uired, to bring the height of
the top of the front sight and the bottom of the sight-notch parallel
to the axis of the bore in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

PRESERVATION OF GUNS.

41. Guns received at Navy Yards are to be carefully placed on the
ranges of masonry, capped with iron skids or bars. It is intended that
these shall be so high that the guns may be rolled upon them without
their trunnions touching the ground, and that the earth will not be
beaten up against their muzzles by heavy rains.

42. The surface over which guns are to be stowed should be kept firm
and clear of all vegetation, and for this purpose should be covered
with cinders from the smiths' forges, or other substance unfavorable
to or destructive of the growth of plants and grasses.

43. In stowing the guns they should be made to rest on one of the
skids or bars, a little forward of the base-ring, the muzzle
depressed, but not so much as to prevent the use of the sponge to
clean out the gun; the axis of the trunnion of each to be inclined the
same way, and just enough not to touch the adjoining gun; the vents to
be upwards.

44. Before the stowage is finally made they should be carefully and
thoroughly cleaned from rust and all improper coatings, and be
lacquered internally and externally with such composition as may be
directed by the Bureau. This should be applied, when practicable, when
the guns are well warmed by the rays of the sun. The vents and all
screw-holes are to be stopped with plugs made of soft wood or oakum
dipped in tallow, after they have been protected by an application of
beeswax dissolved in spirits of turpentine, or other composition that
may be directed by the Bureau.

45. No tompions are to be put into the guns when they are stowed
unless expressly directed by the Bureau; if so ordered, a score must
be cut out from them on the lower side, half an inch wide and equally
deep.

46. In lacquering guns care is to be taken to leave the distinguishing
marks and numbers distinctly visible.

47. Shell-guns are always to be denominated by the diameter of the
bore; shot-guns by the weight of their shot.

48. Guns of the same calibre and class, when it can be conveniently
done, are to be stowed in the same tier or range, and those of each
class belonging to or selected for any particular vessel kept
together. Each tier or range of guns of a particular calibre or class
is to be marked accordingly with paint on a s