abelled, for every five
hundred pounds landed, selected so as to show fair average samples of
the whole, in order that its strength may be ascertained by the
pendulum.

153. In case of necessity, powder for saluting may be purchased abroad
in order to preserve a supply of our own proof powder for battle.

154. When a vessel is about to leave a foreign station and return
directly to the United States, and other vessels belonging to the Navy
are left on the station without a full supply of powder, the vessel
which is about to leave may be directed to transfer to those remaining
on the station any excess of powder that may be on board beyond fifty
rounds.

155. Should it become necessary to use powder for service charges
which has not been regularly inspected and proved in the manner
required by regulations, such tests of it must be made as
circumstances will admit.

The ranges given by it may be compared with those of service powder of
known good quality under the same circumstances. If deficient in
strength, the quantity of the charges should be increased until the
ranges are equalized, in order that the sight-bars may still indicate
the proper elevations for each charge and distance.

156. It is directed that vessels of war shall always receive their
powder and loaded shells in the stream; unless, upon some great
emergency, the nature of which shall be reported to the Bureau, it is
deemed essential to put them on board at the Navy Yard.

157. When receiving or landing powder, the red flag is to be always
hoisted at the fore, and all proper precautions taken to guard against
accidents from fires and lights. The tanks should be passed through
the ports most convenient to the magazines, and landed on mats, to
prevent injury.

The red flag is always to be hoisted at the powder-houses when they
are opened, and kept flying until they are closed.

158. When avoidable, gunpowder is not to be sent from vessels to
powder-houses, nor from powder-houses to vessels, in wet weather, nor
when there is a probability of wetting the barrels or cases; and the
packages must be conveyed in covered boats or wagons showing a red
flag.

159. The wharf or landing-place must be spread with old canvas, so
that the barrels or cases may not come in contact with and convey sand
or gravel to the powder-house. The barrels must not be rolled, but
carried in slings to the trucks running on tramways of either wood or
bronze, into the magazin