It consists, besides the limber, of a long-bodied cart with a round top, which is connected with the limber in the same way as all other field carriages. The lid opens on hinges placed at the side; and in rear is fixed a movable forage rack for carrying long forage. One of these wagons accompanies each field-battery, for the purpose of transporting carriage-maker’s and saddler’s tools, spare parts of carriages, harness and equipments, and rough materials for replacing different parts.
Both this and the forge are made of equal mobility with the other field carriages, in order to accompany them wherever they may be required to go.
76. How many kinds of wheels are employed for field carriages?
Two: No. 1 for the 6-pdr. gun carriage, the caisson, the forge, the battery-wagon, and for the limbers of all field-carriages. No. 2 for the 24-pdr. howitzer and the 12-pdr. gun carriages.
77. In what respects are these wheels similar?
They are of the same form and height, and they fit on the same axle-tree arm. The height is 57 inches, and each wheel is composed of 14 spokes and 7 fellies.
78. How do they differ?
In the dimensions of their parts, and in strength and weight.
79. What is the weight of these wheels?
No. 1, 180 lbs., No. 2, 196 lbs.