When halted allow the men to stray from their mules as little as possible. Disarrangement of loads and possible accidents are thereby avoided.
As pack-mules require very tight girthing, they should remain girthed as short a time as possible. Gun-and carriage-mules are the tightest girthed.
Their loads may be shifted to the relief-mules at the half-way halt, these mules not being tightly girthed until on the point of loading. Girths of the relieved mules should be slackened gradually, as sudden loosing of the girths causes swellings.
CAMPS.
On reaching camp halt the battery, in line, in rear of the ground to be occupied, facing to the front. Indicate the positions for material, etc. The battery is then marched to the site of the gun-park and the guns formed action front, the stores and boxes being piled in rear of each gun. If possible make a foundation of stones, etc., for the piles of boxes to rest on, dig a trench around it, and cover the pile with a paulin firmly secured.
The men's tents are on either flank, the mules being picketed between the lines of tents. The officers' tents are on a line perpendicular to the men's tents, and about twenty-five yards from the end ones, and face inward. The guard-tents are near the flank guns.
After unloading, girths are loosened a little, and are allowed to remain so for fifteen minutes.
If the animals are warm they should be walked around until cool, and may then be watered. As a rule all watering should be superintended by an officer, and no man should be allowed to take more than two mules to water at the same time.
When the mules are put on the picket-line, remove bridles and wipe bits, loosen cincha a little, and place breeching over saddle, and take off breast-strap if one be used. Sponge nostrils and eyes, rub heads with dry wisp, and feed hay or grass. Saddles are only removed by order; and when removed the men must examine shoulders, withers, sides, and docks, and report the result. Backs should be rubbed off until the hair lies smooth.