might obviate other precautions,
especially where reloading is necessary, as in firing salutes, when,
there being no shot over the cartridge, it is imperfectly consumed.

258. "Strikes the staff several smart taps under the muzzle!" to shake
off any adhering fragments of the cartridge. Should any burning
fragments be drawn out, the Loader extinguishes them with the wet
swab; the Gun Captain again commands "Sponge."

259. Gun Captain "serves the vent with his priming-wire!" If at any
time he should find the vent obstructed, and be unable to clear it
with the priming-wire or boring-bit, he will at once report to the
officer of division, who will order the vent-punch used; or, if this
should fail, have recourse to the vent-drill and brace in charge of
the Quarter Gunner. The boring-bit, vent-punch, and drills should be
used with caution, as, being of steel, they are liable to be broken
off in the vent and thus effectually spike the gun. After clearing the
vent the bore should be sponged.

260. Spongers and Loaders are to be careful to keep their bodies as
much within the port as practicable, otherwise at close quarters they
will be picked off by musketry.

FIFTH COMMAND.

"LOAD!"

"_No. 3 removes cap from fuze!_"[39]

261. The cap is never to be removed until the shell has been entered
in the gun. With high elevations, or when rolling, care should be
taken that the shell does not slip down the bore before this is done.

The cap or patch is removed by taking hold of the lug with the
forefinger and thumb, first raising it a little, and without twisting;
a pull readily removes it. The patch is passed to the Gun Captain, as
an evidence that the priming has been exposed; the patches to be
preserved and accounted for at the end of the firing.

262. The Loader must be careful not to touch the fuze composition with
his fingers, for fear of injuring it by moisture. Where the firing is
not hurried it is advisable to raise the priming of the fuze, to
insure its ignition. All of these details should be carefully
explained to the crew.

263. No wad is required over a shell, but a selvagee wad may be used
in heavy rolling.

264. When loading with shot a selvagee wad is placed over it. A
part--half or a third--of a selvagee wad, is equally efficient in
holding the shot in place.

265. Shells should be used against Ships at all distances where the
penetration would be sufficient to lodge them. They are of no service
in