In addition to the Schools of Application for Artillery and Engineers at Metz, and of Infantry and Cavalry at St. Cyr, of which a pretty full account will be given, the following Public Services are supplied by the Polytechnic School.
Gunpowder and Saltpetre.—(Poudres et Salpêtres.)
In France the manufacture of gunpowder is solely in the hands of the Government. The pupils of the Polytechnic who enter the gunpowder and saltpetre service, are sent in succession to different powder-mills and saltpetre refineries, so as to gain a thorough acquaintance with all the details of the manufacture.
On first entering the service they are named élèves des poudres. They afterwards rise successively to the rank of assistant-commissary, commissary of the third, of the second, and of the first class.
Navy.—(Marine.)
A small number of the pupils of the Polytechnic enter the Navy. They receive the rank of élève de première classe, from the date of their admission.
They are sent to the ports to serve afloat. After two years’ service they may be promoted to the rank of enseigne de vaisseau, on passing the necessary examinations, on the same terms precisely as the élèves de premiere classe of the Naval School.
Marine Artillery.—(Artillerie de la Marine.)
The French marine artillery differs from the English corps of the same name, in not serving afloat. Its duties are confined to the ports and to the colonies. It is governed by the same rules and ordinances as the artillery of the army.
The foundries of La Villeneuve, Rochefort, Ruelle, Névers, and Saint Gervais are under its direction.