269. As a general rule, all parts of the musket are assembled in the inverse order in which they are dismounted. Before replacing screws, oil them slightly with good sperm oil, as inferior oil is converted into a gum, which clogs the operation of the parts. Screws should not be turned in so hard as to make the parts bind. When a lock has, from any cause, become gummed with oil and dirt, it may be cleaned by boiling in soap-suds, or in pearlash or soda-water; heat should never be applied in any other way.
270. Precautions in Using.—In ordering arms on parade, let the butt be brought gently to the ground, especially if the ground be hard. This will save the mechanism of the lock from shocks, which are very injurious to it, and which tend to loosen and mar the screws and split the wood-work.
The ramrod should not be sprung with unnecessary force, for fear of injuring the corners of the grooves; and, in stacking arms, care should be taken not to injure the bayonets by forcibly straining the edges against each other.
No cutting, marking, or scraping the wood or iron should be allowed, and no part of the gun should be touched with a file. Take every possible care to prevent water from getting between the lock, or barrel and stock. If any should get there, dismount the gun as soon as possible, clean and oil the parts as directed, and see that they are perfectly dry before assembling them.
PAINTS AND LACQUERS.
COMPOSITION AND PREPARATION.
271. The proportions are given for 100 parts by weight of prepared colors, when not otherwise designated.
| A gallon of linseed oil weighs | 7.5 lbs. |
| A gallon of spirits of turpentine | 7.25 lbs. |
| A gallon of Japan varnish | 7. lbs. |
| A gallon of sperm oil | 7.12 lbs. |
| A gallon of neatsfoot oil | 7.63 lbs. |
PAINTS AND LACQUERS.
Boiled oil.