ch, the three motions
corresponding with the first three steps. Movements may be executed at
the trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words at
trail; as, 1. At trail, forward, 2. MARCH; the trail is taken at the
command march.

When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval or
distance, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the piece
to the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting.

Seventh. The piece is brought to the order on halting. The execution of
the order begins when the halt is completed.

Eighth. A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms.

The following rules govern the execution of the manual of arms:

First. In all positions of the left hand at the balance (center of
gravity, bayonet unfixed) the thumb clasps the piece; the sling is
included in the grasp of the hand.

Second. In all positions of the piece, "diagonally across the body" the
position of the piece, left arm and hand are the same as in port arms.

Third. In resuming the order from any position in the manual, the motion
next to the last concludes with the butt of the piece about 3 inches
from the ground, barrel to the rear, the left hand above and near the
right, steadying the piece, fingers extended and joined, forearm and
wrist straight and inclining downward, all fingers of the right hand
grasping the piece. To complete the order, lower the piece gently to the
ground with the right hand, drop the left quickly by the side, and take
the position of order arms.

Allowing the piece to drop through the right hand to the ground, or
other similar abuse of the rifle to produce effect in executing the
manual, is prohibited.

Fourth. The cadence of the motions is that of quick time; the recruits
are first required to give their whole attention to the details of the
motions, the cadence being gradually acquired as they become accustomed
to handling their pieces. The instructor may require them to count aloud
in cadence with the motions.

Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt and the movements are, for the
purpose of instruction, divided into motions and executed in detail; in
this case the command of execution determines the prompt execution of
the first motion, and the commands, two, three, four, that of the
other motions.

To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cautions: By
the numbers; all movements divided into motions are then executed as