ut just
prevented from freeing itself entirely and going overboard over the
Port-sill. Not being able to replace the Straps, the Compressors were
useless till late in the cruise. Preventer Breechings were then fitted,
and answered so well that the practice was continued at sea as usual. They
now form part of the equipment of all XI-in. guns, and should be just taut
when the gun is out, and the Trucks of the Carriage reach but do not
ascend the curve of the forward Hurter.

[20] This is to detach from the bottom of the Chamber the fragments of
burnt Flannel that are apt to adhere and solidify.

[21] This practice encumbers the deck, and interferes materially at times
with the management of the gun. Trial was therefore made on board the
_Plymouth_, where the gun was on a covered deck, of hooks attached to the
beams above, near each piece, in which the Sponges and Rammers were placed
after having been used. The only objection was, that too much time might
be lost in so doing; but after continued trials this was found not to be
the case, when the men had been properly trained.

[22] Stopping the Vent is omitted by many practised artillerists, as
unnecessary in extinguishing fragments of the cartridges. But as so much
importance has been and still is attached to its performance, and it costs
so little trouble, it seems better to continue the practice, particularly
when so many accidents occur from premature explosion, not only to
untaught and careless people, in saluting on holidays, but also on
shipboard, where they ought not to happen.

[23] Sometimes the box has been fitted too tightly to the Shell, or has
contracted on it, and delay is caused in loading. This should be attended
to in season.

[24] Otherwise the stout stuff and seams found necessary with heavy
charges might resist the primer, and cause a failure to explode the
powder.

[25] It was the habit at the Experimental Battery, and in the experimental
cruise of the _Plymouth_, to mark the handle of the Rammer, so that there
should be no doubt as to the charge being home. This is always useful, but
particularly so in case of the gun bursting, as it makes sure of an
important fact.

[26] It is a common practice in loading, to expend much zeal in striking
the cartridge one or two blows to insure its being home, which is quite
unnecessary when the mark on the handle affords so much better evidence
thereof.

[27] The XI-in. Shell weighs, when loaded, 135 lbs.