e tompion.
|
Tube-pouch. | Containing the priming-wire, friction-tubes, and
| lanyard, attached to the tompion, and lying on the
| mortar.
|
Gunner's Pouch. | Containing gunner's level, gimlet, vent-punch and
| chalk, attached to tompion.
|
Quadrant. |}
Plummet. |}
Scraper. |} In a basket between the cheeks of the mortar-bed.
Wiper. |}
Shell-hooks. |}
|
Tompion. | In the muzzle.
|
Quoin. | Under the mortar upon the bolster, with handle to
| the left.
|
Maul. |}
Wrench. |} With the basket.
Pincers. |}
Broom. |}
-----------------+-------------------------------------------------------

Directly over each mortar must be rigged a gun-tackle purchase-whip,
with seven-inch block, to whip up and lower the bomb into the mortar.

One empty bomb and one empty cartridge-bag must be ready for drill.

[Illustration: SILENCE [Diagram 1.] D. Van Nostrand Publisher. Julius
Bien, pr.]

MANUAL EXERCISE.

XIII-IN. MORTAR.

446. WORDS OF COMMAND.

I. "SILENCE!"
II. "CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"
III. "TRAIN!" (RIGHT OR LEFT).
IV. "SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
V. "LOAD!"
VI. "ELEVATE!"
VII. "PRIME!"
VIII. "READY--FIRE!"
IX. "MORTAR FRONT!"
X. "SECURE!"

The exercise commences with the supposition that the Mortar is secured
fore and aft, but not loaded.

I. "SILENCE!"

(Diagram 1.)

447. At this preparatory order the strictest silence is to be
observed.

The Captain faces the breech, the men on the right and left stand
facing the mortar; all fix their eyes on the Captain, and attentively
wait for orders.

II. "CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"

(Diagram 2.)

448. 1st Captain commands; sees his mortar cleared and cast loose;
canvas covers taken off; Eccentric Bars in their place; Train-Tackles
overhauled and placed fore and aft on deck; Shell-whip hooked into
mast-head span; small shell-hooks moused on lower block of shell-whip;
Shell-tongs ready for use; Grommet for resting shell on deck at hand;
basket of implements on deck to the rear of mortar; Tompion taken out
and placed to the rear; sees that there is a Gunner's Quadrant and
plumb-line in the basket; a boring-bit between beckets; a breeching
and t