First establish the centre line of the embrasure, and stretch a cord on this line from the middle of the embrasure to the rear. This is the directrix of the platform.
Lay the two outside sleepers parallel to this directrix, their outside edges being fifty-four inches distant from it. The four other sleepers are laid parallel to these, the edge of each fifteen and a half inches from the edge of the next. The upper surface of the front ends of these sleepers to be fifty inches on a vertical line below the sole of the embrasure.
120]
They are laid with an elevation to the rear, of one and a half inches to the yard, or four and a half inches in their whole length. This elevation may be determined by placing a block four and a half inches high on the front end of the sleeper, and laying a straight-edge, with a gunner’s level on it from this block to the rear end, then so arrange the earth as to bring the level true in this position. The next set of sleepers are laid against and inside of the first, overlapping them three feet, having the rear ends inclined outwards, so that the outer edges of the exterior ones shall be each fifty-four inches from the directrix, and the spaces between the edges of the others the same as in the first set, viz: fifteen and a half inches from the edge of one to the edge of the next, all having the elevation to the rear of one and a half inches to the yard, and perfectly level across. The earth is then rammed firmly around these sleepers, and made even with their upper surface. The first deck-plank, with a hole through each end for the eye-bolts, is laid in place perpendicular to the directrix, its holes corresponding with those in the sleepers. The hurter is placed on it, and the bolts driven through the corresponding holes in these pieces. The hurter should be so placed as to prevent the wheels from striking against the epaulment when the piece is in battery. If the interior slope has a base of two-sevenths of its height, the inner edge of the hurter should be two and a half inches from the foot of the slope. The other planks are then laid, each one forced against the preceding, the last plank having holes for the rear eye-bolts. By drawing out or driving in the outside sleepers, the holes through their rear ends are made to correspond with those in the last deck-plank, and the bolts are put in.
Drive stakes in the rear of each sleeper, leaving their tops level with the upper surface of the platform. Raise, ram, and level the earth in rear of the platform, so as to have a plain, hard surface to support the trail when the recoil is great. The earth at the sides should be raised nearly as high as the platform, and well rammed, giving it a slight inclination outwards to allow the water to run off.
121]
9. What are the dimensions of this platform?
Fifteen feet by nine feet.
10. Why is the elevation to the rear given to this platform?
To diminish the recoil and to permit the water to run off.