a discretionary execution
of this order is necessarily implied.

The assumed elevation having been given by the elevator, a slight
motion of the helm is made to sweep the piece laterally, so as to
cross the object.

The Captain of the gun closely watches this movement, with his eye
down on the sights, and holding the lock-lanyard firmly, draws it as
soon as the sights coincide with the object.

Immediately after firing he coils up the lanyard and pulls from the
vent any pieces of the quill that may remain, and also enters the bit
to clear it entirely through, (_i_)

NOTES TO THE FORM OF BOAT EXERCISE.

27. (a) The necessity for closing the vent is a mooted question; but
as the operation itself is a slight one, having no appreciable effect
in complicating or delaying the manoeuvre of the gun, it is not deemed
advisable to omit it in this "Form." An equally sure method, is merely
to lay a piece of untwilled woollen cloth over the vent, and press it
down with the hand; or else turn the lock on it, and hold that down.

(b) Too much care cannot be used in sponging, as a premature explosion
endangers life and limb. A moist sponge is to be preferred, for
contact with it must surely extinguish every trace of fire in the
bore.

It may be considered as a safeguard against accident, for during many
years' practice, in proving pieces and exercising the men to fire
rapidly--ordinarily, seven or eight times in a minute--not a single
instance of premature explosion has occurred.

(c) The head of the fuze-composition must be guarded against moisture
from the fingers, rain, or spray of the sea; otherwise, there will be
a failure to ignite.

(d) The ammunition is never to be struck with the rammer-head, but
pushed home, and with very moderate force; particularly omitting a
very common practice of forcing the charge after it reaches the bottom
of the bore. In pushing home the charge, No. 2 should always keep his
body at the side of the chase, and not before the muzzle.

(e) It is not necessary to pierce the cartridge when
percussion-primers are used; their fire being always sufficient to
pass through it.

(f) It is only necessary to give the compressors a turn, or a part of
a turn; this will relieve the nip completely, and time is saved
subsequently in compressing.

(g) Some will take hold of the standard of the carriage-bed that
receives the loop of the piece, others of the breech or bed, as may be
convenient, to run