bags are to be inspected, and those
which are sewed with too long stitches, or in any other than the
prescribed manner, must be rejected. The dimensions of each bag are to
be verified, first by laying it flattened out, between two marks on a
table showing the width of a pattern bag. A variation of 0.1 inch
greater or less is allowed. The bags are also to be tried on mandrels,
or formers, made according to the dimensions given on the preceding
page.

187. PRESERVATION FROM MOTHS.--Serge or any other woollen material
employed for making cartridge-bags is never to be exposed on the
shelves in store, either in the piece or when made up. It is to be
protected by packing with the hydraulic press, by sewing it up in
linen cloth, or by enveloping it in water-proof paper, hermetically
sealed.

An infusion of coloquintida, in the proportion of 15-1/2 grains Troy
to a quart of water, is said to be a good preservative against moths.
In case of using this preparation, the cartridge-bags should be
steeped in the infusion, and, after being thoroughly dried, may be
packed by the hydraulic press, and headed up in old whiskey barrels,
if stored on shore, or packed in empty tanks, if on board ship.

Cartridge-bags, as well as the material for making them, must be
frequently examined, to prevent their being damaged by moisture, as
well as to guard against moths.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Primers and percussion-caps should be divided into two or three lots,
and stowed in different parts of the ship, so that an accidental explosion
would not deprive the ship of the means of firing cannon and small arms.

[2] The dimensions of those for the XV, IX, X, and XI inch guns, which
have Corner chambers, and cannot be conveniently tabulated, will be
furnished to all vessels mounting such guns. The formers for inspection of
bags will have the forms and dimensions of the Gomer chambers less 0.87
inch for the IX-inch, 1.0 inch for the X-inch, 1.15 inch for the XI-inch,
and 1.50 inch for XV-inch guns, for windage at the large end, in
accordance with the flat patterns furnished for cutting.

CHAPTER II.

MAGAZINES AND SHELL-ROOMS.

CONSTRUCTION, LIGHTING, STOWING, AND FLOODING.

188. No details of internal arrangement should be more carefully
considered and executed than those relating to the stowage and
delivery of powder, since a defect in these particulars, apparently
insignificant, may lead to the instantaneous destruction of the ship;