nse, and must disable some of the
apparatus, perhaps the Gun-Carriage itself. On such an occasion the
preventer breeching is invaluable, and will be the best safeguard, if
fitted so that when well stretched it will not permit the fore trucks to
ascend on the curve of the Fore-hurter, for it is this which strains the
strap of the Compressor.

Permitting the gun to go out with much force also displaces the shell,
whether a grommet-wad be used or not.

[32] To windward, with a steady inclination, the precautions used to
leeward are unnecessary. On the contrary, the difficulty is to move so
great a weight up the inclined plane. Therefore, the carriage is released
from all restraint, and all the available force put at the Out-Tackles,
taking advantage also of whatever roll there may be to windward.

[33] This must, of course, be regulated by circumstances, as already
mentioned in Note 10; as to windward, set the compressors moderately; to
leeward, not at all; off the wind, according to the roll. Let the
compression be so adjusted as to allow the muzzle just to come in.

[34] It is an old custom for the Gun Captain to keep the Priming-Wire in
the vent while the loading is going on, feeling from time to time if the
charge is home. It is a bad practice, because there is a liability of
being caught by the charge as it comes along the Bore, and having the wire
bent, thus spiking the vent, for a while at least. The mark on the Rammer
handle is the best evidence that the charge is in place. The object now is
only to clear the vent of pieces of cartridge stuff, which not
unfrequently get into the vent, and choke it so as to prevent the primer
from exploding the powder.

[35] Though the primers seldom fail to penetrate the flannel stuff of the
cartridge, it is well to pierce the latter with the wire, so as not to
omit any means that may insure the instant discharge of the gun.

[36] The Sight-Bar of the XI-in. Gun is graduated to its own charge only;
if reduced charges are ever used, it will only be at short distances, when
the gun needs no elevation. The Bar will then be down entirely, its head
resting on the Box.

[37] One turn of which is equal to one degree of the quadrant, and may be
of service when the Sight-Bars are not.

The carriages of Gun Sloops and other vessels carrying XI-in. guns allow
of an elevation of 20 deg..

[38] When the vessels are moving, it is best to train the gun a little
ahead, watching when the