e 1,200 pounds
each; the 24-pounders about 2,000 pounds, and will probably be more
conveniently managed, especially if the boat has motion, by placing
rollers 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 inches in diameter on the tracks laid for the
field-carriage. On these the boat-carriage can be shifted from one end
of the boat to the other, using light falls to keep it under command.

DISEMBARKATION OF THE HOWITZER.

I. "PREPARE TO LAND!"

31. The Quarter Gunner fills the pouches with one round each, and
passes them to the men, each of whom, except Nos. 1 and 3, slings a
pouch over the right shoulder, and buckles the strap as short as
possible, so as to keep the ammunition clear of the water when leaving
the boat.

The Captain of the gun also shortens the strap of his haversack.

"TRAIL BOW AND STROKE OARS!"

32. Nos. 1 and 2 adjust the bed of the boat-carriage to its proper
place on the slide for shifting; place the muzzle-block, and make the
muzzle bear on it by means of the elevator; pass the strap around the
neck of the cascabel and put the shifting-spar through the strap; the
Quarter Gunner, assisted by the men from the after oars, raises the
field-carriage up on the tracks.

II. "TRAIL!"

33. The boat being beached in season, the men trail oars and jump to
their stations.

Nos. 3 and 4 over the bow to adjust the skids, which are launched by
Nos. 5 and 6.

No. 2 attends the elevator.

No. 3 attends the muzzle.

Nos. 8, 10, 11, and 13, the shifting-spar, assisted by as many of the
crew as can take hold.

No. 7 draws the loop-bolt.

The Stroke Oarsmen run the field-carriage forward, the Quarter Gunner
guiding it on the track by the trail.

III. "SHIFT THE HOWITZER!"

34. Nos. 1 and 2 clear the elevator; heave up the breech of the gun by
the spar; Nos. 5 and 6 back the bed on the slide; run the
field-carriage a little forward, so that its lugs come under the loop
of the howitzer; lower the piece; put in the loop-bolt and elevator;
hook on the drag-rope and ship the trail-handspike in its socket.

IV. "LAND!"

35. Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8 now jump out of the boat, and, with Nos. 3 and
4, divide to each skid; not standing between them, but keeping outside
of them. The Stroke Oarsmen wheel the piece up to the gunwale by the
spokes, the Quarter Gunner guiding the trail by the trail-handspike,
and the rest of the crew take hold of the drag-rope to ease the gun
down from the bow, the Quarter Gunner still guiding it dow