e the proper elevation with the
screw, and causes No. 7 to train the gun with the trail-handspike to
the desired direction. He then withdraws as far as the lock-lanyard
permits, standing on the quarter of the breech, and outside of the
wheel.

No. 2 stands outside of the left wheel. Nos. 3 and 4 fall back, and
the remainder of the gun's crew take the stations first assigned them.

IV. "FIRE!"

42. The Captain of the howitzer instantly draws the lanyard at the
word.

No. 2 closes the vent.

Nos. 4, 6, and 8 go to the left wheel; 5, 7, and 9 to the right wheel,
taking hold of the spokes, ready to wheel the carriage forward, as may
be directed by the Officer in command.

(Concluding Order)--"SECURE THE HOWITZER!"

43. The Quarter Gunner secures the transporting-boxes, and gets ready
the lashing.

The Captain of the howitzer coils the lanyard around the lock.

No. 7 bolts the trail-wheel.

No. 3 may carry the sponge in his hand if the fire is merely
suspended.

No. 7 may also carry the trail-handspike.

Nos. 8 and 9 hook on the drag-rope, and lead its parts fair for taking
hold.

Wheel the piece to the ammunition-boxes, and place them on the axle.

The piece is now ready for any change of position.

REMARKS ON THE USE OF NAVAL LIGHT ARTILLERY.

44. The facility with which the Naval Howitzers are handled is apt to
cause a misconception of the purposes for which Naval Light Artillery
should ordinarily be used on shore; which are, to be landed from boats
in such numbers as may be required, or admitted by circumstances,
supported by the seamen and marines of a squadron, and not to be
assembled as a battery, to replace, or be substituted for, regular
field-artillery.

45. The force landed should be handled as light infantry, for which
the individuality of sailor-life so well fits the men; while the
character of the gun, and the usually broken nature of the shore-line
renders this formation necessary.

46. Open order in approach, in landing, in motion, and in action, is
therefore advisable; because a compact formation requires too much
attention to position, distances, and alignments in any of them, with
more perfect drill than can well be obtained; and which, under fire,
exposes too much of a mark to every shot fired.

47. The evolutions in the field should constitute but a small part of
the general system of drill, either with a single howitzer or a
battery, and should be assimilated to those of