GUN, AND HOWITZER PLATFORM.
For carrying this platform, two men are required for each sleeper; one man for each plank, and ribband. The non-commissioned officer carries the rack-sticks.
A platform may be laid down in an hour by expert men, and may be dismantled in three minutes.
MORTAR PLATFORM.
Detailed as above. One non-commissioned officer, and seventeen men carry the platform. Time required for laying down, and dismantling, similar to the above.
MADRAS PLATFORM.
In an elevated battery, the platform may be laid down by expert men in half an hour, and may be dismantled in three minutes.
BREACH.
The best place for making a breach, in ravelins, bastions, &c., is about thirty yards from their salient angles. The batteries should commence by marking out by their fire the extent of the breach intended to be made, first by striking out a horizontal line as near the bottom of the revetment as possible, and afterwards two others perpendicular to, and at the extremities of this line. Should the breach be required to be extensive, it will be necessary to form intermediate lines. Then, by continuing to deepen these two or more cuts, and occasionally firing salvoes at the part to be brought down, the wall will give way in a mass. The guns must, however, at first fire low, and gradually advance upwards until the breach is effected; and when the wall has given way, the firing should be continued until the slope of the breach is made practicable.
TO BURST OPEN GATES OF FORTRESSES, ETC.