51. What is the object of bushing a piece?
To prevent deterioration of the vent, or provide a new one when this has already occurred.
52. Is all new artillery bushed?
No, only bronze pieces, and iron pieces, only when repeated firing has rendered it absolutely necessary.
53. How is artillery rendered unserviceable?
I. Drive into the vent a jagged and hardened steel spike with a soft point, or a nail without a head; break it off flush with the outer surface, and clinch the point inside by means of the rammer.
II. Wedge a shot in the bottom of the bore by wrapping it with felt, or by means of iron wedges, using the rammer or a bar of iron to drive them in.
III. Cause shells to burst in the bore of bronze guns.
IV. Fire broken shot from them with large charges.
V. Fill the piece with sand over the charge, to burst it.