ors; Nos. 3, 9, and 4, 10 heave up the
Front Carriage-Levers; Nos. 11, 12 keep down the Rear Carriage-Levers,
unless it is seen that they are necessary.

In running out to windward[32] the compressors may be eased at once,
the In-Tackles slacked, the Carriage hove up on its trucks, and the
gun run out by the Out-Tacklemen, assisted by any of the numbers not
employed in other duties. When out, the Carriage-Levers are let down
promptly and unshipped. The compressors are set[33] and Rear
Slide-Lever shipped.

VII. "PRIME!"

(Diagram No. 6.)

251. The Gun Captain again makes sure that the Vent is clear,[34] and
in so doing lets his wire down quickly into the charge.[35] If all is
right, he inserts a primer.

If the Slide-Levers have not been shipped, or have been unshipped,
they must now be put on the axles of the Rear Slide-Trucks--15, 16.

The Rear Train-Tackles will be manned by

Nos. { 13.15.17.19.21.23.5.
{ 14.16.18.20.22.24.6.

VIII. "POINT!"

252. The Gun Captain adjusts or verifies the Sliding-Bar of the Rear
sight to the desired range,[36] and steps off the slide directly to
the rear, lock-lanyard in hand. The 2d Captain takes hold of the
Elevating screw,[37] 15, 16 heave up the levers of Rear Slide-Trucks,
and the Training-Tackles are manned by

Nos. { 13.15.17.19.21.23.5.
{ 14.16.18.20.22.24.6.
(Right or Left.)

[Illustration: PRIME-POINT-FIRE [Diagram No. 6.] D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]

IX. "READY--FIRE!"

253. The Gun Captain, with lock-lanyard just taut and his eye ranging
over the sights, but kept well down to the bottom of the notch in head
of sliding-bar, and over the point of middle sight, awaits these being
brought into coincidence by the roll with the object, which is always
the WATER-LINE--the Slide being trained constantly as desired by voice
or sign.[38]

When sure of his aim, the Gun Captain draws the lock-lanyard promptly
and firmly.

If the primer miss, the 2d Captain removes it, clears the vent, and
puts in a fresh primer.

If the gun, when fired, does not come into its place for loading, ship
Carriage-Levers, heave up, and run in by the In-Tackles to a taut
breeching.

Down all levers and set Compressors.

If the firing or exercise is to continue, the next order is "Sponge."

If not, unshackle the breeching, then--Run in, back to rear hurter for
pivoting--"Stand by to Pivot"--"Pivot to right or left;" when
amidshi