D. Van Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.
228. Note.—The breechings of IX-in. guns are to be so fitted that the face of muzzle when in shall be 18 inches from inner face of side, for two reasons:
To prevent the gun from returning to the port, and to give room for the handling of such large shells.
Seventeen men are a proper number for working a IX-in. gun under any circumstances.
Rammer handles are to be marked for place of charge and of shell.
Side and train tackles are also to be marked to the proper overhaul, so as to avoid slack rope.
Breast-sweeps are useful at lower sill of port, for training more than a point.
X. "SECURE!"
229. The Powder-boy returns the spare powder and the passing-boxes to the magazine. The Shellmen return the shells and empty shell-boxes, if any remain on deck, to the shell-room.