4. What properties should wooden platforms possess?
Strength and portability.
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5. Are the pieces composing siege-platforms of the same or different dimensions?
All of the same dimensions, viz: 9 feet long, 5 inches wide, and 3½ inches thick; except the sleepers, which in the mortar-platform are one foot less in length.
6. What is the weight of each piece?
About fifty pounds.
7. What is the number of pieces in the siege-platform for guns and howitzers?
Forty-nine in all, one being used as a hurter on the front part of the platform to prevent the carriage from running too far forward; and twelve for sleepers.
8. Describe the method of laying a platform for a siege-gun or howitzer.