The cord is stretched to the rear stake, and as near the muzzle-band as possible, with the left hand, while the plummet is suspended against it with the right; or the plummet may be attached to the cord, just in rear of the mortar.
11. How does it appear that the mortar is thus properly directed?
Because the cord, the plummet, and the line of metal, are evidently in the vertical plane of fire.
12. What is done in case the shell should strike constantly to the right or left of the object?
The pointing-cord is shifted to some notch on the pointing-board, to the right or left, until the shell falls at the desired point.
13. Describe the pointing-board.
This is a piece of wood one foot long, two or three inches wide, and one inch thick, having a notch cut in the middle of one side, to fit on the stake and which is graduated into equal divisions from its middle. When not in use, the pointing-cord may be wound on it.
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14. Describe another mode of planting the pointing-stakes.
The mortar being placed upon the middle of the platform, the gunner mounts upon it, and suspends the plummet in front of the muzzle, covering the object. Where the plummet thus suspended cuts the crest of the epaulment, the first stake is driven. A second stake is then driven in the same line between the mortar and the epaulment. The pointing-cord being attached to the first stake and stretched to the rear, over the point where the plummet touches the top of the mortar, determines the point on the ground at which the rear stake is driven. The first stake is then removed, and the cord attached permanently to the second stake.