Articles carried in the boxes require examination to see that they are perfect.
Sponges which have been in use ought to be washed and dried as far as possible, the covers not being put on until quite dry.
Painting Carriages.—Wooden parts, and the corresponding parts of the steel carriage, are painted olive-color; the other parts black. Whenever there is an appearance of rust under the paint of the steel gun-carriage, it should not stand until the annual painting, but be cleaned off at once and repainted.
Before painting a carriage it must be dry, thoroughly clean, and free from grease. It will not be necessary to scrape off the old paint where it is sound and firm, but all blisters, perished paint, and rust on ironwork must be scraped off. Where the wood is bare of paint, it should have three coats. This patching should be done before the final coat is put on. One coat is sufficient for the annual painting.
To remove old paint, use a paste of soda and quicklime, equal parts, made by dissolving soda in water and then adding lime. Apply with a brush, and after a few minutes wash off with hot water. Wash with vinegar or an acid solution before repainting to remove all traces of the alkali.
Sponges, rammers, and handspikes are not painted.
In taking a battery in hand for repair it should first be stripped of all the stores, the whole of the strapping and fixed leather taken off, and the carriage thoroughly washed. All metalwork requiring repairs should be attended to at once; also canvas and leatherwork. The paint is supplied by the Ordnance Department.
CARE OF GUNS.
Paint for Field-guns.—This quantity will paint 25 guns. It comes in tins marked No. 1 and No. 2, and is furnished by the Ordnance Department.