A. Because there are always priming-charges of black powder in every section of smokeless powder, and powder-dust from these might fill the air when opening cases, and a spark from a nail in a shoe on the concrete floor would ignite it. There is also a remote chance of the vapor of ether from the new smokeless powder exploding when in combination with the air.
Rubber matting on magazine floors would be best.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Sphero-hexagonal is no longer used.
[2] The minimum charge for mortars is, according to an endorsement from the Chief of Ordnance, 18 lbs.
(C) CORDAGE, BLOCKS, TACKLE, GINS, SHEARS, ETC.
Q. Define yarn, strands, jaws of rope, short- and long-jawed rope, guys, spun-yarn, marlin, standing rigging, running rigging, and a bight.
A. Yarn are called threads of hemp or other fibrous material which compose a rope.
Strand is a number of yarns twisted together.
Jaws of rope are the interstices between the strands of rope.