4,  left  side  of  muzzle ;  receives  and  enters
ammunition.
No.  5,  rear,  and  outside  of  right  wheel ;  assists
at  right  wheel.
No.  6,  rear,  and  outside  of  left  wheel ;  passes  am-
munition, and  assists  at  left  wheel.
13


146  GUNNERY    CATECHISM.
No.  7,  live  yards  rear  of  right  wheel ;  assists  at
right  wheel,  tends  bolt  of  trail  wheel,  and  trail
handspike.
No.  8,  five  yards  rear  of  left  wheel ;  passes  am-
munition, and  assists  at  left  wheel.
